After the initialization section comes the shaping section. There are four general types of shaping subroutines that may be included to build the fabric piece: Border, Band, Symmetric, and Asymmetric. These subroutines are the basic building blocks of the shape you are knitting. Some of these subroutines allow variations to include a neckline and/or a flash/refer message. Some may appear more than once and some may be omitted depending on how the shape is to be built.

The first code of a shaping subroutine identifies the type of shaping subroutine and the number of shaping instructions making up the subroutine. The following table identifies the base value for each type of shaping subroutine. To determine the number of instructions included in the subroutine, subtract the base value from the the first code of the shaping routine. This is the number of additional codes that are part of a shaping subroutine.

Base ValueShaping Subroutine
192Border
32Basic Band
160Band with Divided Neckline
48Band with Flash/Refer
176Band with Flash/Refer and Divided Neckline
96Symmetric
224Symmetric with Divided Neckline
64Asymmetric

### Border

The border subroutine is most often the first shaping subroutine appearing, but it may also be omitted and may appear multiple times. A special characteristic of the border subroutine is that the message 'END BORDER' appears on the console at the completion of knitting of the subroutine or in the case of the form computer, it flashes 2. The border subroutine may include between 1 to 15 shaping instruction codes. Here is a sample border subroutine:

Line #CodeCommentary on Border
7195Base value 192 + 3 = 195, border subroutine contains 3 shaping instruction codes, which immediately follow.
8(C)Users's length in millimeters for 40 rows of knitting.
97Shaping instruction for 'Knit Straight.' See Shaping Instructions for information on shaping instructions.
1011Parameter for shaping instruction on previous line. See Shaping Instructions for information on shaping instructions.

### Band

The band subroutine is often the next subroutine seen after the border subroutine. It allows the user to knit a gradually and symmetricly increasing or decreasing piece of knitting. The user may specify the ending width and length. The band subroutine is so named because the PASSAP manual provides an example of it for knitting neckbands and jacket bands, but this versatile subroutine allows knitting of rectangles and trapezoids of various sizes and is often found in sweater fronts, backs and sleeves. Although seldom seen, it is possible to repeat the band subroutine more than once. It may also be omitted, although this is rare. Variations in the band subroutine include options for a neckline and/or a flash/refer message.

If the band subroutine does not contain a flash/refer message, the number of instructions in the band subroutine is fixed at 6. So, in practice you will see 38 (basic band) or 166 (band with neckline).

If the band subroutine contains a flash/refer message, the number of instructions in the band subroutine is fixed at 7. So, in practice you will see 55 (band with flash/refer) or 183 (band with neckline and flash/refer.) The flash/refer message may appear at the start of the band or at the end, offset by a variable number of rows. For example, you can specify that the message appear 16 rows after the start of the band or 20 rows before the end of the band. A single code is provided to specify both the flash/refer number and the positioning of the messaging in the row count.

Line #CodeCommentary on Basic Band
1138Base value 32 + 6 = 38; band subroutine contains 6 additional codes.
12150Progammer's stitch count after knitting this section. If this stitch count is greater than the stitch count at the beginning of the subroutine, the stitches will be gradually increased along a diagnol line. If stich count is less, the stitches will be gradually decreased along a diagonal line.
If using the half-shape technique, be sure enter the actual number of stiches for the half-shape. For example, to convert this form programme from a sweater front to a cardigan front, enter 75, instead of 150.
13135Ending width for model. This is typically in centimeters, but does not have to be. This measurement may be a body measurement or actual measurement of the model fabric piece.
14**The user's desired width at end of knitting subroutine. The user must consult the documentation accompanying the form programme to determine the unit of measure, typically centimeters, and whether this is a body measurement or a measurement of the finished fabric piece. The console uses the ratio of the programmer's value and the user's value in its calculations. If the user were to enter 162 in this example, the piece would be 20% larger. (162/135 * 100 = 120%) Please note that that widths may only be increased in form programmes. In reviewing form programmes you may sometimes see the width measurements replaced by a pair of 3's indicating that the number of stitches at the end of knitting this subroutine is fixed by the programmer and the user may not alter it to their preference. There is no magic in the number 3; it is just used as a convention. In this instance, the numbers in lines 13 and 14 could be any value as long as they were the same. This can be proved by calculating the ratio. (3/3 * 100 = 100%) Any pair of numbers that give a ratio of 100% means that the programmer intends the width to be fixed.
1520This is the model length of this band subroutine section of knitting in centimeters.
1630This is a model length in centimeters, often of the overall length of the entire piece. Exactly how much of the finished piece is being measured is the programmer's choice.
17***User's desired length in centimeters. The user must consult the documentation accompanying the form programme to determine exactly what is being measured. The difference between this number and the number above determines how many centimeters to add to the band length. For example, if the user enters 35, 5 centimeters would be added to the band length of 20 to give a new length for this portion of knitting of 25 centimeters. (35 - 30 = 5; 20 + 5 = 25) Lengths may be increased or decreased. If decreasing, you cannot decrease by so much that the length of the band would be zero or a negative number. For example, if you entered 7, it would result in a band with a negative length, which is unknittable. (7 - 30 = -23; 20 - 23 = -3) In reviewing form programmes you may sometimes see the two length measurements replaced by a pair of 3's indicating that the user may not change the length. There is no magic in the number 3; it is just used as a convention. In this instance, the numbers in lines 16 and 17 could be any value as long as they were the same. This can be proved by calculating the difference. (3 - 3 = 0) An increase or decrease of 0 centimeters will lead to no change in length.
Line #CodeCommentary on Band with Neckline
11166Base value 160 + 6 = 166; band with neckline subroutine contains 6 more codes. This band subroutine will immediately be followed by an asymmetric subroutine for the neckline. Necklines may look symmetric, but the same subroutine is repeated for both the left and right sides of the neckline. In the context of shaping one side of the neckline or the other, the shaping is asymmetric compared to the shoulder/armhole.
12150Progammer's stitch count after knitting this section. If this stitch count is greater than the stitch count at the beginning of the subroutine, the stitches will be gradually increased along a diagnol line. If stich count is less, the stitches will be gradually decreased along a diagonal line.
If using the half-shape technique, be sure enter the actual number of stiches for the half-shape. For example, to convert this form programme from a sweater front to a cardigan front, enter 75, instead of 150.
13135Ending width for model. This is typically in centimeters, but does not have to be. This measurement may be a body measurement or actual measurement of the model fabric piece.
14**The user's desired width at end of knitting subroutine. The user must consult the documentation accompanying the form programme to determine the unit of measure, typically centimeters, and whether this is a body measurement or a measurement of the finished fabric piece. The console uses the ratio of the programmer's value and the user's value in its calculations. If the user were to enter 162 in this example, the piece would be 20% larger. (162/135 * 100 = 120%) Please note that that widths may only be increased in form programmes. In reviewing form programmes you may sometimes see the width measurements replaced by a pair of 3's indicating that the number of stitches at the end of knitting this subroutine is fixed by the programmer and the user may not alter it to their preference. There is no magic in the number 3; it is just used as a convention. In this instance, the numbers in lines 13 and 14 could be any value as long as they were the same. This can be proved by calculating the ratio. (3/3 * 100 = 100%) Any pair of numbers that give a ratio of 100% means that the programmer intends the width to be fixed.
1520This is the model length of this band subroutine section of knitting in centimeters.
1630This is a model length in centimeters, often of the overall length of the entire piece. Exactly how much of the finished piece is being measured is the programmer's choice.
17***User's desired length in centimeters. The user must consult the documentation accompanying the form programme to determine exactly what is being measured. The difference between this number and the number above determines how many centimeters to add to the band length. For example, if the user enters 35, 5 centimeters would be added to the band length of 20 to give a new length for this portion of knitting of 25 centimeters. (35 - 30 = 5; 20 + 5 = 25) Lengths may be increased or decreased. If decreasing, you cannot decrease by so much that the length of the band would be zero or a negative number. For example, if you entered 7, it would result in a band with a negative length, which is unknittable. (7 - 30 = -23; 20 - 23 = -3) In reviewing form programmes you may sometimes see the two length measurements replaced by a pair of 3's indicating that the user may not change the length. There is no magic in the number 3; it is just used as a convention. In this instance, the numbers in lines 16 and 17 could be any value as long as they were the same. This can be proved by calculating the difference. (3 - 3 = 0) An increase or decrease of 0 centimeters will lead to no change in length.
18The next line after the band subroutine begins the neckline shaping, which is always an asymmetric shaping subroutine.
Line #CodeCommentary on Band with Flash/Refer
1155Base value 48 + 7 = 55; band with flash/refer subroutine contains 7 more codes.
1264Display flash/refer 7 before starting the band knitting. Other values give different flash/refer codes and/or move the flash/refer to after the band knitting or offset the message by a calculated number of rows after the beginning of the band or before the end of the band. See the flash/refer table below for specific flash/refer codes. Note: if this subroutine is the first subroutine after the initialization section, the flash/refer message must not be set to display at the start of the subroutine. It must be offset at least two rows from the start.
13150Progammer's stitch count after knitting this section. If this stitch count is greater than the stitch count at the beginning of the subroutine, the stitches will be gradually increased along a diagnol line. If stich count is less, the stitches will be gradually decreased along a diagonal line.
If using the half-shape technique, be sure enter the actual number of stiches for the half-shape. For example, to convert this form programme from a sweater front to a cardigan front, enter 75, instead of 150.
14135Ending width for model. This is typically in centimeters, but does not have to be. This measurement may be a body measurement or actual measurement of the model fabric piece.
15**The user's desired width at end of knitting subroutine. The user must consult the documentation accompanying the form programme to determine the unit of measure, typically centimeters, and whether this is a body measurement or a measurement of the finished fabric piece. The console uses the ratio of the programmer's value and the user's value in its calculations. If the user were to enter 162 in this example, the piece would be 20% larger. (162/135 * 100 = 120%) Please note that that widths may only be increased in form programmes. In reviewing form programmes you may sometimes see the width measurements replaced by a pair of 3's indicating that the number of stitches at the end of knitting this subroutine is fixed by the programmer and the user may not alter it to their preference. There is no magic in the number 3; it is just used as a convention. In this instance, the numbers in lines 13 and 14 could be any value as long as they were the same. This can be proved by calculating the ratio. (3/3 * 100 = 100%) Any pair of numbers that give a ratio of 100% means that the programmer intends the width to be fixed.
1620This is the model length of this band subroutine section of knitting in centimeters.
1730This is a model length in centimeters, often of the overall length of the entire piece. Exactly how much of the finished piece is being measured is the programmer's choice.
18***User's desired length in centimeters. The user must consult the documentation accompanying the form programme to determine exactly what is being measured. The difference between this number and the number above determines how many centimeters to add to the band length. For example, if the user enters 35, 5 centimeters would be added to the band length of 20 to give a new length for this portion of knitting of 25 centimeters. (35 - 30 = 5; 20 + 5 = 25) Lengths may be increased or decreased. If decreasing, you cannot decrease by so much that the length of the band would be zero or a negative number. For example, if you entered 7, it would result in a band with a negative length, which is unknittable. (7 - 30 = -23; 20 - 23 = -3) In reviewing form programmes you may sometimes see the two length measurements replaced by a pair of 3's indicating that the user may not change the length. There is no magic in the number 3; it is just used as a convention. In this instance, the numbers in lines 16 and 17 could be any value as long as they were the same. This can be proved by calculating the difference. (3 - 3 = 0) An increase or decrease of 0 centimeters will lead to no change in length.
Flash/Refer Codes for Band Subroutines
PlacementREFER 7REFER 8REFER 9
At the start of band
Note: do not use 64, 128, or 192 if the subroutine is the first subroutine after the initialization section. This locks up the console and you will need to cycle the console on and off to clear the 'WAIT' message.
64128192
2 rows after the start of band65129193
Between 4 to 120 after the start of band, according to formula given for calculating code. Rows must be a multiple of 4.$64+\frac{rows}{4}$$128+\frac{rows}{4}$$192+\frac{rows}{4}$
After end of band
If form programme does not contain shaping instructions after the band subroutine, display of flash/refer number will occur 2 rows before end of the band.
96160224
2 rows before the end of band97161225
Between 4 to 120 rows befor the end of band, according to formula given for calculating code. Rows must be a multiple of 4.$96+\frac{rows}{4}$$160+\frac{rows}{4}$$224+\frac{rows}{4}$
Line #CodeCommentary on Band with Flash/Refer and Divided Neckline
11183Base value 176 + 7 = 183; band with flash/refer and divided neckline subroutine contains 7 more codes. This band routine will immediately be followed by an asymmetric subroutine for the neckline. Necklines may look symmetric, but the same subroutine is repeated for both the left and right sides of the neckline. In the context of shaping one side of the neckline or the other, the shaping is asymmetric compared to the shoulder/armhole.
1264Display flash/refer 7 before starting the band knitting. Other values give different flash/refer codes and/or move the flash/refer to after the band knitting or offset the message by a calculated number of rows after the beginning of the band or before the end of the band. See the flash/refer table below for specific flash/refer codes. Note: if this subroutine is the first subroutine after the initialization section, the flash/refer message must not be set to display at the start of the subroutine. It must be offset at least two rows from the start.
13150Progammer's stitch count after knitting this section. If this stitch count is greater than the stitch count at the beginning of the subroutine, the stitches will be gradually increased along a diagnol line. If stich count is less, the stitches will be gradually decreased along a diagonal line.
If using the half-shape technique, be sure enter the actual number of stiches for the half-shape. For example, to convert this form programme from a sweater front to a cardigan front, enter 75, instead of 150.
14135Ending width for model. This is typically in centimeters, but does not have to be. This measurement may be a body measurement or actual measurement of the model fabric piece.
15**The user's desired width at end of knitting subroutine. The user must consult the documentation accompanying the form programme to determine the unit of measure, typically centimeters, and whether this is a body measurement or a measurement of the finished fabric piece. The console uses the ratio of the programmer's value and the user's value in its calculations. If the user were to enter 162 in this example, the piece would be 20% larger. (162/135 * 100 = 120%) Please note that that widths may only be increased in form programmes. In reviewing form programmes you may sometimes see the width measurements replaced by a pair of 3's indicating that the number of stitches at the end of knitting this subroutine is fixed by the programmer and the user may not alter it to their preference. There is no magic in the number 3; it is just used as a convention. In this instance, the numbers in lines 13 and 14 could be any value as long as they were the same. This can be proved by calculating the ratio. (3/3 * 100 = 100%) Any pair of numbers that give a ratio of 100% means that the programmer intends the width to be fixed.
1620This is the model length of this band subroutine section of knitting in centimeters.
1730This is a model length in centimeters, often of the overall length of the entire piece. Exactly how much of the finished piece is being measured is the programmer's choice.
18***User's desired length in centimeters. The user must consult the documentation accompanying the form programme to determine exactly what is being measured. The difference between this number and the number above determines how many centimeters to add to the band length. For example, if the user enters 35, 5 centimeters would be added to the band length of 20 to give a new length for this portion of knitting of 25 centimeters. (35 - 30 = 5; 20 + 5 = 25) Lengths may be increased or decreased. If decreasing, you cannot decrease by so much that the length of the band would be zero or a negative number. For example, if you entered 7, it would result in a band with a negative length, which is unknittable. (7 - 30 = -23; 20 - 23 = -3) In reviewing form programmes you may sometimes see the two length measurements replaced by a pair of 3's indicating that the user may not change the length. There is no magic in the number 3; it is just used as a convention. In this instance, the numbers in lines 16 and 17 could be any value as long as they were the same. This can be proved by calculating the difference. (3 - 3 = 0) An increase or decrease of 0 centimeters will lead to no change in length.
19The next line after the band subroutine begins the neckline shaping, which is always an asymmetric shaping subroutine.
Flash/Refer Codes for Band Subroutines
PlacementREFER 7REFER 8REFER 9
At the start of band
Note: do not use 64, 128, or 192 if the subroutine is the first subroutine after the initialization section. This locks up the console and you will need to cycle the console on and off to clear the 'WAIT' message.
64128192
2 rows after the start of band65129193
Between 4 to 120 after the start of band, according to formula given for calculating code. Rows must be a multiple of 4.$64+\frac{rows}{4}$$128+\frac{rows}{4}$$192+\frac{rows}{4}$
After end of band
If form programme does not contain shaping instructions after the band subroutine, display of flash/refer number will occur 2 rows before end of the band.
96160224
2 rows before the end of band97161225
Between 4 to 120 rows befor the end of band, according to formula given for calculating code. Rows must be a multiple of 4.$96+\frac{rows}{4}$$160+\frac{rows}{4}$$224+\frac{rows}{4}$