How to Knit From Charts

Learning to read knitting charts makes it easier to knit patterns.

Using a knitting chart is essential for all but the simplest knitting projects. Knitting charts provide an easy to read interface for you to follow even the most complex patterns. They are generally read from left to right on one row, and right to left on the next row. Increases and decreases in the pattern are indicated, as are color changes. Learning to read a knitting chart can give you the ability to work patterns that are more complex with confidence.

Things You'll Need

• Knitting chart
• Yarn
• Knitting needles

Instructions

1. Obtain a knitting chart. For learning purposes, it is good to choose one with a variety of stitches.

2. Find the legend. Most knitted charts follow a standard format, but always double check the legend.

3. Examine the chart. Each stitch is represented by a box. Knit stitches are an empty box and purl stitches have a solid circle inside them.

4. Look at the margins on the sides of the boxes. There should be numbers next to some of the rows. The side that has the number in the margin is the side that you start on for that row. The sides alternate, so you can have one row that is worked from left to right and the next is worked from right to left. The chart reflects this.

References

• Knit Foundry; How to Read Charts; February 2008
• Dummies: Reading Stitch Patterns for Dummies