How to Read a Knitting Chart for Beginners

 

For many beginners this is a mystery and simply incomprehensible to read a knitting chart. Lots of symbols in a row and complexly structured - as a beginner, knitting charts are more confusing than they help. In this blog we would like to explain to you how such a knitting chart is structured and how to read it correctly.

First we want to clarify what a knitting chart is.

In a knitting chart, the stitches are shown graphically with symbols in a diagram. Usually it is the knitting of a repetitive area. The chart is structured in such a way that you have to read it from bottom to top. The boxes each stand for a stitch and each row of boxes for a row or round. The numbers around the edges indicate the numbers of the rows (or rounds).

The make are marked with symbols. Since there are usually no uniform symbols for certain stitches, every knitting chart should also contain a legend that explains the individual symbols. In magazines or books you can usually find these at the beginning or at the end of the manual.

Knitting Charts can also be structured in such a way that only rows from the right side are shown, in which case it is usually stated in the text whether the back row only needs to be knitted right or left stitches, so you should always pay attention to the text.

Red lines in the instructions make the pattern rapport, which is repeated, clear. Stitches outside the repeat show how the repeat is integrated into the knitted piece or how edge stitches are worked.

So now we come to how a knitting chart is read. Reading a chart always starts in the lower right corner and you work your way up row by row or round by round.

Front rows are the rows with odd numbers and back rows are provided with even numbers. The rows are read from right to left when knitting in rows. Read the back rows from left to right.

If you knit in the round it is easier, as you will not have to turn. So you can have both the even and the odd rows as shown.

As a beginner, you should mark important points in your knitting with stitch markers and, in order to work correctly according to the knitting chart, measure your work again and again with the help of a tape measure.

Another tip: With our Knitting Chart Holder you always have your knitting charts ready and with our magnetic bookmarks, built into our knitting chart holder, you will never slip in your ranks again. Our KnitPro knitting chart holder are therefore a must-have for every knitter who likes to work according to instructions and patterns and always wants to have them in view. Take a look at our Knit Pro Knitting Chart Holders or other knitting accessories and order immediately.