dc/rf Stitch Help

[Sunrise]

I'm making the All Occasions Tote Bag and am stuck on how to do a stitch for the handle. The stitch is:

 

1 dc/rf Work 1 dc around stem of next st 2 rows below, inserting hook around stem from right to left to draw up loops.

 

Here is part of the pattern where it is used:

 

Row 3 and every odd-numbered RS row Ch 1, turn; sc in first sc, 1 dc/rf, sc in next sc, 1 dc/rf, sc in each of last 2 sc.

 

First off, where exactly is the stem part of the stitch? I believe the stem is also called the post. Also, where do I place the stitch and what does it mean by "2 rows below"? Below what?

 

Thank you for your help.

[Aggie May]

Firstly, is it a US or other pattern?

 

The stem of a stitch is the actual stitch from the top to the bottom.

Normally you work into the top of each stitch but for effect, they are telling you to work around the stitch by putting the hook into the space between two stitches and back out in the next space then working the stitch as normal.

This can also be called FPDC (Front Post) or BPDC (Back Post) DC.

Hope this helps a little.

Have fun.

Colleen:hug