Post: Submitted by - janey1  Date: 15-Feb-11 02:42

I have Sirdar pattern 1642 for a 4ply baby cardigan which states - Cast on 150 sts : 1st row: *K1, cast off 1 st, repeat from * to end which leaves 100 sts : 2nd row: *P2 tog, repeat to end which leaves 50 sts. This is for a fluted edge effect. The pattern is then continued in st st. However, I cannot get past the first row - When I k1 and cast off 1 along the row, all I have is a row of cast off!!!!!!

Anyone know what I am doing wrong and can help. Logically, however many sts you cast on, if you start with casting off the first st, all you have is a row of cast off. Helllllllllp please as I can't get if off the ground.

Post: Submitted by - le  Date: 15-Feb-11 04:20

Remember when you cast off a stitch you knit two stitches first and pass the first one over the second. So starting off with your 150sts, knit the first 3 stitches and pass the 2nd stitch you've just knitted over the third to leave 2 stitches on the right hand needle. Then knit the next 3 stitches, and pass the 2nd over the 3rd again. Repeating this all the way along the row means you decrease 1 stitch in every 3 so you should get down to 100sts at the end.

Post: Submitted by - janey1  Date: 15-Feb-11 04:55

I will give this a go but why does the pattern not say so. It just says knit 1, cast off one. That makes no sense at all and Sirdar (and not for the first time) have not made the pattern clear. Anyway thanks for your time and for replying so quickly. I may have a go after tea. Many thanks. Will let you know how I get on

Post: Submitted by - janey1  Date: 21-Feb-11 11:43

Hi li Just getting back to let you know it worked. However, I think I have knitted 3 sts and casted off over 2 which is not what you advised. Still, I have the right number of sts at the end of the row and have now knitted the back of the cardi and have started the front so I am going with what I've done, right or wrong. Thanks so much for your advice. Look out for more, I always take patterns far too literally. Thanks again.

Post: Submitted by - Maz  Date: 17-Jul-12 10:23

Bit late to respond but this is always the preferred method of casting off. However in certain patterns you can also K1 K2tog. This keeps a neater tension for a distinct pattern.