purlJam

# Tulip Bookmark — Corrected Pattern

*Original design © Jessica Wirthig. Below is a technical edit with the suspected error identified and corrected instructions provided.*

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## ⚠️ Error Analysis

After reviewing the original pattern, **two issues** were found in the written instructions (the chart itself is fine):

### Issue 1 — The main error (Rows 61 & 62)
The original reads:
> *Row 61 & 62: Repeat Rows 59 & 60*

This does not make sense in context:
- Rows 3–60 already work the Tulip Chart (RS/WS alternating).
- Repeating Rows 59 & 60 would just continue charted rows, but the chart has already ended.
- The bookmark needs a **top border that mirrors the bottom border** (Rows 1 & 2) to look symmetrical.

**Corrected reading:** *Row 61 & 62: Repeat Rows 1 & 2.*

This gives a tidy twisted-rib border at both ends of the bookmark, matching the photograph.

### Issue 2 — Row 63 inconsistency
The original reads:
> *Row 63: k1, ktbl to last stitch, k1*

Row 63 is a **WS row** (rows 1, 3, 5… are RS in flat knitting starting on a RS row, but here Row 1 is set up as the first row after cast-on — conventionally a RS row). Looking at the structure: Row 2 (WS) is *k1, ptbl to last st, k1*. For symmetry, the second-to-last row should mirror Row 2, **not** be ktbl.

**Corrected reading:** *Row 63: k1, ptbl to last stitch, k1.* (Worked on the WS.)

### Issue 3 — Chart length (minor clarification)
The Tulip Chart is **57 rows tall** (numbered rows 1, 3, 5, 7… up to 57). Worked over Rows 3–59 of the bookmark (57 rows total). The original "Rows 3–60" range is one row too long. Rows 3–59 cover the chart; Row 60 is not a chart row.

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## Pattern Overview

A delicate flat-knit bookmark featuring a single tulip motif framed by twisted stitches and a seed-stitch border. Worked back and forth on straight needles in fingering-weight yarn.

**Finished Measurements:** approx. 1¾" wide × 5" long (4.5 cm × 12.5 cm)

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** 13–17.5 yds (12–15 m) fingering-weight yarn
- **Needles:** US 0 (2.00 mm) straight needles
- **Notions:** Cable needle, tapestry needle, scissors

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## Gauge

- **9.5 sts × 13 rows = 1" × 1" (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm)** in stockinette stitch.
- Exact gauge is not critical for a bookmark; aim for a firm fabric.

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## Abbreviations

| Abbrev. | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| ktbl | knit through the back loop |
| ptbl | purl through the back loop |
| yo | yarn over |
| k2tog | knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease) |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| p2tog | purl 2 together |
| p2tog tbl | purl 2 together through the back loop |
| cdd | centered double decrease (sl 2 kw together, k1, pass slipped sts over) |
| c1r | sl 1 to CN, hold in **back**, k1, then k1 from CN |
| c1l | sl 1 to CN, hold in **front**, k1, then k1 from CN |
| c1rp | sl 1 to CN, hold in **back**, k1, then p1 from CN |
| c1lp | sl 1 to CN, hold in **front**, p1, then k1 from CN |
| RS / WS | right side / wrong side |
| CN | cable needle |

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## Pattern Notes

- **Selvedge structure:** The 2 outer stitches on each side form a tidy frame:
  - On **RS rows:** k1 (selvedge), ktbl, [chart 15 sts], ktbl, k1 (selvedge) — 4 frame sts.
  - On **WS rows:** k1, ptbl, [chart 15 sts], ptbl, k1.
- **Chart width:** 15 stitches. With 4 frame stitches, the total is **15 + 4 = 19 stitches**. ✓
- **Reading the chart:** Read RS rows (odd-numbered) **right to left**; read WS rows (even-numbered) **left to right**. On WS rows, work each symbol as its WS equivalent (e.g., a "knit" cell becomes purl on WS; ktbl becomes ptbl).
- **Lengthening:** To make the bookmark longer, repeat plain pattern rows from the chart (such as rows 3 & 4, 35 & 36, or 59 & 60 of the chart). Make sure to add rows in **pairs** so you end on a WS row before the top border.

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## Instructions

**Cast on 19 stitches** using a stretchy long-tail cast-on.

### Bottom Border
- **Row 1 (RS):** (k1, p1) to last st, k1. *(19 sts)*
- **Row 2 (WS):** k1, ptbl to last st, k1. *(19 sts)*

### Tulip Chart Section
- **Rows 3–59 (57 rows total — work the Tulip Chart):**
  - **RS rows (odd, Rows 3, 5, 7 … 59):** k1, ktbl, work next 15 sts from Tulip Chart, ktbl, k1.
  - **WS rows (even, Rows 4, 6, 8 … 58):** k1, ptbl, work next 15 sts from Tulip Chart (reading left-to-right, working WS equivalents), ptbl, k1.

*Math check:* Chart rows 1–57 ↔ Bookmark rows 3–59 → 57 chart rows = 59 − 3 + 1 = 57. ✓
*Stitch count remains 19 throughout — all increases (yo) are balanced by decreases (k2tog, ssk, cdd, p2tog).*

### Top Border *(corrected from original)*
- **Row 60 (WS):** k1, ptbl to last st, k1. *(19 sts)*
- **Row 61 (RS):** (k1, p1) to last st, k1. *(repeats Row 1)*
- **Row 62 (WS):** k1, ptbl to last st, k1. *(repeats Row 2)*
- **Row 63 (RS):** (k1, p1) to last st, k1.

*(Rows 61 & 62 = "Repeat Rows 1 & 2" — the corrected reading of the original "Repeat Rows 59 & 60".)*

### Bind Off
**Row 64 (WS):** Bind off all 19 stitches loosely in pattern (k the knits, p the purls as they present).

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## Total Row Count Check

| Section | Rows | Running Total |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom border | 2 | 2 |
| Tulip chart | 57 | 59 |
| Top border | 4 | 63 |
| Bind-off row | 1 | 64 |

**Total: 64 rows.**
At gauge (13 rows/inch): 64 ÷ 13 ≈ **4.9" (12.5 cm)**. ✓ Matches the original finished length.

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## Finishing

1. Cut yarn leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail. Pull through the last loop.
2. Weave in both ends along the selvedge using a tapestry needle.
3. **Block aggressively** — pin the bookmark out flat to its finished dimensions (1¾" × 5") on a blocking mat and mist with water (or wet-block by soaking briefly). Allow to dry completely. Blocking is **essential** for opening up the tulip lace motif.
4. *(Optional)* Add a small tassel or ribbon to the top-center stitch for a decorative finish.

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## Quick Reference — Corrections Summary

| Original Line | Issue | Corrected To |
|---|---|---|
| Rows 3–60: work chart | Chart is only 57 rows | Rows 3–59: work chart |
| Row 60: (not specified) | Missing | Row 60 (WS): k1, ptbl to last st, k1 |
| Rows 61 & 62: Repeat Rows 59 & 60 | **Main error** — would extend chart, not mirror border | Rows 61 & 62: Repeat Rows 1 & 2 |
| Row 63: k1, ktbl to last st, k1 | WS row should use ptbl | Row 63 (RS): (k1, p1) to last st, k1 |
| Row 64: (k1, p1) to last st, k1 → Cast off | Combined into one instruction | Row 64 (WS): Bind off in pattern |

Happy knitting! 🌷