Creating a knitting pattern from scratch requires you to either plan your own design or work according to a designer's instructions. A pattern designer shares instructions on the steps of the method to cast on, stitch patterns and even cast off. Knitting charts are graphical representations of a knitting pattern. They instruct you how to work with your knitting needles and yarn to work out a pattern. Charts can be very useful for visualizing complex stitch patterns, such as lace or colorwork designs. While most beginners begin with reading a knitting pattern with written instructions on tools, gauge and steps; advanced knitters can easily work with a chart.
What is a knitting chart?
A pictorial depiction of a knitting pattern, the chart is basically a rectangle or a square. The stitches are represented in the boxes. Generally, charts are easy to understand but it’s a matter of habit and the knitter’s comfort. Instead of going through instructions for each row, a chart presents a complete picture of the design and pattern. Similar to a written pattern, a chart also has information on yarn, knitting needles, gauge, schematic and more.
If you are a new knitter, here are a few tips on how to read knitting charts:
Look for the legend: A legend is a symbol that indicates a stitch pattern. It will tell you what each symbol in the chart represents. In knitting, every pattern is based on knit and purl stitches and their combinations. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the legend before you start knitting.
Read the chart from right to left: In most cases, knitting charts are read from right to left, just like you would read a book. Do go through the instructions if the pattern somehow is read in a different method. Knitting back and forth will have a different chart than knitting in the round would have. A pattern designer will provide the information if you need to read the chart differently.
Follow the rows: Each row of the chart represents a single row of knitting. Pay close attention to the row numbers at the bottom of the chart to make sure you're on the right row. If you work a knitting pattern back and forth, you will have the row numbers alternating between the left and right sides of the chart. While knitting in the round will have all rows in the same direction.
Watch the symbols: Each symbol on the chart represents a different stitch or color. Follow the legend to know what each symbol means and how to work it. Usually, a pattern designer provides information on the stitches but if it is not provided it is assumed that you have the basic knowledge to work stitches and techniques.
Use the key: Some charts will have a key that shows you which colors to use for each symbol. This is especially important for colorwork charts. In the case of lace knitting patterns too, a key will have a special function in reading and decoding the chart.
Reading the Chart for Knitting Back and Forth
Knitting a project back and forth requires you to turn your work each time you finish a row. This is for both, whether you work with a pair of single-pointed needles or any circular. A knitting chart for this, will have the numbered rows alternate between the left and right-hand sides of the chart. In some cases, the charts show only the “right” side of a chart and have you work the “wrong” side similar to the instructions.
Reading the Chart in the Round
Like seamless knitting in the round with double-pointed needles or circulars, reading a chart is no different. You have all rows numbered in the same direction. You simply have to work without turning your work and keep reading from left to right.
Reading Lace Charts
Charts for lace knitting patterns are quite different. As the stitch pattern has a different number of techniques in addition to knit and purl stitches, the chart too has a variety of legends to denote the stitch techniques. For knitting decreases to eliminate stitches and yarnovers to restore them some of the boxes on the chart are blacked out or indicated with a different symbol.
Reading Colorwork Charts
Colorwork knitting works with knit and purl stitches with one or many numbers of yarns. Colorwork charts are similar to regular charts. The only difference is that the colors on the chart are designated as the main color (MC), which is usually the one used most in the project, and contrasting colors (CC). Fair Isle or most intarsia knitting, where you will have multiple contrasting colors have symbols like C1 (Color 1), C2, and so on, usually in the order of appearance in the pattern.
Reading knitting charts can be a little intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Just take your time, follow the symbols and legend, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck. For all your knitting and even crochet needs, explore the Lantern Moon Collection. The premium knitting needles and crochet hooks are made from precious ebony wood. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, each tool and accessory guarantees a smooth crafting experience.
Source: https://www.zupyak.com/p/3648608/t/how-to-read-a-knitting-chart
