Not sure about my knitting pattern instructions

by JR

I have been stumped for weeks about how to shape the neck on a ribbed raglan sweater. I am so confused I am not even sure how to ask the question so I hope you can help me.

As I reach the instructions for shaping the neck I have 54 stitches on the needle. Here are the instructions to shape the neck:

1. K2, ssk, pat across 10 stitches (neck edge). Turn. Work back as follows:

Dec 1 stitch @ neck edge on next 4 rows. AT SAME TIME: Dec 1 stitch @ raglan edge as B4 on following alternating rows. 5 stitches remain.

Then:
Next row: (WS): P5.
Next row: K2, slip 1, k2tog, psso.
Next row: K1, ssk.
Next row: P2.
Next row: Ssk.

Fasten off. With RS facing, Bind off next 30 st. at center.

Here are my questions:

What does it mean to "pattern across 10 stitches?"

Knit the next 10 stitches in the same pattern you have been knitting up until this point.

How many stitches am I working on on #1? 14? It seems I should only be working on 12 stitches on either side in order to have 30 in the center to bind off. I just can't make the math work in order to end-up with 5 stitches!

The instructions says: K2, ssk, pat across 10 stitches so that is 2 + 2 + 10 with the ssk decreasing by 1 so you should have 13 stitches on the needle before you turn.

The: dec 1 stitch @ neck edge on next 4 rows. (-4) AT SAME TIME: Dec 1 stitch @ raglan edge as B4 on following alternating rows. (-2) 5 stitches remain.

13 - 4 - 2 = 7

Doesn't work so there must be two more rows after you have finished the four decreases at the neck edge to get you down to 5 stitches.

* Which row is the "first alternating row?" I.e., On which row do I make the first decrease on the raglan edge?

Generally the first alternate row is the second row. So in this case as the first row of your instructions is a wrong side row, the first alternate row would be the next right side row.

*When I bind off 30 stitches, am I binding off in the Purl stitch?

Only if your right side rows are purl rows. If your right side rows are knit rows you re-attach your yarn with the right side facing and bind off knit wise.

Thank you for your help.

Hope I was able to help..