Knitting charts are a vital part of any knitter's expertise yet something that many knitters will shy away from.
If this is you then you are missing out on a large number of patterns that you could be making.
A knitting chart will basically just show you the stitches that need to be worked in the form of a diagram rather than words.
Each stitch in your knitting is represented by a symbol on the chart that will be explained on the key to any chart.
Although this seems difficult at first once you get used to it then you will open up a whole world of knitting that will be exciting and interesting.
Knitting Charts are an integral part of knitting and are used for a number of different things including lace patterns.
However they are also used for many cable patterns and also for fair isle work to show which colour to use where.
All charts are read in pretty much the same way and begin at the bottom right hand corner.
They work the opposite way to what you would expect in that right side rows are worked from right to left and wrong side rows from left to right.
As already explained each stitch is represented by a different symbol on the chart so you can take your time working stitch by stitch until you reach the end of the row.
With confidence you will pick your pattern up in no time at all.
Tips on Chart Reading 1.
Before you begin any chart you will find there is usually a brief explanation that you should read.
Pay close attention to this as it will explain how your chart works.
For example some charts will only show the right side rows.
You need to know if this is the case to make sure you get your pattern right.
2.
There are some patterns where the number of stitches is not consistent throughout.
So you may have 10 stitches at the start and 14 at the end.
In this case on the first row you will have 4 stitches that are indicated as No Stitch that you need to skip over.
Always do a count to make sure you are working on the right number of stitches.
3.
Usually a chart will have a pattern repeat and the chart will say for example "15 st rep" and have 2 vertical lines to indicate this.
When you see this work these stitches and then go back to the start of the section and work them again.
Repeat this as many times as your pattern tells you to.
4.
All charts are designed in the same was, unless they tell you something different, and need to be started from the bottom right hand corner.
Always work your right side rows from right to left and your wrong side rows from left to right.
5.
As stated before every stitch is a different box that has a different symbol in it.
Make sure you take each stitch at a time and read your key carefully.
The above tips are the basic rules to follow and consider when reading a knitting chart.
Make sure you stick to them and follow your chart as carefully as possible and you will soon be progressing to more and more complicated projects.