Stitches

Knitting question: casting on?

i'm making a scarf and teh pattern says cast on 8 + 2 stitches...? what does the plus 2 mean? i mean, im assuming it means cast on 10 stitches but why dont they just say 10 instead?

Public Comments

1. It could mean that you could choose how thick you want the scarf, suggesting either 8 stitches or 10 stitches wide. Or...it could mean cast on 8. Then increase 2 in the next row.
2. The number 8 refers to how many stitches are in the pattern repeat. You need to decide how wide you want the scarf. 3 repeats wide would be 24 stitches, then add the 2 stitches, and the total you cast on would be 26 stitches.
3. Because people like different width scarves, this pattern allows you to decide how wide you want it. Casting on x+2 is an easy way to give you an idea of the pattern repeats. Each x is a pattern repeat and the 2 are for the outside borders, usually. I have used a +2 pattern to make sweater out of a scarf pattern, you just cast on more repeats
4. No, the pattern says "multiple of 8 plus 2". You need to give us the correct details! That means you can make it as wide as you want. There is a pattern repeat of 8 stitches... do as many as you want.. .and then add 2 to balance at the end. Very simple! (8 times x) + 2 = total to cast on. This was all covered in your basic beginner knitting course; please review your notes again! And when you have any question, go to your LYS and ask them --- that is what they are there for!