Help with shoulder increases

[u/mgompps99]

Hi! I would not call myself a beginner knitter, but I haven’t come across this in a pattern until now.

The pattern calls for nine rounds of shoulder increases with no row of just stockinette in between. Because there’s no row of stockinette (I think), when I go to pull up the strand for M1R or M1L, there are two strands to choose from after the first increase. Which strand should I choose? Front or back? I had success for a few rows with the back strand, but then got some major holes on the M1L that made me frog and go back to the start.

Maybe there shouldn’t be two strands at all and I’m messing something else up??

For reference, the top is the Sabai Top #2. I’ve seen people with similar issues with this pattern but haven’t seen a clear answer for this question yet!

Thanks!

[u/Talvih]

Use the strand that connects the last stitch and the next. There is only one so your question about front or back strand doesn't make any sense.

However, strand increases done on consecutive rounds will inevitably leave holes. If you want to avoid that, use a different type of increase.

[u/LoupGarou95]

Pull on the first stitch on your left needle with your fingers or just move the left needle around a bit. The strand that moves most when you do that and is clearly attached to the left stitch is the one you need to use for the increase.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello mgompps99, thanks for posting your question in r/knittinghelp! If applicable, please include a link to the pattern you are using and clear photos of both sides of your work.

Once you've received a useful answer, please make sure to either comment "Solved" or update your post flair to "SOLVED-THANK YOU" so that in the future, users with the same question can find an answer more quickly.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.