Preparation: calculations

This is the last part before getting started, I promise!

You need to decide just a few more things. First, what kind of increases and decreases do you want to use? You will use these to shape your horizontal and vertical sections within each diagonal strip. I chose to knit two together (k2tog) for my decrease and knit into the front and back of a stitch (kfb or kf&b) to increase. I like this increase because it doesn't leave a hole like a yarn over does, and in garter stitch it is practically invisible. I experimented with both ssk and k2tog and decided that in this project I could not tell the difference, and k2tog is easier for me.

Next, do basic calculations with your gauge and the size of your horizontal and vertical sections.

example:

A horizontal section (bottom to top) is 7 inches wide and 2 inches high. 4.75 x 7 = 33.25 stitches across, round down to 33 stitches. 9 x 2 = 18 rows (9 ridges) high.

A vertical section(side to side) is also 7 inches wide and 2 inches high. 4.75 x 2 = 9.5 stitches high (across), round up to 10 stitches. 9 x 7 = 63 rows, or 31.5 ridges. I wanted my sections to line up so I rounded that up to 33 ridges. That way I can pick up one stitch per ridge for my next (horizontal) section.

Remember these numbers because you will be using them throughout your sweater front.