Continuing from Part 1, let's dive into the techniques of Fortuna Ami.
We've covered basic braiding techniques so far.
Now, let's explore the main focus of this tutorial: Fortuna Ami.
To achieve a more beautiful finish, it's crucial to clearly visualize the placement of the braids and squares before you begin.
・Marking these areas will make the process much smoother.
・We'll now guide you through the unique and delicate techniques specific to Fortuna Ami.
・Take your time and enjoy the process.

To create a more beautiful finished product, let's now move on to the important step of marking
・ You will need to place marks at 6 specific points on your pattern: D1-E1, D5-E1, D1-E5, G1-F1, G5-F1, and G1-F5. These marks will serve as essential reference points when we join the inner pieces later on.
Why Marking?
・ By marking these points, you can easily match your pattern to your actual work, making the process more efficient. Additionally, even for complex patterns, you can clearly identify which sections to join, reducing the risk of errors.
Important Points When Marking:
・Accuracy: Carefully refer to your pattern and mark the exact squares indicated.
・Visibility: Choose visible markers, such as colorful threads or markers.
・Gentle Handling: When marking, be gentle to avoid damaging your fabric (use masking tape or stickers).
In Conclusion
・While marking may seem time-consuming, it's a crucial first step in creating a beautiful piece. Refer to your pattern and image, and carefully place your marks.

Precautions for the Task
From now on, we'll switch from double-sided tape to a combination of clips, PP bands, and hair ties to secure the knitting for more stable work.
Why is Securing Necessary?
・Stabilizing the Assembly Process: Especially at the beginning, it's difficult to identify the assembly positions, and the initially well-packed squares tend to come apart during the process.
・Improving Work Efficiency: By securing the knitting, you can prevent it from shifting or losing its shape, allowing you to work more smoothly.
Securing Methods and Positions
Refer to the image to fasten the clips.
・Around B7-B10: Remove all clips from this area as it's the first part to be assembled.
・Around B27-B39: Similarly, remove all clips from this area as it's the next part to be assembled.
・B10-B10 and B36-B36: Keep these two points secured until you start working.
・Secured with a combination of PP band and hair tie: Use a generous amount to secure the shape.
Points to Remember When Securing
・Gentle Securing: Secure gently to avoid damaging the material.
・Checking Positions: Secure as shown in the image, or use more clips initially until you get used to it.
・Adjusting as Needed: You may need to adjust the securing positions or remove clips as you progress.
Summary
・This securing process is a very important step in creating a beautiful piece. Refer to the image and carefully secure the knitting to prevent the initial assembly from being wasted.
Additional Notes
・Choosing Clips, PP Bands, and Hair Ties: Choose the appropriate securing tools that you are comfortable using.
・Working Process: If the securing gets in the way, change the securing positions or gradually remove them as you work.

We're now moving on to the Fortuna Ami phase of the project.
In this step, we'll be folding sections B27-B39 inward to give our piece a 3D shape.
Preparation for Folding
To make things clearer, let's arrange the materials from A18-Ǎ18 to A22-Ǎ22, specifically those after B27, as shown in the image.
Specifically
・5 horizontal materials: Arrange A18-Ǎ18 as F6-G1, A19-Ǎ19 as F5-G2, A20-Ǎ20 as F4-G3, A21-Ǎ21 as F3-G4, and A22-Ǎ22 as F2-G5, extending all to B39 on the top side.
・5 vertical materials: Extend A18-Ǎ18 from F1-G5 to B39, and extend A19-Ǎ19 from F2, A20-Ǎ20 from F3, A21-Ǎ21 from F4, and A22-Ǎ22 from F5 to G6, then to B39 on the top side.
・This setup will make the following folding steps easier.
Folding Process
・Once you've prepared the materials, we'll start folding sections B27-B39 inward and weaving them together.
Tips
・Please refer to the image for guidance.
・Be careful not to separate the materials.
・In the next step, we'll explain which sections to fold and how to weave them.
Summary
・This step is crucial for creating a 3D Fortuna Ami.
・Please carefully follow each step, referring to the image for clarification.

First, we will thread horizontal material A18-Ǎ18 through the other materials.
・Threading Position: Thread the A18-Ǎ18 portion between the horizontal materials A16-Ǎ16 and A14-Ǎ14 located at mark F6.
・Efficiency Improvement: If possible, threading horizontal material A12-Ǎ12 simultaneously will streamline subsequent tasks.
Key Points
・Material Placement: Accurate understanding of each material's position is crucial. Please carefully review the blueprints and instructions.
・Overall Image: Visualizing the completed state while working will improve efficiency.

1. Threading Position: Move the A19-Ǎ18 section to mark F7 and thread it between the already installed horizontal materials A17-Ǎ17 and A15-Ǎ15.
2. Improving Efficiency: For increased efficiency, we recommend threading horizontal material A13-Ǎ13 simultaneously. This will streamline subsequent work processes.
Cautions:
・Exercise caution when installing materials to avoid damaging surrounding materials.
・Ensure that each material is securely fixed in place to prevent displacement.
Summary:
・Incorrect installation of horizontal materials can affect subsequent processes. Please carefully follow the drawings and instructions, proceeding one step at a time.

You're nearing the end of this process, and you should be starting to see the structure take shape. This step will give you an even better sense of its three-dimensional form.
1. Threading Position: Move the A20-Ǎ20 section to mark G8 and thread it between the already installed vertical materials A17-Ǎ17 and A15-Ǎ15.
2. Securing: From this point onward, combine with surrounding materials and secure the previously threaded sections using clips or bands to prevent loosening.
Cautions:
・Securing Bands: Pay attention to the placement of securing bands. If they seem loose, adjust or add more bands.
・Distortion: Avoid bending or twisting the materials forcefully as this could cause distortion in the overall structure. Work gently and carefully.
・politely: It's important to take your time and ensure each step is completed accurately.
Check: Continuously refer to the drawings and instructions as you work.

You've reached a critical stage in the process! By now, you should have a good grasp of installing the horizontal materials. However, as you progress, you might encounter challenges like curled sections or misaligned grids. Let's proceed carefully.
1. Threading Position: Move the A21-Ǎ21 section to mark F9 and thread it between the already installed horizontal materials A17-Ǎ17 and A15-Ǎ15.
2. Securing: At this stage, prioritize securing the installed sections to prevent displacement rather than focusing on efficiency. Use clips or PPbands to firmly fix the previously threaded sections.
Key Points:
・Securing: By securely fastening the installed sections, you can prevent them from shifting or curling during subsequent steps.
・Caution: Handle the materials gently to avoid damage or distortion.

You've reached the final step of installing the horizontal materials! By now, you should have developed a good understanding of this process. Let's finish up!
1. Threading Position: Move the A22-Ǎ22 section to mark F10 and thread it between the already installed horizontal materials A16-Ǎ16 and A14-Ǎ14.
2. Securing: At this stage, prioritize securing the installed sections to prevent displacement rather than focusing on efficiency. Use clips or PPbands to firmly fix the previously threaded sections.
Key Points:
・Final Check: Perform a final inspection to ensure that all horizontal materials are installed correctly according to the drawings and instructions.
・Securing: By securely fastening the installed sections, you can prevent them from shifting or curling during subsequent steps.
Summary:
And that's it! You've completed the installation of the horizontal materials.
If you've followed the steps carefully and developed a good technique, you'll find this process relatively straightforward. For the final horizontal material, proceed with the same care as before. Always refer to the drawings and instructions, and ensure each step is completed accurately.

Now it's time to start installing the vertical materials! You've gained valuable experience from the horizontal material installation, and you can apply those skills to this new task. The process is quite similar to the horizontal installation.
1. First Vertical Material: Let's start with vertical material A18-Ǎ18.
2. Threading Position: Move the A18-Ǎ18 section to mark G6 and thread it between the already installed vertical materials A17-Ǎ17 and A15-Ǎ15.
3. Efficiency Tip: If possible, thread vertical material A13-Ǎ13 simultaneously to streamline the subsequent process.
Key Points:
・Position Verification: Carefully check the position of each material against the drawings and instructions to ensure accurate installation.
・Prevent Deformation: Be cautious to prevent the material from curling during installation, which could misalign the grid.
Summary
・The basic process for installing vertical materials is the same as for horizontal materials. Utilize your previous experience and proceed carefully.

Let's proceed with installing the second vertical material.
1. Threading Position: Move the A19-Ǎ19 section to mark G7 and thread it between the already installed vertical materials A16-Ǎ16 and A14-Ǎ14.
2. Efficiency Tip: To improve efficiency, it's recommended to thread vertical material A12-Ǎ12 simultaneously. This will streamline subsequent processes.
Cautions:
・Be careful not to scratch surrounding materials when installing.
・Ensure that each material is securely fixed in place to prevent misalignment.
・Note that the materials may curl as you install them, so pay attention to maintain alignment of the grid.
Summary:
Install the second vertical material following the same procedures as the first one. Refer to the drawings and instructions, and carefully carry out the work, paying particular attention to the position of the materials, securing them in place, and preventing deformation.

You're nearing the end of this process, and you should be starting to see the structure take shape. This step will give you an even better sense of its three-dimensional form.
1. Threading Position: Move the A20-Ǎ20 section to mark G8 and thread it between the already installed vertical materials A17-Ǎ17 and A15-Ǎ15.
2. Securing: From this point onward, combine with surrounding materials and secure the previously threaded sections using clips or bands to prevent loosening.
Cautions:
・Securing Bands: Pay attention to the placement of securing bands. If they seem loose, adjust or add more bands.
・Distortion: Avoid bending or twisting the materials forcefully as this could cause distortion in the overall structure. Work gently and carefully.
・politely: It's important to take your time and ensure each step is completed accurately.
・Check: Continuously refer to the drawings and instructions as you work.

We're now at the final stage of installing the bottom section of the Fortuna-ami. By attaching the last two materials, we'll complete this process and establish the foundation of our piece.
1. Threading Position: First, move vertical material A21-Ǎ21 to mark G9 on the diagram and carefully thread it between the already installed vertical materials A16-Ǎ16 and A14-Ǎ14.
2. Securing: Next, combine it with the surrounding materials and secure it firmly using clips or bands. Be careful not to scratch the material, and ensure the structure is stable.
3. Threading Position: Then, move vertical material A22-Ǎ22 to mark G10 on the diagram and thread it between the already installed vertical materials A17-Ǎ17 and A15-Ǎ15.
4. Securing: Similarly, combine it with the surrounding materials and secure it firmly using clips or bands.
Cautions:
・Handling Materials: Avoid bending or twisting the materials forcefully as this could cause distortion in the overall structure. Handle them gently and carefully.
・Securing Check: After securing with clips or bands, check that everything is firmly in place. If you find any loose parts, re-secure them.

Initial state after assembly and challenges
Immediately after assembling the vertical and horizontal materials, there are many gaps between the materials, and the state is far from the ideal rhombic lattice. To create a beautiful rhombic lattice, it is necessary to carefully adjust the inner materials A18-Ǎ18~A22-Ǎ22 and the outer materials B27-B39. The adjustment process is greatly influenced by the assembly technique.
Difference brought about by assembly techniques
Why does the difficulty of adjustment change depending on the assembly technique? It depends on how well a beautiful grid was maintained during the assembly process.
・If a beautiful grid was maintained: There are few gaps between the materials, and adjustment to a rhombic lattice can be done smoothly.
・If the grid is damaged: There are large gaps between the materials, and it takes a lot of time and effort to make a rhombic lattice.
・Therefore, the assembly procedure repeatedly states, "Be careful not to misalign the grid."
Adjustment methods and precautions
・The same work will be done on the opposite side. Whether you finish one side first and then adjust the other side, or adjust both sides at the same time, depends on your experience and preference. It is important not only to follow the instructions but also to devise your own methods.
Importance of this process
・I believe that this process is particularly important in the technique of making a rhombic lattice. There are no books about it, and it is introduced as one of the original Fortuna Ami techniques of Store.Alaudae.JP.
About future explanations
・While creating this prototype, I have been explaining things with reference to images taken of each part. However, I forgot to take pictures of many parts because I was so focused on the work. What is important is not the images, but the knowledge I have gained from making many similar prototypes. In the future, I will explain the techniques more clearly.
Summary
・In order to create a rhombic lattice, it is necessary to pay close attention from the assembly stage. By assembling while maintaining a beautiful grid, the subsequent adjustment process can be carried out smoothly. This process is a very important point in acquiring the technique of making a rhombic lattice.
Points
・The difficulty of adjusting to a rhombic lattice changes depending on the assembly technique
・Aligning the grid is the key to creating a beautiful rhombic lattice
・The adjustment method is chosen according to experience and preference
・This process is an important part of the Fortuna Ami technique

If you've followed the previous steps correctly, your bottom section should now resemble the image.
・Adjusting the Bottom Corners: At Store.Alaudae.JP, we adjust both corners simultaneously after completing the weaving on both sides, resulting in a seamless and beautiful diamond lattice.
・Subsequent Steps: From this point, you can continue with the standard weaving process.
・Key Point: The highlight of this process is transforming a flat material into a three-dimensional piece. There are no particularly difficult steps involved.
・Importance of the Bottom Section: The bottom section is crucial for the overall stability of your piece. Proper assembly will contribute to a more beautiful finished product.
・Beauty of the Diamond Lattice: A seamlessly aligned diamond lattice adds regularity and beauty to your work.
・The Joy of Creating a Three-Dimensional Piece: The transformation of a flat material into a three-dimensional object is one of the greatest pleasures of handmade crafts.

Currently, the lower left corner is in a temporary state with the materials between the inner A18-Ǎ18~A22-Ǎ22 and outer B27-B39 sections temporarily fastened. Therefore, you may notice gaps, but as you weave the materials together, the gaps will gradually disappear.
From this point on, using clips for fixation will be more efficient than using PP bands. If the PP bands hinder your work, please remove them and switch to using clips.
Supplementary notes:
・Adjusting the weave: As you weave, the materials will be pressed together, eliminating the gaps.
・Changing the fixation method: Switching from PP bands to clips is to improve work efficiency.

As shown in the image, five inner materials, A18-Ǎ18 to A22-Ǎ22, are located in the upper left corner.
In this task, due to the need for photography, the process of threading the inner materials A18-Ǎ18 to A22-Ǎ22 to the necessary positions was performed first. However, as we progressed with the work, we realized that it would be more efficient to thread all of them to the necessary positions from the beginning.
Why is it more efficient to thread the inner materials first from the beginning?
This is because the process of threading the inner materials A18-Ǎ18 to A22-Ǎ22 later is extremely time-consuming and significantly reduces work efficiency.
Improvements
To perform the work more efficiently, please pay attention to the following points.
・Threading method: At this point, the method of threading all the inner materials A18-Ǎ18 to A22-Ǎ22 first is set as the standard procedure.
・Other efficiency improvements: If you come up with a more efficient method, please actively utilize it.
Summary
・Store.Alaudae.JP actually performed the work and summarized the findings. If your idea is better, please feel free to use it.

Current Situation and Challenges
As shown in the image, the inner materials A18-Ǎ18 to A22-Ǎ22 are currently placed in the upper right corner. As mentioned in our previous report, "Improvements on the Placement of A18-Ǎ18 to A22-Ǎ22," these materials have not yet been routed to their designated locations. While it is possible to proceed to the next process as is, it will be extremely time-consuming to route them to their correct positions later.
Improvement Measures
・We strongly recommend routing the inner materials A18-Ǎ18 to A22-Ǎ22 to their designated locations at this stage.
・This will significantly improve work efficiency in subsequent processes, leading to a reduction in both time and labor.
Summary
・The placement of the inner material A18-Ǎ18 to A22-Ǎ22 is not a factor that will affect future processes. By routing the material to the necessary locations at this stage, we can expect a smoother workflow.

This image shows the state of the knitting after completing 7 rows. When viewed from the side, we can see that there are 11 squares between the upper red circle and the lower red circle. This matches the knitting pattern, indicating that the physical object and the pattern align perfectly.
To knit according to the pattern, it is crucial to accurately and seamlessly join the squares in a flat state. As seen in this image, pre-arranging the squares significantly reduces the time required for subsequent work.
From this, we can conclude that the following points are essential for creating a well-organized rhombus lattice:
・Accurate understanding of the pattern: Correctly interpreting the information provided in the pattern, such as the number of rows and stitches.
・Precise joining of squares: Seamlessly and evenly join each square in a flat state.
・Three-dimensional verification: Regularly check the knitted piece from the side and overall to ensure it matches the pattern.
Summary
By comparing the knitting pattern to the physical object, we can monitor the progress of our knitting and create accurate works. This is especially important when creating regular patterns like rhombus lattices, where precise joining of squares is essential. By carefully performing this task, we can produce beautiful finished pieces.

Currently, the diamond-shaped lattice in the bottom gusset area of the product is still irregular. However, please don't worry. This area will be completely covered by the material folded over from the top during the finishing stage, so it will not affect the final appearance of the product.
You can also fix the upper part as is and complete the main body part. However, if the diamond-shaped lattice remains irregular, it may detract from the overall appearance of the product. To create a more beautiful product with a diamond-shaped lattice, let's carefully proceed with the work until completion without wasting any material.

When starting, focus on creating neat squares.
This will make the rest of the process, excluding attaching the bottom, quite straightforward. Even beginners can progress smoothly if they pay attention to creating neat initial squares.
What does "試作捌(八):7マス" mean?
The title "試作捌(八):7マス" is a name given by Store.Alaudae.JP, indicating that the piece is 7 squares tall. "捌" is a variant of "八" and represents the prototype number in this case.
You've now completed half of the overall process.