How to Knit Patterns

Knitting patterns can be intimidating with their odd abbreviations, collections of measurements and numerous steps to follow precisely. Approaching a knitting pattern methodically and thoughtfully, however, can make completing a project less confusing and more fun, and help prevent mistakes. Gather a few basic office supplies and sit down with the yarn and needles to learn to read a knitting pattern and to plan a new project.

Things You'll Need

• Knitting pattern Highlighter Yarn and needles required by the pattern Ruler or knitting gauge Sticky notes Pen or pencil

Instructions

1. Read the entire pattern from beginning to end. This seems like an obvious step, but it's often overlooked. Knitters can get caught up in the excitement of starting a new project and plow into it, then realize halfway through that they didn't anticipate a critical step in the process. Some patterns are better written than others, too, so use your judgment or ask an experienced knitter for help. Make sure the project is within your skill level, and look up unfamiliar stitch abbreviations and terminology online before casting on.

2. If the pattern is written for multiple sizes, highlight all the measurements and information that apply to the size you will make. This step helps avoid knitting a sweater with a waist that fits one size and a bust measurement that is dramatically different.

3. Knit a gauge swatch. If you want the finished project to look and fit exactly as the designer planned, then you must have the same gauge as the knitted sample. "Getting gauge" means the stitches take up the same space as the pattern designer intended, which may vary based on yarn choice, needle size and tension on the yarn. Many patterns will describe the gauge of the finished project as "19 stitches and 26 rows to 4 inches in stockinette stitch." To use this measurement, knit a 4-by-4 inch square in stockinette stitch using the desired yarn and needles, then wash and block the swatch. Then measure the swatch with a ruler or knitting gauge, and count the stitches; in this example, there should be 19 stitches horizontally and 26 rows vertically across the square. If your swatch's gauge is different, adjust choose another needle size or select a different yarn.

4. Cast on for the full project once the gauge has been decided. Read all instructions carefully as you knit. Mark your progress through the pattern, using a sticky note as a placeholder, or a pen to check off what's been completed. Make notes as you go along; for example, if the pattern says "Repeat last 2 rows 4 times," pencil in tally marks in the margin to keep track of the repeats.

5. Watch for charts. If the pattern includes a chart, for example, for a section of lace, then pay special attention to reading it accurately, which is a skill in itself. A good tutorial for chart reading is in the Resources below. Some patterns will provide both written instructions for the lace pattern as well as a chart; knitters who don't feel comfortable with charts may prefer to use the printed version instead.

Tips & Warnings

• Many knitting patterns are available online; some are free and others can be downloaded for a fee. These vary widely in quality, however. Some are well-written and include detailed diagrams and pictures; others are vague and simply describe one person's method for making a particular project. Evaluate the patterns' quality and clarity before attempting to use them. You also can contact some designers by e-mail or through their blogs to request clarification or ask questions about a pattern.

• Some knitters skip the gauge swatch on small or low-cost projects, figuring that it won't matter if the size is slightly off. For larger projects or when using expensive yarn, "Take time to save time," as patterns often suggest, and check your gauge before proceeding. Patterns are not always perfect. When a pattern is found to have mistakes, the designer or publisher should make "errata" available. You can find these on the publisher's Web site (for knitting books) or on designers' own Web sites. Online knitting communities like Ravelry.com also provide links to errata for patterns, as well as the comments from knitters who have already made a particular pattern.

Resources

• Majoring in Lace by Eunny Jang
• Thinking Beyond the Pattern