How To Read A Knitting Pattern
K1P1, they say ..
K1P1, they say ... but all you see is 'Bla, bla, bla'! Knitting patterns can be incredibly frustrating for beginners to try to work out. Many a red-faced and fuming knitter has gotten through a few stitches only to find that they misunderstood the knitting pattern ... and now must start again! Today we endeavour to help you avoid that stress, with a simple guide to reading a knitting pattern.
Pay Attention to the Skill Level
Beginning knitters should go for knitting patterns marked 'Beginner', or, on a numbered scale, closer to 1. Yes, there are step by step instructions ... but knitting is still very much a learned skill!
The Basics Tools
Before you sit down to start a project, check the pattern to see what type of knitting yarn should be used, and the standard size knitting needles for that yarn.
Once you have some experience with different knitting yarn types and knitting needle sizes, you can start experimenting - but to begin with, follow the 'recipe' for best results. One exception is the size of your knitting needles if you find that your gauge is wrong after completing a test swatch.
How Knitting Patterns Work
A knitting pattern relates the exact stitches needed in the exact order to complete a specific project. Sometimes this is done with abbreviated words (for example, 'k' for knit and 'p' for purl), and sometimes it is done in graphical form. More complex patterns are usually related graphically - but learning to read knitting patterns in both ways will give you the most flexibility in finding and using the perfect pattern for your project.
Watch the commas
In a knitting pattern, commas act like the brackets in a mathematical equation. Do everything between the commas as a single step. For example, if your knitting pattern says 'Slip 1 with yarn in front, k5', you would slip one stitch with the yarn in front, then take the yarn to the back to knit 5.
Watch the asterisk
Like a double line in music, the asterisk in a knitting pattern tells you where to repeat the instructions from and to.
Right side, wrong side
In knitting patterns, the right side is the side which will be facing the world when the project is finished.
Know your abbreviations
A knowledge of the basic abbreviations in knitting patterns is essential. These include:
cc: Contrasting colour
m1: Make one stitch
mc: Main colour
rs: right side
ws: wrong side
sl: slip a stitch
st:stockinette stitch - knit one row, purl one row
k2tog: knit two stitches from your left needle into one stitch on the right
yo: yarn over
Keeping Your Place
Most shops which sell knitting yarn and knitting needles will also have row counters somewhere. These attach to your knitting needles, and you flick the number over as you finish a row. Alternatively, put a ruler underneath the row you are on and move it down to help you keep your place.
by: belindadarling
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