We often find that many knitter get scared of charts and find them impossible to work from. It is a good idea for every knitter to learn how to read a chart to ensure that can get the best possible experience from knitting. A chart is basically a diagram with a code. There will be a key to the diagram and each symbol on it has a meaning. All any knitter needs to do is follow the diagram using the key provided, which may sound easier than it actually is but once you get the hang of it can be great fun.
Charts are used for a variety of different projects including cables, lace patterns and colourwork and not being able to read a chart can reduced the number of projects available to you. You should start all charts from the bottom right hand corner and the RS or odd rows will go from right to left and the WS or even rows from left to right. Each square represents a stitch and it is a good idea to take it row by row and stitch by stitch to make it easier.
Tips on Chart Reading
1. Make sure to read the charts carefully before starting work. Not all charts tell about the hidden side, or what we commonly refer to as the wrong side of the knit. Do not ignore this and ensure that you work on this side as meticulously as the visible side.
2. Where you have increases and decreases in the number of stitches for a pattern you will have some rows that show sections of "No Stitches" that need to be skipped. Make sure you count the stitches and check they match the number of stitches on the chart.
3. If you have a pattern repetition of a number of stitches then this will be marked on the chart and written in the description of the chart. If you have this then work the stitches and then go back and repeat them again.
4. For the visible side of the knit, read from right to left and for the hidden or wrong part, read from left to right. For orbicular patterns read the chart in on
Tips on Chart Reading
1. Make sure to read the charts carefully before starting work. Not all charts tell about the hidden side, or what we commonly refer to as the wrong side of the knit. Do not ignore this and ensure that you work on this side as meticulously as the visible side.
2. Where you have increases and decreases in the number of stitches for a pattern you will have some rows that show sections of "No Stitches" that need to be skipped. Make sure you count the stitches and check they match the number of stitches on the chart.
3. If you have a pattern repetition of a number of stitches then this will be marked on the chart and written in the description of the chart. If you have this then work the stitches and then go back and repeat them again.
4. For the visible side of the knit, read from right to left and for the hidden or wrong part, read from left to right. For orbicular patterns read the chart in on
2. Where you have increases and decreases in the number of stitches for a pattern you will have some rows that show sections of "No Stitches" that need to be skipped. Make sure you count the stitches and check they match the number of stitches on the chart.
3. If you have a pattern repetition of a number of stitches then this will be marked on the chart and written in the description of the chart. If you have this then work the stitches and then go back and repeat them again.
4. For the visible side of the knit, read from right to left and for the hidden or wrong part, read from left to right. For orbicular patterns read the chart in one direction only.
5. Remember that every stitch you work will be shown by a different symbol and you need to check what each one means on the key.
We are sure if you follow these simple steps while reading your lace pattern chart, with a little diligence on your part things will fall in place on its own.
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3. If you have a pattern repetition of a number of stitches then this will be marked on the chart and written in the description of the chart. If you have this then work the stitches and then go back and repeat them again.
4. For the visible side of the knit, read from right to left and for the hidden or wrong part, read from left to right. For orbicular patterns read the chart in one direction only.
5. Remember that every stitch you work will be shown by a different symbol and you need to check what each one means on the key.
We are sure if you follow these simple steps while reading your lace pattern chart, with a little diligence on your part things will fall in place on its own.
About the Author:
This article has been supplied by Mercedes Aspland for the Knitting Shop where you can buy wool online.