Charts

Charts are a simple way to convey knitting directions while providing the knitter a visual representation of the finished design. Charts are read from bottom to top moving right to left on right side rows and left to right on wrong side rows. It is important to note that a chart shows the stitches as they appear from the right side of the fabric. In a flat knitting chart, the symbols will stand for one stitch on the right side row and another on the wrong side row. A flat knitting chart will have the row numbers on both the left hand and right hand side of the chart. In circular knitting (in the round), all row numbers are on the right hand side of the chart. An added bonus to using charts in circular knitting is that the symbols don’t need to be reversed since the work is never turned.

Confused? Let me walk you through chart reading step by step in this video. Reading both flat and circular knitting charts are demonstrated.

Slip Stitch

SLIP STITCH RULE: Unless otherwise stated, a stitch is slipped as if to purl with yarn in back. This action allows the slipped stitch to sit untwisted on the right hand needle with the working yarn hidden on the wrong side. Sometimes a designer will spell this rule out for you in their pattern. If there are no specific directions on how to slip a stitch, follow the above rule. Of course there are many other ways to slip a stitch – as if to knit, with yarn if front, etc. – and these are the “otherwise stated” exceptions. The following video demonstrates the basic slip stitch and several variations.