A Guide to Reading Knitting Charts and Symbols

Decoding the Grid: Your Essential Guide to Knitting Charts

Knitting charts are a visual language that unlocks a world of intricate patterns, from delicate lace to bold colorwork. If you’re a beginner or have always shied away from charted knitting, this guide is for you! Understanding these grids can transform your knitting, allowing you to tackle more complex and beautiful designs. Let’s break down the basics of reading knitting charts and their common symbols.

The Anatomy of a Knitting Chart

At its core, a knitting chart is a grid representing your knitting. Each square on the grid typically corresponds to one stitch on your needle. The chart is read from bottom to top and typically from right to left for right-handed knitters (and vice versa for left-handed knitters, though most charts assume right-handed knitting and provide instructions for mirror-image reading).

• Rows: Horizontal rows on the chart represent rows of your knitting. Odd-numbered rows usually indicate right-side (RS) rows, and even-numbered rows indicate wrong-side (WS) rows.
• Stitches: Vertical columns represent stitches.
• Key/Legend: Crucially, every chart comes with a key that explains what each symbol on the grid means. Always consult this key!

Common Knitting Symbols and Their Meanings

While symbols can vary slightly between designers, here are some of the most common ones you’ll encounter:

Basic Stitches:

• Blank Square: This usually signifies a knit stitch (k) on RS rows and a purl stitch (p) on WS rows. This is the most common symbol and often forms the background of a chart.
• Dot or Small Circle: This typically represents a purl stitch (p) on RS rows and a knit stitch (k) on WS rows.

Increases and Decreases:

• Diagonal Line (left-leaning): Often indicates a knit 2 together (k2tog) decrease.
• Diagonal Line (right-leaning): Often indicates a slip, slip, knit (ssk) decrease.
• Small ‘M’ or ‘W’ Shape: This can represent a yarn over (yo) increase.
• Arrow or Multiple Dots: Some charts use specific symbols for other increases like M1L (make one left) or M1R (make one right). Always check the key!

Other Important Symbols:

• ‘O’ or Small Circle: This is almost universally a yarn over (yo).
• ‘X’ or Square with Diagonal Lines: Can represent a slipped stitch (sl st). The direction of the lines might indicate how to slip it (e.g., knitwise or purlwise).
• Shaped Symbols (e.g., small diamonds, triangles): These are often used in more complex charts for specific techniques like cables, bobbles, or picots. The key is essential here.

Tips for Charting Success

1. Start Simple: Begin with charts that have a clear, repetitive pattern and minimal complex stitches.
2. Print or Use a Digital Tool: Printing the chart and using a highlighter or a row counter can be incredibly helpful. Alternatively, many digital knitting apps allow you to mark your progress directly on the chart.
3. Understand the Direction: Always remember to read the chart from bottom to top and follow the direction indicated for your knitting (RS/WS).
4. Work Row by Row: Focus on completing one row of the chart at a time.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Undo: If you make a mistake, it’s okay to backtrack and fix it. That’s part of the learning process!
6. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you use charts, the more intuitive they become.

Knitting charts are a powerful tool for expanding your creative horizons. By understanding the basic symbols and approaching them with patience, you’ll soon be navigating intricate designs with confidence. So grab your needles, consult your chart’s key, and embark on your next charted knitting adventure!