Knitting pattern
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (March 2015) |
A knitting pattern is a set of instructions on how to construct items using knitting.
Types
There are two basic forms of knitting patterns:
- Text patterns which use numerals and words (and usually abbreviations), and
- Chart patterns which use symbols in a chart.
Some patterns include the entire instructions in both forms, as some knitters prefer one or the other.
Some patterns mix the forms to take advantage of the best of each. For example, a pattern's start and end may be described in text and a repeated design as a chart.
Each knitting pattern typically provides its own abbreviations and symbol keys or refers to a standard. There is no single authoritative source for knitting symbology and Knitting abbreviations, so multiple standards exist.[1][2][3][4]
Both forms use the convention of sequential row numbers; a [[Row_counter_(hand_knitting)] is often used to keep track of progress through the pattern.
Text patterns
Text pattern details can vary from a general description to detailed stitch-by-stitch instruction. Knitting abbreviations are used for brevity.
Text patterns typically provide sequential instructions to be followed and may also include helpful advice.
Chart patterns
Chart patterns use a matrix of blocks filled with letters and symbols to describe the knitted stitches, typically with one stitch per block.
Chart patterns provide visual feedback on the relative position of stitches. They may be color-coded for multi-color knitting.
List of typical chart symbols
- : (blank) knit stitch (K) on right side; purl on wrong side
- -: purl (P) on right side; knit on wrong side
- o: yarn over (YO)
- \: slip, slip, knit (ssk) on right side; slip, slip, purl (ssp) on wrong side
- /: knit 2 together (k2tog) on right side; purl 2 together (p2tog) on wrong side
Cables can be denoted by diagonal lines across multiple blocks to indicate number and direction of cable.
Other symbols unique to a particular pattern may be used.
References
External links
- [1], abbreviations used by Knitty magazine patterns
- [2], abbreviations used by Lion Brand Yarn patterns
- [3], some chart symbols from How To ... for Dummies
- [4], chart symbols used by Vogue Knitting magazine
- [5], Craft Yarn Council standards
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