Knitting Instructions

Knitting Instructions  by Janice Jones  

Knitting instructions can look intimidating at first, with abbreviations, brackets, sizing notes, charts, and pages of directions all packed into a single pattern. If you’ve ever opened a knitting pattern and thought, “I have no idea where to start,” you’re not alone.

This guide is here to help you slow things down and make sense of it all. You’ll learn how knitting instructions are organized, what each section of a pattern means, and how to read directions with confidence, before you ever pick up your needles.

You don’t need to memorize everything or understand every technique right away. By the end of this page, you’ll know what to look for, what to ignore at first, and how to follow a knitting pattern step by step, even if you’re a beginner or returning to knitting after a long break.

Use this page as a reference as you learn how to knit; you can return to it anytime a pattern feels confusing or overwhelming.

Before You Start a Knitting Pattern: Quick Checklist

Before you cast on, take a few minutes to review the pattern and check these items. You don’t need to understand every detail yet; this step is simply about getting oriented so the instructions make sense when you begin.

1. Check the Skill Level

Project difficulty levels determined by the Craft Yarn Council

Look for the skill level listed in the pattern (beginner, easy, intermediate, advanced).

  • Make sure the pattern matches your current comfort level
  • If a technique is unfamiliar, see if the pattern explains it or links to a tutorial
  • When in doubt, choose the simpler option; confidence matters more than speed

2. Choose the Correct Size

If the pattern includes multiple sizes, decide which size you are making before you start.

  • Sizes are often written like: S (M, L, XL)
  • Highlight or circle the numbers that apply to your size
  • Check finished measurements, not just garment labels

Tip: Measuring a well-fitting sweater you already own is often more accurate than body measurements.

3. Identify the Pattern Format

Determine how the instructions are written.

  • Written instructions (rows spelled out in words)
  • Charted instructions (symbols in a grid)
  • Combination patterns (both written and charted)

Knowing the format ahead of time prevents confusion once you reach the main directions.

4. Review Abbreviations and Special Terms

Scan the abbreviation list before you begin.

  • Make sure you understand common terms like k, p, RS, WS, inc, dec
  • Check whether the pattern uses US or UK terminology
  • Look for any special abbreviations unique to this pattern

If needed, keep an abbreviation chart nearby while you work.

5. Check Materials and Yarn Weight

Confirm that you have the correct supplies.

  • Yarn weight (not just the brand name)
  • Needle size(s)
  • Any additional tools, such as stitch markers, cable needles, or holders

You don’t need to use the exact yarn listed—matching the yarn weight and fiber behavior is more important.

6. Understand the Gauge Information

Gauge affects how your finished project fits.

  • Note the stitch and row gauge listed in the pattern
  • Check whether the gauge is given in inches or centimeters
  • Decide whether this project requires an exact fit (garments) or allows flexibility (scarves, blankets)

You don’t need to knit the gauge swatch yet; just understand what the pattern expects.

7. Skim the Entire Pattern Once

This step is often skipped and often regretted.

  • Read through the pattern from beginning to end
  • Look for shaping, repeats, or sections worked differently
  • Notice where the pattern changes direction or technique

This overview helps prevent surprises later.

8. Set Yourself Up to Keep Your Place

Choose a method that helps you stay organized.

  • Highlight your size and key instructions
  • Use a row counter, sticky notes, or a magnetic pattern board
  • For digital patterns, check whether you can annotate or mark progress

Losing your place is one of the most common (and fixable) knitting frustrations.

You don’t need to master everything on this list before you begin. This checklist provides a calm, clear starting point, making the knitting instructions feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

Why Understanding Knitting Patterns is Important

Understanding knitting patterns is important because it allows you to create garments that fit well and look beautiful. Knitting patterns provide detailed instructions on the size, shape, and style of a garment.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that your finished project meets the desired specifications. Additionally, understanding knitting patterns allows you to create more complex and intricate designs, expanding your knitting skills and creativity.

Reading Knit Instructions:  Anatomy of a Knitting Pattern

Most knitting patterns follow a similar structure, even if the order varies slightly from designer to designer. Understanding what each section means and how it’s used makes patterns far easier to follow.

You don’t need to memorize this. Think of it as a map you can reference whenever something feels confusing.

Pattern Title and Designer Name

The title identifies the project, and the designer's name tells you who created the pattern.

  • Titles are often descriptive, seasonal, or inspirational
  • Designer names are useful if you need clarification or want to explore similar patterns

This section doesn’t affect how you knit, but it helps you identify the pattern correctly.

Pattern Description (Sometimes Called “Romance”)

This short paragraph describes what you are about to make.

It may include:

  • The style or shape of the finished item
  • How the garment is worn
  • The designer’s inspiration

While not instructional, this section helps you visualize the project and confirm that it matches your expectations.

Skill Level

The skill level gives a general idea of the pattern’s difficulty.

  • Common levels include: beginner, easy, intermediate, and advanced
  • These levels are not universal and may vary slightly by designer
  • A “beginner” pattern may still include new techniques

Use the skill level as guidance—not a limitation.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

If the pattern includes multiple sizes, this section is critical.

  • Sizes are often written like: S (M, L, XL)
  • Instructions usually list the smallest size first, with larger sizes in parentheses
  • Finished measurements tell you how large the completed item will be

Always choose your size before you begin and mark it clearly in the pattern.

Abbreviations

Knitting patterns use abbreviations to keep instructions concise.

This section lists:

  • Standard abbreviations (k, p, RS, WS, inc, dec)
  • Any special abbreviations unique to the pattern

Always check whether the pattern uses US or UK terminology, as some terms differ.

Pattern Notes

Pattern notes contain important details that may not be obvious from the directions alone.

Examples include:

  • Instructions worked flat or in the round
  • Edge stitches included or excluded
  • Special construction details

Never skip this section—it often answers questions before they arise.

Materials and Supplies

This section lists everything you need to complete the project.

Typically included:

  • Yarn weight and approximate yardage
  • Recommended needle sizes
  • Additional tools (stitch markers, cable needle, holders, etc.)

You do not need to use the exact yarn listed, but matching the yarn weight and fiber behavior is essential.

Stitch pattern

The stitch pattern describes the repeating sequence of stitches that creates the fabric.

  • May be written row by row
  • May be shown as a chart
  • May be simple (such as stockinette) or complex (lace, cables, colorwork)

Understanding the stitch pattern before starting prevents mistakes later.

Gauge

Gauge tells you how many stitches and rows equal a specific measurement.

  • Usually given over a 4 x 4 inch (10 x 10 cm) square
  • Determines how large or small the finished project will be

Gauge matters most for garments and fitted items. Understanding the gauge section helps you decide whether a swatch is necessary.

Directions (Instructions)

This is the main body of the pattern.

Directions may be:

  • Written instructions
  • Charts
  • A combination of both

For garments, directions are often divided into sections such as:

  • Back
  • Front
  • Sleeves
  • Neck or finishing

Follow the directions one section at a time rather than reading too far ahead.

Shaping Instructions

Shaping creates curves, angles, and fit through increases and decreases.

  • May be fully written out
  • May assume familiarity with standard techniques
  • Often repeated over several rows

Counting stitches carefully is especially important during shaping.

Schematics

Schematics are diagrams showing the shape and measurements of the finished piece.

They help you:

  • Visualize construction
  • Confirm sizing
  • Understand how pieces fit together

Schematics are especially helpful for garments.

Designer Bio and Contact Information

Some patterns include information about the designer and how to contact them.

This can be helpful if:

  • You need clarification
  • The pattern includes errata
  • You want to explore more of their designs

Not every pattern includes all the sections listed above, and the order may vary. That’s normal. Once you understand what each part means, you’ll be able to orient yourself quickly, even in unfamiliar patterns.

Now that you understand how knitting instructions are structured, let’s look at the different ways patterns are written and how to read each format with confidence.

Understanding Different Types of Knitting Patterns - Written, Charted, and Combination

Knitting patterns can be presented in different formats. Understanding how a pattern is written is just as important as understanding what it says. Choosing the format that works best for you can make knitting far more enjoyable and far less frustrating.

There is no “better” format; there is only the one that makes the most sense to you.

Written Knitting Patterns

Written patterns explain each step using words and abbreviations.

You may see instructions like:

  • Row 1 (RS): K2, p2 across.
  • Repeat Rows 1–4 until the piece measures 6 inches.

Why knitters like written patterns:

  • Easy to read line by line
  • Familiar to beginners
  • Simple to highlight, mark, or check off rows

Things to watch for:

  • Long rows with many repeats can be easy to lose your place in
  • Parentheses and brackets often indicate size changes or repeats

Tip: Read written instructions out loud or one phrase at a time to avoid missing steps.

Charted Knitting Patterns

Charted patterns use symbols arranged in a grid. Each square represents a stitch, and each row represents a row (or round) of knitting.

Charts are commonly used for:

  • Lace
  • Cables
  • Colorwork
  • Repeating stitch patterns

Why knitters like charted patterns:

  • You can see the fabric forming
  • Repeats are easier to recognize
  • Visual knitters often find charts faster to follow

Important things to know:

  • Charts are read differently when knitting flat vs. in the round
  • Symbols may look unfamiliar at first, but each one is explained in a key
  • Right-side and wrong-side rows may be read in opposite directions

If charts feel confusing at first, that’s normal. Like any skill, reading charts improves quickly with practice.

Combination Knitting Patterns

Many modern knitting patterns include both written instructions and charts.

  • Written instructions explain the overall construction
  • Charts are used for stitch patterns or decorative sections

This format gives you flexibility. You can follow the written directions, the chart, or both together.

Which Pattern Format Should You Use?

Ask yourself:

  • Do I prefer reading words or following visuals?
  • Do I like checking off rows or tracking my place on a chart?
  • Does this pattern include lace, cables, or colorwork?

There is no rule that says you must use charts or written instructions exclusively. Many knitters switch between formats depending on the project.

Now that you know how knitting patterns are written, let’s look at common mistakes knitters make when following instructions—and how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Following Knitting Instructions

Every knitter, beginner or experienced, encounters problems with patterns. Most issues don’t come from lack of skill, but from small, easy-to-miss details. Knowing what to watch for can save hours of frustration.

1. Skipping the Pattern Notes

Pattern notes often contain critical information that isn’t repeated later.

Common examples include:

  • Whether instructions are written in US or UK terms
  • Whether edge stitches are included
  • How repeats are meant to be worked

Always read the notes before starting, even if you’ve knit similar projects before.

2. Not Choosing Your Size First

Multi-size patterns require a decision before you begin.

  • Make your measurements and choose the size
  • Mark or highlight the size you are making
  • Ignore numbers for other sizes once yours is selected
  • Re-check your size before shaping or finishing sections

This simple step prevents many avoidable errors.

3. Ignoring Gauge When It Matters

Gauge is often skipped, especially by beginners.

  • For garments, gauge affects fit and comfort
  • For accessories like scarves or blankets, gauge is more forgiving
  • If a project needs to fit, understanding the gauge section is essential—even if you choose not to swatch.

4. Misreading Repeats and Parentheses

Repeats and brackets can be tricky.

  • Parentheses often indicate sizes or repeated stitches
  • Instructions like repeat from * to * three times must be followed exactly
  • Losing track of repeats is a common source of mistakes

Take your time and break long instructions into smaller steps.

Pattern Direction What It Means in Plain Language
K2, p2 across. Repeat knit 2, purl 2 over and over until you reach the end of the row.
*K1, p1; repeat from * to end. The asterisk marks the beginning of the repeat. Work knit 1, purl 1 repeatedly across the entire row.
*K2, yo, k2tog; repeat from * 4 times. Work the stitch sequence four times total, then stop—even if stitches remain on the needle.
Increase 1 stitch every 4th row 6 times (30 sts). Increase once every fourth row, for a total of six increases. The number in parentheses shows the expected stitch count, not an action.
Cast on 80 (88, 96, 104) sts. Choose one number only based on your size. The other numbers apply to other sizes and are ignored.
[K3, p2] 5 times. Repeat the stitches inside the brackets five times total.

5. Losing Your Place in the Pattern

This is one of the most common knitting frustrations.

Helpful solutions include:

Stopping mid-row without marking your place often leads to confusion later.

6. Not Counting Stitches Regularly

Stitch counts act as built-in checkpoints.

  • Count after increases, decreases, or pattern repeats
  • If the count doesn’t match, fix it early rather than continuing
  • Small errors are easier to correct sooner rather than later
  • Even experienced knitters count often.

7. Skipping Ahead Without Reading Ahead

It’s tempting to focus only on the current row.

However:

  • Shaping or technique changes may be coming
  • Some instructions rely on earlier setup rows

A quick read-through of the next few rows can prevent surprises.

8. Assuming Every Pattern Is Written the Same Way

Designers have different writing styles.

  • Section order may vary
  • Terminology may differ slightly
  • Some instructions assume prior knowledge
  • If something feels unclear, pause and reread rather than guessing.

Now that you know what to watch out for, let’s look at simple ways to practice reading knitting patterns and build confidence over time.

Practice Exercises for Building Confidence with Knitting Patterns

Learning to read knitting instructions is a skill that improves with gentle, repeated exposure. You don’t need to tackle a complicated project to get better at it. Small, low-pressure practice exercises can make patterns feel familiar and manageable over time.

1. Practice by Knitting Small Swatches

Swatches are one of the easiest ways to practice reading patterns without committing to a full project.

Try using swatches to:

  • Practice a new stitch pattern
  • Learn how repeats are written
  • Follow shaping instructions
  • Follow simple chart instructions
  • Test gauge and needle size

Because swatches are small, mistakes feel less stressful and easier to fix.

2. Practice Reading Patterns Without Knitting

You can build pattern-reading skills even when you don’t have your needles out.  You can find knitting patterns in books and online.  Most yarn companies provide free patterns that you can download.

Helpful ideas include:

  • Reading a pattern and mentally walking through each step
  • Identifying where repeats, increases, or decreases occur
  • Highlighting abbreviations and notes

This kind of “dry practice” makes instructions feel more familiar before you begin knitting.

3. Start with Simple, Repetitive Patterns

Patterns with repeating rows are ideal for practice. Good options include:

  • Scarves
  • Dishcloths
  • Simple hats
  • Stitch pattern samplers

These projects reinforce how instructions are written without overwhelming you with shaping or complex construction.

4. Practice Keeping Your Place

Use your practice projects to experiment with organization tools.

Try:

  • Row counters
  • Highlighting rows as you complete them
  • Sticky notes or rulers to track progress
  • Magnetic boards for paper patterns
  • Digital annotations for PDF patterns

Finding what works for you early makes larger projects easier later.

Conclusion

Understanding knitting patterns is essential to creating beautiful and well-fitting garments. By learning to read and decode knitting patterns, you can expand your knitting skills and creativity. Remember to take your time, read the pattern carefully, and ask for help if needed. With practice and patience, you can master the art of understanding knitting patterns and create beautiful knitted items.

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