Understanding stitch symbol charts Sometimes knitting patterns are given as a stitch symbol chart instead of a written pattern. Don’t panic. These are easy to follow if you know what you’re looking at
S
titch symbol charts provide a knitting pattern in much the same way as a written pattern – each symbol represents a stitch, and you follow it to make the pattern. Some knitters prefer them to written patterns, as they offer a visual representation of what a pattern should look like when it’s knitted up and can be easier to memorise. When you come across a charted pattern, the amount of stitches to cast (bind) on will normally be provided, however, if it is not, you can easily work it out from the number of stitches in the pattern ‘repeat’. Cast (bind) on a multiple of this number and any extras for edge stitches outside the repeat and you’re ready to go. In a stitch symbol chart, each square represents a stitch and each horizontal line of squares represents a row. After casting (binding) on, work from the bottom of the chart upwards, reading odd-numbered rows, which are usually RS rows, from right to left and even-numbered rows from left to right. After knitting any edge stitches, work the stitches inside the repeat as many times as required. When you have worked all the rows on the chart, start again at the bottom of the chart.
Stitch symbols These are some of the most commonly used stitch symbols. However, different pattern providers may use different symbols, so always follow the explanations given in a pattern.
= k on RS rows, p on WS rows = p on RS rows, k on WS rows = yo = k2tog = ssk
4
16 15
= sk2p
13
= s2k k1 p2sso
14
Top tip Some symbols mean one thing on an RS row and another on a WS row. For example, a blank square often means knit on an RS row and purl on a WS row.
12 11
01 Cast (bind) on
10
The number of stitches you cast on must be a multiple of this repeat plus any edge stitches.
9 Rep = 16 sts
8 7
02 Right to left
6
Read row 1 and all other odd-numbered rows from right to left. 5
3
03 Left to right
4 3 2 1 (RS)
1
Rep = 6 sts
2
Read row 2 and all other even-numbered rows from left to right.
04 Repeat When you have finished the last row of the stitch symbol chart, begin again at row 1. Repeat the pattern until you reach the desired length. Knitting for Beginners 167