How to Read a Knitting Pattern

Once you decide exactly what you want toknit, whether it's a sweater for new baby, or a scarf to keep her warm in the winter, the first thing that you must get is a pattern. To a knitter, a pattern is what a map is to an explorer. It is a guide that helps you follow the design, the size, theneedles and the stitches needed. But to a beginner, it may seem like a confusing code. By learning what the terms and abbreviations mean, however, you'll soon become comfortable with reading knitting patterns and you'll be able to knitanything you can find a pattern for.

1. 

    Choose a yarn similar to the yarn recommended in the knitting pattern.
   Choose a yarn similar to the yarn recommended in the knitting pattern. Always buy enough yarn and an extra ball or two at the same time, so you get all the yarn from the same dye lot. If you end up needing more yarn, the next dye lot could be a slightly different color because of manufacturing variations, even it has the same name and color on the tag.
2. 

    Choose knitting needles based on the pattern's recommendations.
   Choose knitting needles based on the pattern's recommendations. Needle sizes vary, from tiny (000) to huge (50), and your pattern will tell you the best size needle to use, but this recommendation should be treated as a guide only. Your knitted gauge swatch will tell you if you need to use a different size needle than the one your pattern recommends. That's why it's always good to save the needles, as they can last a lifetime. Eventually, if you knit long enough, you will end up with a variety of sizes that you will need.
3. Make a gauge swatch before you start knitting your garment to ensure the needle size and the yarn chosen will produce the size and shape garment you need. In the pattern, the gauge is given as the number of stitches and rows that the designer intends you to have, over a 4-inch square. The pattern usually specifies what kind of stitch to use (often it is the same stitch pattern as will be used throughout the project). This is extremely important to assure that the finished product will be the size that the pattern intended it to be.
   
   • For the purposes of this article, you should cast on the number of stitches the designer intends you to have within four inches, plus six stitches extra, so that you can have a three-stitch garter stitch border on each side. This will prevent the swatch from curling, and will nicely frame the area you will want to measure. Some knitters swatch differently.
   • Pay attention to whether the gauge measurement is intended for pre-washed or post-washed, post-blocked fabric. Some yarns can change gauge drastically when washed. Wash the swatch the same way you intend to wash the finished item.
4. 

    Measure the gauge swatch with a ruler.
   Measure the gauge swatch with a ruler. Hold or pin it down flat-don't stretch it or scrunch it. The area between the garter stitch border should measure four inches by four inches. There should be no need to count the stitches, as you counted them when you cast on. If you've swatched in a different way, and thus do need to count your stitches, be aware that the stitches in stockinette stitch are shaped like little v's. Count the v's across for stitches, and the v's up and down for rows.
   • If the size of the swatch does not match what the pattern specifies, you will probably need to experiment with different needle sizes. If you need more stitches or rows per inch, use smaller needles. If you need less, use bigger needles. Every time you try a new set of needles, knit a new gauge swatch to test them. You can also adjust your gauge by changing the type of yarn you use (thinner yarn if you need more stitches or rows, thicker yarn if you need less) but this is usually inconvenient and should not be necessary if you purchased yarn similar to what was recommended.
   • This step can be skipped if you're knitting a simple scarf or blanket.
5. 

    Follow the row by row instructions.
   Follow the row by row instructions. It is helpful to check off a row as you are finished. It is also a good idea to place a ruler under each row, so that your eye follows the exact row, and not one above or below. This is extremely important especially when you start adding colors, or designs that need exact counting.
6. 

    Recognize a stitch for each letter, followed by the number indicating how many of that stitch is called for.
   Recognize a stitch for each letter, followed by the number indicating how many of that stitch is called for. The letter P stands for purl and the letter K is for knit. If your pattern says Row One: P5, K5, you should purl five stitches and then knit five stitches on your first row. Learning to do the knit and purl stitches will enable you to also do more intricate designs. These two stitches are the basic steps used in many patterns. Read the next section to familiarize yourself with other commonly used abbreviations.
7. Repeat any instructions when you see asterisks, brackets, or when the pattern says "X times".
   
   • Example 1: *P1, K1 tells you to purl one stitch, knit one stitch, and again purl one stitch and knit one stitch. This may also be written as [P1, K1]2x
   • Example 2: K2, * p8, k4, rep from * tells you to knit two stitches, purl 8, knit 4, and than keep purling 8 then knitting 4 until you get to the end of the row.
8. 

    Use the corresponding key to interpret chart instructions, in which the rows and stitches are laid out visually.
   Use the corresponding key to interpret chart instructions, in which the rows and stitches are laid out visually. The pattern tells you what each symbol in the chart means. These symbols differ from pattern to pattern but don't worry, as nearly every knitting pattern will provide you with a glossary of symbols and abbreviations to help you read them easily.

Commonly Used Abbreviations

1. • cc - contrasting color; if you're working with several colors, you might see cc1, cc2, etc.
   • m1 - make one stitch; used to make an increase
   • mc - main color
   • rs - right side; the side of the garment that people will see
   • sl - slip a stitch
   • St st - stockinette stitch; you knit one row, purl the next row, and repeat (or, if you are knitting in the round, knit every round)
   • k2tog - knit two together; in other words, put your working needle through two stitches instead of one, and knit them together as though they were one stitch, making a decrease
   • ws - wrong side; the side of the garment that is not intended to be seen
   • yo - yarn over; used to make an increase with a lacy hole

• The store from which you buy your knitting supplies and yarn usually gives instructions, so feel free to ask. If you do not understand the instructions, and there is someone willing to explain it to you, do not leave until you completely know what you are going to be doing. They might also have a group of knitters meeting once a week. This is a great way to get help and also make new friends.
• If you are just learning, start with something easy. Many patterns will specify the level of difficulty of the project. Read through many knitting books. Some have easier instructions than others. If you try a very difficult pattern when you're starting out, you may become discouraged and give up. Start small, and work your way up. Knitting requires patience.
• Use simple yarn for your first project so that you can see your stitches clearly. Wait until you've knitted a couple things before using flashy, furry yarns.

• Buy a small crochet hook. If you drop a stitch, catch the loop and use the crochet hook to work it back up the ladder of unraveled stitches and save it.
• If you are using a chart, buy a metal board with magnetic strips (available at craft shops). You can put the pattern on the board and put the magnetic strip above the row you are working on. This helps you keep track of the row and keep focused on which row you are working. Wide Post-It notes, or even highlighter pens, also work well for this.
• 
  The size of the finished item is sometimes stated as the size "after blocking." Blocking is a technique of shaping fabric, usually after washing. For instance, many sweaters are blocked by laying them out and patting them into place while they are still damp, then leaving them to dry.
• Carefully read and understand the instructions prior to starting. Watch for a change of stitch pattern, or stitch count. Look to see if another color is being added. Counting your stitches from time to time is a good way to make sure that you haven't added or dropped a stitch inadvertently (or, if there are increases or decreases, that you are doing them right). A row counter can also be helpful-if you don't have tool specifically designed for counting rows, tally marks on paper with pencil should work fine.

• Knitting needles
• Yarn
• Ruler