Knitting from a chart may seem like a daunting task. There’s a lot of information packed into these graphics and it can be confusing to figure out how and where to begin. With a little bit of patience and practice, most knitters find working from a chart easier than working from written instructions. By following the tips below, you’ll be well on your way to successfully working from a knitting chart.
1. Look at the Numbers
The numbers on the chart indicate where to start. Most charts are worked from the bottom up. In the chart above, you’ll notice Row 1 on the bottom right of the chart. The number being in this location means that this row is to be worked from right to left. Right Side rows are worked from right to left on knitting charts. Notice that Row 2 is located on the left side of the chart, which means that it is worked from left to right. This is a Wrong Side row.
2. No Numbers? No Problem!
Occasionally a chart will have some rows missing altogether. This is commonly seen on large charts, where every other row or round is simply worked in knit stitches or purl stitches. The pattern instructions will indicate what stitches should be worked on those missing chart rows.3. Check Out the Key
Every chart will have a key or legend to tell you what each symbol means.
If the symbol has a different direction for the Right Side or Wrong Side of the work, the key will tell you how to work the stitch. For example, in the key above, the blank square represents a stitch that is knit on the Right Side and purled on the Wrong Side.
Abbreviations for the stitches are typically used in the chart key. Look at the Abbreviations section of your knitting pattern if you aren’t sure what something means.
4. Watch for Repeats
Stitch repeats in charts are often marked by a red box or bolded lines. In the chart below, a ten-stitch repeat is marked with a bold, red box.
For example, if you have 25 stitches on the needle (as seen in the first photo), you would work a Right Side (or odd-numbered row) by working the first 3 stitches, repeating the 10 stitches inside the red box 2 times, and completing the row with the final 2 stitches.
5. Keep Track of Your Progress
The most difficult part of the chart reading for many people is keeping track of your progress. There are lots of ways you can keep track of where you are in a chart. You can use a sticky note or highlighter tape to make sure you are working the correct row. It might also be useful to use a row counter or to mark your progress in a notebook, so you don’t lose your place. By following these simple tips, you’ll be working from a chart in no time.Related Video: Chart Reading Basics
It just occured to me hardware tape would make e great line/row marker. measure enough to cover the pattern and move it up as you go along. It won’t get moved if you bump the pattern and you can easily read across the whole line.
Helpful
It will be very helpful
Helpful. Thanks.
Thank you this was very helpful
Looks interesting
I would be interested in a video on how to change a chart into a written pattern. I find following a pattern much easier.
Hello Patricia,
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Sarah
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
I agree with Patricia, much easier to follow written instructions and I am a very experienced knitter. Thanks for the advice. Perhaps also a bit of guidance on knitting in the round from a “flat” chart?
Row 1 (RS) k3, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k3
Row 2(WS) P2, K 11, P2
Row 3 (RS) k4, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k4
Row 4 (WS) repeat row 2
Row 5 (RS) k5, yo, ssk,k1, k2tog, yo, k5
Row 6 (WS) repeat row 2
Row 7 (RS) K6, yo, sk2p, yo, k6
Row 8 (WS) Repeat row 2
I too would like to know how to change a chart into a written pattern
Hello Sandy,
We have a video on chart reading that you can find here: https://www.theknittingcircle.com/video/chart-reading-basics-018642/
If you want to turn a chart into written instructions, you can write it out yourself, working right to left on RS rows, and left to right on WS rows. Some people find it helpful to voice record themselves reading out the chart instructions, and then type it up from their voice recording. There are also some charting software out there that allows you to upload a chart and it will give you the written instructions. You may find this Google search helpful in deciding if charting software is right for you: https://www.google.com/search?q=knitting+chart+software+with+written+instructions
Warmly,
Jen
Row 1 (RS) k3, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k3
Row 2(WS) P2, K 11, P2
Row 3 (RS) k4, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k4
Row 4 (WS) repeat row 2
Row 5 (RS) k5, yo, ssk,k1, k2tog, yo, k5
Row 6 (WS) repeat row 2
Row 7 (RS) K6, yo, sk2p, yo, k6
Row 8 (WS) Repeat row 2
I live in South Africa and very interested in knitting.
Very helpful. Will try this soon on something simple.
I found these instructions very helpful to know there are some constants in the creation of charts, but I, too, usually avoid patterns that are chart only.
I Love these charts, I find them so much easier, and very portable
This was lovely I’m a big fan of Jen Lucas designs and presentations. I have 2 of her books. Very talented lady and I like her demeanor
Thank you
Hello Linda, thank you for contacting us. Which pattern is it you have in mind? I would like to provide this for you if I can. Thank you!
I’d love to learn these patterns
I recently bought online a special folder for holding pattern charts with movable magnetic strips. You move the strips as you progress on the chart, and when you return to your knitting, the chart is marked in the correct place. The folder can stand up for easier reading. This really makes following a chart much easier for me.
I use KnitCompanion App. It’s a game changer. I can keep track if up to 6 repeats. I can download my pattern to it (from Ravelry). There is a yellow line that highlights what live I’m working on. I’m in the midst of my first ever charted pattern and I’m finding it easy to keep track of my progress
I put the chart in a sheet protector, then I can write notes/track rows on it. Use a grease pencil or a white board semi permanent marker (wipes off with a damp cloth). That way the chart is not marked up for the next use.
Thanks, this is a great help
It was helpful.
I picked up a tip from a Laura Nelkin video. First, I keep track of my rows on a counter. I copy the pattern pdf to my tablet, bring up the page with the chart, enlarge it as much as the tablet allows and move the working row to the bottom of the screen. Move it so that the beginning of the row displays, then to the repeat, then to the end. Makes it so much easier to follow, especially for charts in very small type. A true duh moment. I made my living in IT and this never crossed my mind.
chart reading basics
Thank you very much. I had to abandon so many of my projects for not being able to read my chart properly
I would like more information on following a chart when you are making decreases for armholes. I do not find the charts very user friendly when you are decreasing. Can you help me understand this process?
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Hi Mary!
Here’s what our experts had to say: I also find charts when decreasing for armholes a little tedious. I take copious notes when I’m knitting a sweater, so I would make a check mark or something on my pattern or in my notebook to keep track of my decreases. I also find it very helpful to use a sticky note and place it above the row I’m working on (so I can see on the chart the row I am currently working, plus all the previous rows that I did). We have a premium video on taking notes when knitting that you might find helpful: https://www.theknittingcircle.com/video/dont-get-lost-keeping-track-of-your-pattern-progress-018632/
Let us know if other questions come up!
Sincerely,
Codi
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
I am left handed so do I work the chart in the opposite direction? Such as if the chart says work row 1 from right to left do I work row 1 from left to right and so forth? Thank you.
Hi Leslie!
Here’s what our experts had to say: Are you knitting truly left-handed (as in you’re creating the stitches in the opposite way and working from left to right when you knit? If so, then yes, the chart would be worked in the opposite direction. There’s a great class on one of other websites, Craftsy, that is very helpful for left-handed knitters: https://www.craftsy.com/class/left-handed-knitting/
Let us know if other questions come up!
Sincerely,
Codi
The Knitting Circle Video Membership
Is that site the same for crocheting for left handers?
Hi Becky. I am sorry I am not sure what you are referring to? Can you please clarify?
Thanks
Sarah
The Knitting Circle
great easy to read instructions .I plan on doing a Christmas stocking and needed to read this. thank you.
Thank you! Very informative!
I would like to know what all the abbreviations mean.
You should be able to find the key.
Can’t wait.
I always kept away from these patterns
I am starting my first chart knitting on a butterfly cabled blanket for an experienced knitter yarnspirations #LW3884 . Yes, it’s hard you must keep close notes as to where you’re at. I needed to do something to keep me busy and this is it. A life line is a must.
Wow! I’ve just looked that pattern up – amazing, gorgeous and complicated!! Hope it goes well 😊
love it to learn .thanks . for share