Moderne Jacket Crochet-Along: Tackling the Back

Jillian

Hi everyone! I’ve just finished my back panel with no problems (amazing since this is the first piece of clothing that I’ve ever done), but I have run into a problem on the left front. I’m making a medium size jacket, and all my rows and stitches are correct through the first decrease. After the decrease I have 28 stitches and I am supposed to work even in the pattern for 7 more rows. However, when I work even in the pattern stitch I don’t have a space for my single crochet at the end of the row. I’ve pulled it out twice, but I can not figure out what I am doing wrong. Any suggestions would be much appreciated I am itching to continue on!

Nana

Jillian – I ran into that a few days ago – what I realized was that the pattern stitch contains an odd number of stitches and after the decrease you’ve got an even number to work with. I just played around with it and left out the ch-space prior to the last sc – seems to be looking ok…I will say, though that I’m not sure I’ll be able to figure out how to reverse it all for the right front.

Regarding the back – I am using a light yarn (see my blog for pics) and went with the directions – you can see the shift in the pattern Heather talks about – I decided to finish it as is and then I’ll tackle the pattern again adjusting as described…it’s my first piece of clothing and I’m really pleased so far!

Nana

Here’s my blog – I need to post again about my progress on the front-left…www.notionsandnonsense.blogspot.com

Ilehlia

Hi Heather,
When you line up the pattern by starting with a sc at the beginning of the row, instead of sc2tog, I get that part, but if you also add an extra sc on the end of the row, won’t that undo your decrease? As in, add an extra stitch? I thought all you were doing was reversing the pattern row, putting the end at the beginning and vice versa. Will it not work just to end with ch-1, sc2tog?

I think the problem that Jillian (#1) is facing is that she has an even number of stitches on her row now, when the pattern works over an odd number of stitches. How do we deal with this?

Thanks, and thanks for the photos. They help. I like the colours you chose.

Heather says: “Hi, Ilehlia: The way I added the extra sc at the end, was not to work a ch1 after the last sc that is in the pattern. You could ch1, then sc2tog – that would keep the dec in check as well. I really don’t want to confuse anyone about shaping while “lining up” those stitches so here’s my best advice today: Count your stitches after every row and make sure you are where you need to be with your stitch count. Then if you need to change that number, you can do it at the armhole edge. This is especially important on the fronts as you dont want to do any increases or decreases on the front edges so that the front edge will stay straight. Ok – so keep counting those stitches and I hope this helps!”

Ilehlia

Nana, it looks like you got to Jillian “nanaseconds” before my response got posted! 🙂 🙂

ali

Heather, I have a problem that I really need help with.

I posted my problem in the other thread, but … maybe I was too long winded?

Here’s a partial re-post:

The length of my piece measures fine, but the width does not.

My swatch measured perfectly. I’m using an N hook and two strands of worsted medium.

Consistently. I’m short at the bottom of the back and at the top by the same margin.

The stitch count is correct. I’ve checked it after each row and it’s always worked out just as described in the directions, always ending with a sc2tg followed by a ch1 and sc. And I’ve double checked the stitch count regularly.

What do you think? What could be my problem? Can you please help me?

Also, your sample you posted is lovely. I am doing a two-tone jacket, but I can’t see the squares that are visible in yours (from the stitches). Is that normal? Or does that mean that I’m doing something wrong.

Thank you so much for any help you can offer.

Heather says: “Hi, Ali: I would check your stitch gauge on the jacket itself to see if maybe your gauge might have changed since you did the swatch. I don’t know how much different your back is from the schematic, so you may want to check that. If your back is only a little narrower than it should be, you may be able to add a couple of stitches to each of the fronts to compensate. It doesn’t sound like you are doing anything wrong and don’t worry if your stitch looks different – you are doing it in a two tone and it will look different that the solid color I’m doing. I hope this will help you and good luck with your jacket!.”

Janet

My yarn came the day I took off to visit my girls in Seattle. I was so glad to have this project to work on while I am away. The swatch for my gauge worked out well and I am now working on the back which I hope to finish before I return to Michigan. I am using a light and dark heather rose and it is looking really good. I am so excited to finish this project.

Rhonda

Hi Heather,

I am working the size medium. I appreciated your explanation on the gauge posting, on how to keep the pattern from shifting. I have implemented that and it is working great.
I successfully got to the part measuring 10.5 inches from the bottom and worked a wrong side row which put it just a smidge over 10.5. I would rather have my jacket a little long, then too short.

I started working the raglan shaping which should measure 8.75 inches on top of the 10.5 inches. I dec every other row until I had 33 stitches remaining. Then I read the pattern to start immediately with another dec row, (to skip the even pattern stitch row) and continue dec every row. So, for stitches in rows I had …39, 39, 37, 37, 35, 35, 33, 31, 29, 27, 25 etc to 19.

When I finished my total length was 18.75 instead of 19.5. The width at top (7.5) and bottom (21) were right on.

I looked at your picture and you seemed to end on a RS row. I however ended up on a WS row, so that my ends are on a diagonal instead of on the same side of the back.

My proposed solution is to add another even pattern stitch row after dec to 33. This would give me extra length and put my ends on the same side as your picture.

What I don’t know is if this will foul anything up downstream when stitching the jacket together.

Suggestions?

Diane

I am so excited to hear how everyone is doing. I took my work with me to a volunteer job today and had so many comments and everyone thought this was so neat. I am done with the back and one front side, so far so good. I also had to compensate for the “shift” but it worked well. I am doing a 1X and so far the stitch count has stayed spot on. I am also making mine a little longer than orginal directions. I really like the Vanna’s Choise. I am using suggested charcoal and chocolate.

Rhelly

Hi all, I am finding a part on the back that is a bit confusing. It’s the first part of the raglan shaping, where it says, “sl st across first 2 sts, ch1, work in pattern to last 2 sts, leave unworked.”

What I don’t get is that I’m a little confused as to where to begin with the sl st…do I ch 1, then turn? just turn and start the sl st in the first st? when I do that i end up with 3 sts at the end, not 2, and if i do something else, i came up with 43 sts, not 45 (doing the medium size). HELP!!!!

Kathie

Jillian (#1) and Nana (#2),

I ran into that problem with the even amount of stiches on the left front. I compared the instructions for the back Dec Row with the instructions for the left front Dec Row. They seem to be the same. Then noticed that there is a Note: (which I forgot about) after the instructions for the back Dec Row. How I read it, is that there will be 2 remaining sts at the end of some rows. So, I used 2 sc’s at the end of those rows. The shaping seems to be okay.

I have a problem with the right front. How do you reverse all shaping? I am not good at going backwards. Any suggestions?

This is my first time doing a CAL, I think it is one of the best things I have ever done. Thanks to Heather and to all of you who are participating, you really make it a lot of fun.

Leila

I finished buying my yarn, I have Wool Ease Denim & Baby Soft Cream for colours. If this turns out ‘well enough” then I will do one in Wool Ease Black & Red to wear to NJ Devils games by NEXT season. This is my first piece of clothing too like someone said before on this blog. I always do scarfs & blankets only, but now I’m making something for ME.
I gotta go to sleep now, gotta work tonight, & i don’t think my patients want their nurse falling asleep on them. Bye.

Leila Marcial
“Marty’s Better – 552 wins!!!!!!!)
go NJ Devils!!!!!!!!

Donna

The instructions about having an extra sc at each end helped with the decrease row. Then I was able to fudge it so that after the second decrease row everything lined up fine. I am a bit nervous as I approach the raglan shaping though.

Donna

Rhelly (#10): I turned without a chain, sl 2, then ch (like it is the beginning of the row there) and started – my stitch count worked (I am making the small).

Rhelly

Donna,
Thanks, I figured it out that i was right on the first 15 times i did it! i was right to have 3 stitches at the end, i was forgetting to just do that last sc! I was just laughing at the amount of time i spent ripping out that 1 particular row!
Rhonda,
I too found that i ended with a WS row, but I’m thinking that is what we should be… as if we were “finishing off” or going onto another segment we would start that on the RS…right? my measurements are fine, and i don’t know if i will add that last row you were talking about. what did you end up doing?

Rhelly

Rhonda,
Actually, if i’m reading this wrong… the base of the back is listed as 10.5 in, and the size Med raglan shaping is listed as 8.75 inches, which adds up to 19.25, not 19.5 inches…?!?!?

Rhonda

Hi Rhelly,

Thanks for your reply. I kept going over the instructions labeling each row RS and WS and kept coming up the same. It was good to hear someone else ended up on a WS row. I was troubled by Heather’s picture, as though I must have misunderstood something.

I have been in a holding pattern, waiting for a post from Heather, who would hopefully have some wisdom to share. I would kick myself in the end if I could have easily fixed something now, but instead rushed through it and then needed to rework the back and the fronts.

Rhonda

Hi Rhelly,

Yes, I did that math also and noticed the inconsistency. I was shooting for 19.5, a little longer might be better. Maybe I just shouldn’t sweat it. Let gravity work in my favor?

Rhonda

Thank You Rhelly,

You gave me the confidence to forage ahead. I decided to do a reality check and hold it up to my back. Eventhough it measured a bit short, it seemed to cover enough. No guts, No glory. I have started the front.

Donna

Rhonda and Rhelly – I finished my back yesterday and it is about an inch short (it is also about an inch narrower than the schematic – I guess no matter how much the swatch matches, my finished piece won’t (I even moved up a size hook after my first swatch!). I decided to plow ahead and start the left front – I guess I will just have to find someone petite to give this to if it really does turn out too small. Then maybe I will have the confidence to start over and follow a bigger size’s instructions.

Nana

Still not sure I’m cut out for actual clothing! LOL – I finished the left front (after several turns of ripping and stitching and ripping again), but it finally came out to measurements.

Not brave enough to reverse the left directions yet so I jumped in and finished 1 arm – not too bad. I’m going to finish the other arm today and take a stab at writing out the right directions – I’ll post them on my blog if I can get them figured out!

Donna – my back was a bit short as well (maybe .5 in), but I’m thinking when I block it, it will relax a bit and legnthen…as long as the pieces all line up so they aren’t all ‘wonky’ when I attach the pieces! Gotta hate a wonky jacket!

Donna

Nana – thanks for the encouragement. My left front lined up great with my back which amazed me. I also had to rip and restitch a bunch – I don’t know how I can count and count and still end up wrong… I am trying to decide between the arms and diving in to the do the right front while the left front is still fresh on my mind.

Donna

I went ahead and did the right front – it wasn’t as hard as I feared. It just involves keeping track of which end you are decreasing from. That, and remembering to leave stitches undone at the end of the row when you slipped at the start before, and to slip at the start when you left them undone at the end before. On to the arms!

Rhelly

wow you guys are trekkers… i have become addicted to this jacket! in fact, i’m glad it’s a little cold where i am as i would have a hard time trying to figure out if i should crochet or enjoy the outdoors!

i’m finding that the “shifting” that occurs tends to make the stitches a tad tighter and i had to keep a conscience effort to crochet a littlte looser. this may be a reason why some of you may be coming up a little short i wonder? anyway, i just dealt with the shift (my colors are navy and marina so you cannot really tell) and i added 2 scs at the end of the any row that had an even # of sts. it looks okay. my advise is just to make sure you measure the widths and lengths consistently when you go. i also have been measuring it as i go to back to make it align.

Rhelly

uh oh…
i’m finding another inconsistancy however, and was wondring peoples advice… on the left front, at the end of the raglan shaping, it says “rep last 2 rows until 21 sts rem” (i’m doing the medium). now those last 2 rows technically end on a RS row, then it says to immediately go into the neck shaping, which starts on a RS row. I’m assuming it should say something like “work 1 more row in pattern” prior to the neck shaping, but did anyone else come across this? have i done something wrong?

Donna

I had to do an adjustment on the arms to line up the pattern – I think this is similar to what Heather did for the back. This might help others (or not in which case, ignore it please) – after the first increase, I had two sc on each end. I kept these there so I had an extra sc before the regular pattern and after it for the next three rows. Then, when it came time to do the next increase, I wanted to get the pattern back, so I made up my own different increase rule – at the start of the row, I did sc, ch, and then started the pattern (the ch added the stitch), and at the end, I also inserted a ch in between the two sc (sc ch sc) to add a stitch there. Now I am ready to continue even in pattern and I should have the right foundation to do so.

Rhonda

Hi Rhelly,
Since I was brave enough to start the left front, I can confirm what you have found. I agree, there is something wrong here.

Since both the front and back measure the same length, I would like to think they should have the same number of rows. Since the raglan shaping begins after the 10.5 inch mark, I started counting rows after that. The back had 20 rows for my medium size. If the front is worked per pattern, and not paying attention to RS vs WS at the neck, it turns out to be 20 rows which should be the right length. Adding a WS row between the raglan shaping and the neck shaping would (probably) make the front too long? This makes me reconsider adding that extra row in the back after DEC to 33. I guess the other thought would be to just ignore the RS vs WS and run with it to get the right number of rows. Of course, I still have no idea if this would look funny upon assembly. I think I will go back to my sit tight plan and hope Heather can address all this soon. If you figure it out before then, let us all know.

Sorry to not have any good solutions.

Hi, Rhonda (and all): As I was away from my computer this weekend – I missed some of your questions! I know you are concerned with exact stitch count and rows, but the most important factor is ending up with measurements close to the schematic. If you are off a row on each side of the front (which happens many times in knitting and crocheting) that is OK. This is also a reversible fabric (each row of the pattern is the same) so don’t worry about ending on a WS or RS, just try to get to the right length and the right number of stitches the best you can. Gauges sometimes are not perfect and we knitters and crocheters sometimes have to “fudge” a row or two to make the measurements called for. As long as your measurements are correct, your garment will fit together fine when you sew it up. On Thursday, I will give some tips on making sure your pieces fit and shape correctly! Enjoy working on your jacket and I hope this helps you.”

Rhelly

hi rhonda,
yes, i too think i will sit back until someone has some ideas! i do know that there are a lot of people out there that have completed the front, so for all you out there, ideas?
i will start on an Easter vest for my 2 year old while i wait to hear back. i am sad to leave this project if only for a little bit, as it’s been crocheting up very nicely and quickly!

here is a question for all you in the CAL NOT related to this project..are you knitters or crocheters, or both? what is your all time favourite pattern?

Donna

Rhelly and Rhonda: I did the extra pattern row where you mention it. I haven’t counted rows, but the fronts and back line up perfectly when I hold them up to each other so I think it will be fine. I figure if the RS/WS is off by one then it will be for both front halves (since I followed the same rule for both) and so in that case, I can just make the left into the right and vice versa if necessary (turning them over to swap the RS and the WS).

Note that when I have had to make a bunch of adjustments for the arms – I mentioned one above, well, I have had to continue to “fudge” what I am doing at the ends with the decreases. Really, I did the same thing for the back and front pieces to make the pattern line up so I am pretty comfortable making those adjustments by now. If anyone wants to know exactly what I have done, ask away – otherwise I figure you all have figured this out too or maybe you have figured out a better way to do this.

Rhelly – I am more a knitter these days, but I am really enjoying this foray into crocheting!

Rhelly

i think i will add the WS row. i guess it never hurts, this crochets up so fast that even if i have to rip out, it won’t take long…
btw, this is my blog where i’m chronicaling all of this…

http://photogcomposition.blogspot.com/

i mainly knit, and have one 1 dishcloth project in crochet but i’m liking crocheting more and more…

Donna

Rhelly: Your photos are awesome! I started as a crocheter a LONG time ago and made a few sweaters back then. But, then I switched to knitting and only knit for a long time. I am really enjoying this crochet project though – I am finding it less stressful than knitting…no dropped stitches, easy to see where you are if you need to rip (as I do often), and only one “needle” to keep track of. I might end up a convert for a while.

Rhelly

thanks heather. what i did was add a “work even in pattern st” prior to the neck shaping, and omitted the “work even in pattern st” after the 1st row of neck shaping (on size M instruction). i don’t know if it was proper thing to do but it came out measuring correctly and aligned perfectly with my back piece. hope this is helpful to others who might be running into the problem!

Heather says: “Hi, Rhelly: Good job – if it measures right and looks right, then you are doing fine! One more thing about the fronts – since this is a reversible stitch pattern, with the exception of the bottom edge maybe looking different on the front and back of the fabric – the fronts are identical. If you don’t see a difference with the front and back of your bottom edge (as might be with using two tones) then here’s the great news….you can work the right front the same as the left front. Love those reversible stitch patterns!

Rhonda

Thanks Heather and Rhelly,

I took Rhelly’s modification and I ended up matching up also.

Now, to reverse shape the right side….I plan on trying to read the pattern so that if I decreased at the beginning of a row for the left side, I would decrease on the same row, but at the end instead of the beginning on the right side? Am I thinking about this correctly?

Rhelly

hi ronda, i think you are correct. i am taking heather’s advice and crocheting another “left front” side as i noticed the bottom was no difference as i am using darker colors.
one thing though, as new to crocheting, i noticed that i did not decrease correctly, and just left one stitch un crocheted when i was doing the neck shaping which left it looking like steps. i am leaving it as i am figuring this will be covered up by the collar, but will be doing the other side by leaving out a ch near the end… frustrating to realize this afterwards!!!

Tobi

I finished my back piece early this morning (cat got me up at 4:30am). I had to “fudge” the raglan decreasing a bit. I had the same problem as someone else: it wasn’t long enough! Instead of decreasing every row near the end, I decided to continue with the dec row/non-dec row until I got to 19 stiches, not knowing if that was a good way to handle the problem. My guess is that if I decrease the fronts the same way, they will line up properly with the back! I was telling a friend yesterday, as we knitted/crocheted together, that I have never before ripped as much as I have done with this project! Wish me luck on the fronts!!

Khakki

Why is the pattern not available any longer? I thought it would be available till today.

Zontee says: Hi Khakki, we’ve e-mailed you directly. Please check your e-mail.

Lori

I am unable to download the free pattern. I was really looking forward to this….please help!

Zontee says: Hi Lori, we’ve e-mailed you directly. Please check your e-mail.

Donna

I finished mine but it really does not fit well at all – I did it through the collar but I am not going to bother with the buttons since I can’t see wearing it. Oh well – it is cute on the hangar but not on me.

deanne

Finished mine. Like Donna, it looks great on the hanger, but I’m less than pleased with the way it looks on me. I also am not going to bother with the buttons. Maybe this is why I never do garments! 🙂

Shannon Wells

Hi. I started the raglan shaping on the back last night. I too started the sl st row by chaining first, but didn’t look right so had to take it out and begin without chaining. I’m doing the 2x size and have an even number of stitches instead of odd. Really threw me off, but I’m gonna plunge in and work until done. I’m getting ready to start the dec every row, and because I’ve never made a garment, is that part of the back supposed to be long and skinny? As for lining up the stitches, I crochet totally by touch, so after reading Heather’s post about adding scs I felt over the yarn and figured it out pretty quick. Really enjoying this cal. As for the question about being a crocheter and knitter, not me. I’m crochet only. Can do a simple knit stitch, but for some crazy reason, I can’t tell how to fix drop stitches. Also forget every time how to cast off properly. Made a couple of dish cloths, but prefer crochet, any time! As an interesting tidbit, my mom tried to teach me to crochet, but had trouble seeing her work for my fingers being in her way. So, she showed my husband, who in turn showed me. Well, got a sleeping baby on my shoulder while typing and a hungry 3-year-old, so guess I should hop off the internet. 🙂

Shannon Wells

Well, with everyone content I have finished the back. Remember I said I had an even amount of sts? What happened was I forgot at the beggining of the raglan shaping after the 2 sl sts, I needed to chain one. Really made for interesting times, trying to get it worked out. Finally, though, got to the end of the back. Need to tie a knot and measure. Praying it measures out right. On to the front!

Sue from CT

Oh no, I’m seeing that Donna and Deanne who finished the jacket are unhappy with it. I’m wondering why? Thanks.

Beth

I finished my back finally, after taking it apart 3 times. I am now on my left front. I am at the part where it says AT THE SAME TIME. (it is the all sizes part) What does AT THE SAME TIME mean??

Beth

Never mind previous post I was missing a page of the directions. I understand what it was saying.

Teresa

Thanks to all of you who post. Although I don’t post much, I do read them all and they are very helpful. I wouldn’t have attempted this at all if I weren’t doing it with of of you. I have a quick question: When you finish one skein and go to the next, do you knot the yard together or crochet them together? When making blankets, I usually knot my yarn just because I’m afraid it will come apart later on down the road, but I don’t want knots in the jacket. Which is the best way?

Heather says: “Hi, Teresa: I’ve found the best way to join a new ball of yarn for both my crochet and knitting projects is to leave an end (about 6-8″), then join with a new ball leaving the same length for an end. Some people work the ends in for a couple of inches while they continue the work – but I find weaving and hiding them in my work during the finishing with a tapestry needle as the best way to make your work look its best.”

Sheryl

I have been reading everyone’s comments and can’t help but notice that almost everyone is having some kind of trouble with the pattern. I didn’t have the time to start along with everyone else but thought I might try it sometime but now I’m having second thoughts. I like a challenge but can live without the frustration! Obviously the pattern worked for whoever made the first one (or did it?). Perhaps some corrections to the pattern are in order.

Heather says: “Hi, Sheryl: Our CAL is not only a way to work on the same project with others at the same time, but it is also a forum for anyone who needs some help or clarification of the pattern. The pattern is correct, but many times it is the way the instructions are interpreted by the person crocheting it. So, this CAL is a great time for those working on it to ask any questions they want to ask about the pattern. I hope you will join in on our CAL and work together with everyone who has joined in so far!”

Rhelly

Sheryl-
Definitely do the pattern and don’t be intimidated. This actually crochet up very quickly and if you make a mistake you can very easily rip out your stitches an start again. It’s actually taught me improvisation in crafting as I can hear what others are doing and I can adapt. It’s been great fin for me and cannot wait to be finished

Lion Brand Notebook

[…] Modern Jacket Crochet-Along: Tackling the Back […]

Shannon Wells

This left front is a challenge, I must say. I was movin’ right along, thinking all was right with my world, when oops…I’m off about oh say 4 or 5 sts. 😀 So I pull it out a few rows to start again. I’m still off, so decide to pull out again. I’m still off, so think, well, why not begin again. I pull out my yarn, start again from the beginning of the front, then my yarn is all tangled. I sigh, but start untangling. Then, the phone rings. I lay it down to answer, but when I pick up the strands again, it’s tangled some more. Urrrr! Then, I’m working on the untangling when my 3-year-old tries to help and ends up wrapping me up in it. Needless to say, 1 hour later and a few more gray hairs on the way, I lay it down and determine to tackle it in the morning. My mom came over started to ask if I’d got it fixed, when she sees it and gasps at the mess. LOL So, am thinking I’ll just take the scissors, cut off the bad and start the front, again. I can work on that mess later. Right? 🙂 As for a challenge, I do like challenges. One thing that helps me through is to not look ahead and worry about the stitches to come. I’ll cross that bridge, when and if I ever get there. Maybe it’ll be ok, cause after all, my back turned out fine!

Barb

I seem to be having some trouble with the raglan shaping on the back. When I do the decrease rows followed by the pattern rows I should go from 49 to 47 and then 45 stitches. (49,49,47,47,45,45, etc until 41). I have tried this several times and seem to go from 47 to 44 stitches every time. Also I have a definite difference on the edges. One edge seems very squared off and stepped and the other is more gradual. Why are my raglan edges so different? Ugh! Please help! Thank you!!

Sally

This is my first crochet project ever. I am working on the back size medium. It went fine for the first 10.5 inches, but I kept getting down to the final number of stitches in the raglan section in only 4-5 inches! I did that part over twice, (learned what frogging means :>)) and so this time I too it all out back to 3.5 inches and the first dec row thinking I must have decreased by mistake down in the bottom section which made me run out of stitches too quickly up in the raglan section. Maybe it was the tightening of the gauge that Rhelly mentioned – it did look tighter. Hope it comes out this time so I can move on. Love the project and can’t wait to wear it! Thank you all experienced crocheters for you input – it is really helping me understand what I’m doing!

Fay Baker

How do you make the jacket longer? I’m still on back but not sure if I can just increase the 10 1/2 length or do I need to adjust the other numbers as well (ie, 3 1/2, 7 rows, etc. Thanks.

Heather says: “Hi, Fay: I would increase the length before the underarm and after the shaping. Hope this will help you get the fit you would like!”

karen

I’ve finished the back, but I am about an inch too long across the top neck. Every other measurement is correct. I have already ripped it apart once and counted stiches in every row as I went along. Did a new swatch- that was fine. Thinking maybe I’ll just go back and replace some pattern stiches for sc in the last row, maybe that will decrease the width and still keep the number of stiches. Would really like to finish this project…been crocheting for a long time, but this is the first garment. I’ve always been afraid of the shaping.

Joanne

Hi,
I am using two tones and dark colors, and one of the lucky individuals who need to adjust for the pattern shift. I saw your tip about adding SC stitches to both ends of the row following the DEC row, but I am not clear on what to do for the row after that one. Do I add a sc at both ends of every row until I get to the second decrease row when the pattern shifts back? And when a row ends with 2 SC, do I ch 1 at the turn? Am I correct to presume that I should never end a row with a sc2tog stitch? After tearing out the back piece 3 times, I’m experimenting on my swatch and nothing seems to work very well.

Heather says: “Hi, Joanne: If you are lining up the stitches like I did, then you do that extra sc at the beg and end every row until the next dec row, where the pattern is correct again. Just make sure not to add a ch1 after or before those “extra” sc as that will add more stitches than you need. Make sure to count your stitches after every row and I have even been writing down what number I have to have at the end of rows in case I am called away. I hope this will help you with your jacket!”

This is why prefer knitting and only crochet afghans. Thank you for any suggestions you can provide.

Marsha Stril

I have torn my back piece out at least 3 times, trying to get the decreases to look even. Your comments help some, but it is still pretty frustrating.

Janice

I’m having a time getting into the top stitches with identifying the single crochet and the chain 1 space with using 2 yarns. It seems that I am struggling to get the big N hook into the stitch. What am I doing wrong? Janice

Heather says: “Hi, Janice: That second stitch was harder to go into than the ch1. You can either try to go into the space below that stitch, or just make sure that the stitch that results from the sc2tog is not too tight before you make the ch1. That will make that stitch a little easier to go into on the next row. Hope this helps you with that problem.

Misty

I started rather late and am going pretty slow as I keep on making mistakes on my back and having to pull stitches out and start over. I thought I had finished my back right now but my gauge went way off somewhere along the way, the top is 2 inches wider than it is supposed to be. So I guess I will start over again! Does anyone have any suggestions on gauge?

Heather says: “Hi, Misty: Check your stitch count for that part of your back. If your stitch count is correct, then it sounds like your gauge is too large, which would mean going to a smaller hook.”

Donna

In response to Sue – it is too short and doesn’t hang right on me – if it is at the neck then the back is way too short, if the back is down where it belongs, then the collar rides down my back too far. I think it just is too small – I need to find a petite kid to give it to I guess.

BA

Heather, I have tried to get the back decreases to work for the raglan shaping and something doesn’t seem to be working. Each side of the the raglan seems different. On one side it’s very obvious where the two slip stitches move in and create a sort of stepped in look (squared off). But on the other side the two slip stitches are creating a more gradual and smooth decrease. Am I doing something wrong?

Heather says: Hi, Barb – You might want to try the decrease on that side of your work by maybe skipping the first stitch on the next row, or not doing a ch1 at the end of the row. It’s hard for me to know which you might have done, but you may want to try that. Just make sure that your stitch count remains correct. Also, you may want to trying sewing a little of that side to see if those “steps” will become less noticeable with the finishing.”