How to read knitting patterns and follow written instructions [for beginners]
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- Опубликовано: 15 июл 2024
- A step-by-step tutorial on how to read knitting patterns for beginners and making sense of written instructions for beginners. Read the full tutorial here on my blog: nimble-needles.com/tutorials/...
My ultimate knitting glossary: nimble-needles.com/tutorials/...
How to read charts: nimble-needles.com/tutorials/...
Reading knitting patterns is an essential skill for every beginner once you want to progress past your first scarf in garter stitch. It might seem daunting but it's actually much easier than you think. The biggest problem is probably the many abbreviations. But a good knitting glossary will help you like nothing else to make sense of any pattern - even if there is no legend.
And then reading a knitting pattern boils down to understanding the few rows.
Every row has its own line and it consists of commands for the different stitches separated by commas. Sometimes numbers tell you to repeat a certain stitch multiple times, like k7 means knit 7 stitches in a row.
The second thing you might need to know is that asterisks frame a repeat. So k2,p2 means repeating to knit two stitches, and then purl two stitches until the end of a row.
And then of course, there is sizing information. To read that part of a knitting pattern, you have to know that these are typically separated by slashes. So it's like S/M/L/Xl and it says "ast on 10/15/20/25 stitches"...and you just have to focus on whatever position your size is. If are an L, then it means 20 (so the 3rd spot in this case).
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to reading a knitting pattern
1:17 How to make sense of the abbreviations
2:57 How to read a knitting pattern
10:54 Figuring out your size
11:50 Gauge
13:51 Materials for a knitting pattern
14:37 How to read charts
16:30 Common mistakes when reading a knitting pattern
Link to my second channel: / @nimbleneedlestwo
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►Subscribe to my newsletter for a free pattern & regular updates: nimble-needles.com/newsletter/ 
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🗒️ List of the patterns mentioned in this video: nimble-needles.com/patterns/10-easy-knitting-projects-for-beginners/
☕️ Support my work and buy me a cup of coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/nimbleneedlez
🧑🎓Free knitting school: nimble-needles.com/learn-to-knit-for-beginners/
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Just had a brainstorm! When knitting charts for color work- use software to print a negative image to reverse the color work pattern if you want the darks to be light and the lights to be dark! So much easier!
Norman, Your teaching ability is immaculate!! So easy to understand and so very thorough! 👍💯❤️
Took the words from my keyboard ❤️
Anything in brackets should be marked with stitch markers. A lot of time, this is where shaping happens. It also helps novice knitters keep track of stitches
very solid advice!
Dear Norman, you really care about your fellow knitters! This video is extremely helpful, thank you!
My pleasure 😊🧶
Very clear Tutorial, very helpful for all beginners. English/American vs. German patterns have slight differences (noticed it as I switched from English to German sometimes). I usually read the pattern from beginning to end to have an idea. Then I mark the size to make for me to make it easier before starting the project. If any special stitches I check it out in You Tube. You are correct, gauge is very important. What I love in your channel
yeah...german patterns can be even more cryptic...especially sweater patterns. And good tip there to check out techniques etc on youtube before you start there! thx for adding that.
You're a master, Norman. Thank you! I always learn something from your very thorough videos. (And I like your gold fountain pen, too!)
me too! and the best part..it's super inexpensive..i think it was like 15ish USD, if that!
Norman, thank you so much for your videos. I've been knitting for years but there are so many things that I've been afraid of trying. You've made things so easy to understand and you're a great teacher!
aww....thank you! exceedingly happy to hear I can help other knitters knit more complex patterns and projects :)
I've been crocheting for a few years and I've recently decided to learn how to knit so I can make this beautiful sweater. I've just found your channel and website and I'd be lost without it! Thank you for giving a complete beginner hope that one day I may share some of your prowess!
I don't know how I'd knit anything without you, really. Thank you!
Thanks! I love your patient mannerism!
You are such an excellent teacher!
This video is more than I hoped to find. My mother knit for many years and I'm hoping to learn. Thanks for putting this together
Once again, Norman, you’ve explained it all. Well worth watching to the end.
Your instructions are so thorough. I am a fan ❤
Thank you for this. Scratching out the extra size info really helped me read my pattern.
Whoa, you always come up with just the right help. Thank you so much. You are by far the best helper....
thank you for sharing this cleared up some issues i have been having with bracket repeats!!!
Brilliant teaching - your ability to communicate is exquisite. I believe your tone and inflections have much to do with this - as I've listened to others and most seem to lack that special something which you apparently have. As a new knitter I'm so happy I found you!
I just came across this !! I thank you for the instructions,. It really help alot...
Fantastic video Norman! I'm a new knitter, and I have watched a few videos just on reading patterns. You explained everything so well! Thanks so very much!
youre videos are so helpfull, thank you so much!
you are amazing at explaning ..thank you....
Another excellent podcast Norman. I started knitting at a very young age. I was innocent about needle size, type of wool and the resulting type of fabric. I attempted to knit socks without this knowledge. I was fearless in my ignorance. The first sock I knit would’ve fit a giant! My grandmother then explained to me about needle size and weight of yarn. My grandmother lived far away and wasn’t easily accessible when I had questions. I would’ve been so happy as a young inexperienced knitter to have had access to a video such as yours. Take care. I hope you’re having a wonderful day.
ah..i too must say that might knitting journey would have been much smoother if yt videos were available in the 80ies. But i am very happy that I am not in a position to help a new generation of knitters in a (hopefully) much easier way.
Thank you for such a clear explanation of how to understand the new language of a knitting pattern. When crocheting I do more following diagrams/charts so that section was most enlightening for me. I will be watching this video a few times when I get ready to do an actual pattern. I will recommend it to others in my FB groups.
Norman thank you so much for your videos! they are super understandable and helpful! the way you explain everything is absolutely amazing! You have done amazing work!
So helpful, thank you
thank you you are very informstive and clear
I love your videos!
Such a good explanation!
Thanks so much, your tutorial was great info
Excellent tutorial! Thank you so much Norman. You shed so much light on how to read patterns….really the best tutorial
Glad you enjoyed it, Bev!
thank you so much!!! knitting my first sweater with a pattern! So useful! Felt lost before
I love you so much for this video ! You helped me so much and your aesthetic is so nice
This was incredibly helpful, thank you so much!
You're so welcome!
Thank you, thank you! I've been knitting for only a few months. This tutorial is exactly what I needed and explained so many questions I didn't know I had.
very happy to hear that. For me, it is sometimes not that easy to worm myself into the mind of a beginner. So...glad I was able to answer some questions!
Thanks Norman 😊
You read my mind! Thank you so much for doing this video. I was getting so confused with different projects. You explain so well!
Hello Grimm's
Okay so I figured out I am doing combination knitting and it's okay! My stitches aren't twisted. It feels so intuitive and natural. I don't like doing it the other way now. Glad I'm learning this in the beginning. I'm doing a 2 x 2 ribbing. I did a couple basic cables earlier. I'm cruising right along. Thanks again Norman. I love your videos.
I’m so glad I found your channel! I wanted to learn how to knit and approached my grandmother for help, however she can’t help me due to heath complications.
Your explanations are easy to follow and very comprehensive, I have no doubt I can lean everything I need from you.
My end goal is to be able to knit sweaters for my family, the way my grandmother always did.
This is SO good! Thank you. Love your skills and presentation. You are gifted! Your videos are a breath of fresh air.
Wow, thank you!
I love your channel, I really love the videos!
aww..thank you Mercedes! :)
You’re the best!!! ❤️
Thank you very much ❤
Thank you for all your hard work !
Recently subscribed to your channel and am ready to knit with confidence . Thank you 🙏🏼🌹
Glad to hear that Fariba & welcome to my channel
So helpful!!!😊
Thank you for doing this!!! Perfect!
my pleasure, Judy!
Excellent instructions on how to follow a pattern.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for all your valuable information on knitting. I have been knitting awhile but still haven't tackled a graph.
It is on my bucket list..😄 I always enjoy your videos.
You are so welcome, Shirley
Thank you, Norman for another great video!! 👍
My pleasure, Roseandra!
Great video Norman. Self taught myself how to read crochet patterns ages ago. Now, thanks to you, I've got a short cut for knitting patterns. You'll save me from many headaches + frogging experiences.
Wonderful! I really hope it does.
WOW!!!!! Thank you SO much for posting this, Norman!! So easy to understand, and great detailed information...and I love your accent/voice!! Keep up the great videos!!!! 🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶
Glad it was helpful! and I will definitely keep things up
I am learning a lot from your videos thankyou
Glad to hear that, Sarah!
Lovely! Hooray! Thank you
Thank you :) Caroline.
Thank you for the review!
you are more than welcome, Gail!
Thank you, very helpful.
You're welcome, Teresa!
Thank you for making another wonderful video! You are an exceptional knitter and teacher. I like to keep my place in patterns with highlighter tape. It's repositionable with no residue, able to be written on and comes in different colors. For me, it is a wonderful tool for keeping track of where I am in a pattern. I find it on Amazon. Thank you again for helping to make a world full of wonderful knitters.
it's my pleasure, jill :) and yes, using tape or building yourself a little visor is a great idea :)
Your videos are amazing! I'm new to the knitting world and just started a first project a month ago! I was afraid to try knitting, but your videos have made it so easy to get into and now I can't put my needles down! Thank you for your expertise and I look forward to seeing more videos to learn from!
You are so welcome, Alicia. GLad I can be part of your knitting journey!
Happy New Year Norman! Great video - I’m just starting a new project so will be taking your advice on reading the whole pattern first. I am doing my first stuffed toy!
yes, for toys that is super important as you are often assembling them from multiple parts and the ends are used for sewing etc.
Thanks so much ♥️
Thanks!
Awesome! Still have a lot to learn. Been teaching myself since covid. Have made many hats. Now doing sweaters for my small dog. Wish I had paid more attention to my mother’s knitting. She made some beautiful, complicated things.
give it a bit of time and practise. She probably took a while to get to that point as well, right?
i’ve been on and off for 4 years and consistently for about 2 and i’ve never been able to get the hang of written instructions- this translates to my learning style very much- but i see a lot of cute patterns i want to try to thank you for making this!!!
happy to hear that!
Great video Norman! Great tips for beginners! My favorite is reading the whole pattern through from start to finish. I had to learn that one the hard way years ago. It’s amazing what information is in the pattern that must be read before starting the pattern! Thanks for sharing!😊🤗
yeah...let's say I should havve had done this a couple of times in the past myself, haha!
😂😂
Very very useful thank you so much 🙏🏻
You are welcome, Ernestina😊
Great explanation of gauge! And I am in love with those gold ornamental scissors 😍
heh..yah those are special, right?
Thank you so much omg
Great video love it.
Glad you enjoyed it, Marilyn!
What fantastic channels and website! I’m so glad I found you!
Awesome! Thank you! Happy to have you here, Sherry!
Hello sherry
Love him 😭
Another excellent video. I learn something every time I watch one. I have just started knitting a sweater from a Norwegian pattern. They take quite a different approach from US/UK patterns, assuming much more knowledge. A bit of trial and error but my big learning is to read and reread the instructions for a section until I'm absolutely sure what I'm supposed to be doing. Now progressing well.
yeah, those patterns can be abit...truncated ;-)
Congratulations on 50,000 subscribers!!!
Thank you...feels very surreal 😅
Very helpful I am a mediocre knitter everything I can learn helps.
Hello anna
This was so so helpful. I must have missed the video on how to read charts but im going to find it right now. Thank you!!!
Read the description. It's right there 😊
Hello metrogiany
Happy New Year 2023. Thank you for this video. The knitting world has evolved since I learned 58 years ago so I am trying to learn how to make garments using circular needles. It’s a ‘thing’ 😅! So little steps and watching your videos is encouraging. 🐨🦘👋🏻👋🏻
it sure has. even in the past decades there was a huuge leap!
Thank you
You're welcome
Grazie!!! 👍🧶
Would looove the shorts in a pdf that one could print out for easier access 🥰 great video!
Working on it!
Hi Norman,
Thank you so much for all your information in this video. I finally finished knitting my boyfriend's bulky pullover sweater I started on 12/19/21 on 01/7/22. I'm so happy it's completed since it's a late Christmas present. 😊
My next project is a men's sweater with cable stiches. I appreciate your RUclips channel so very much.
awesome. I'm sure he won't mind and I hope it fit! :)
Hello Bernice
Vielen herzlichen Dank aus den USA❤
Sehr gerne 😊
Norman can you please do a video on yarn twisting and how to avoid it? I have a terrible time with twisting when making socks. I love the more advanced knitting videos that you produce, thank you!!!!!!!
hmm... i can put it on the list but probably not very soon. I talk about it here in this video quite a bit, tho: ruclips.net/video/6gxm_Nyq0O4/видео.html
I've been binge watching your tutorials and have enjoyed them all immensely! I have a question, please. In one of your videos, you mentioned your knitting journal. Can you tell us a little more about that? I'd like to document my knitting journey, but am unsure quite how to organize it. What have you done that you'd recommend a beginner like myself would benefit from, especially years from now after (hopefully) a long knitting journey? Thank you for your time and consideration!
It's just a blank book/note pad. Nothing fancy and I just record everything in it I personally deem neccessary to recreate a pattern. I don't follow any rules and it's probably gibberish to anyone else reading it.
The whole point of it is just that you have on recourse (could be on your pc as well) where you can look up past projects.
I know from an earlier comment you said you would be posting a tutorial on lace knitting this year. I would like to request that you include how to use a life line in that tutorial as well. Thank you much.
That would definitely be part of that video. still, thank you for the suggestion :)
Thank you for including the part about stitch counts!
I’ve ran into several patterns that in their instructions include the stitch connected to a M1 or Lifted increase as part of that instruction and it confused the heck out of people all the time! Especially beginners who have never seen it that way before.
For example if you had 4 stitches and they want you to add 2 stitches.
some write it as:
K1, M1, k2, M1, k1 (6)
But others write it as
K1, M1, k1, M1 (6)
So it’s very important to read through each line to figure out how that designer handles their increases. I really wish more designers would stick with standard practices.
hm...very interesting. ...why would you include the knit stitch. confusing indeed.
Hello crystal
Thank you so much!! Could you also make one about fair isle and stranded knitting, please? ❤️
In due time 😊
You explains so well and can get nitty gritty with topics too! this channel is the only channel I need for techniques. All others are for inspiration n patterns, sorry not sorry 😅
Wow, thank you, Melissa!
Hello Melissa
Great theme ! Your cable sweater looks perfect on you, did YOU knit it ? Thanks for your knitting glossary, it is quite useful to have all the abreviations together. I really appreciated your explanation of the use of asterisk, parenthesis, brackets, italic in different circumstances, it is nice to know the standard use of these. Personally I like to hightlight my size instruction on the pattern, rather than cross the other size instruction. It helps if I knit the pattern again for someone else in another size, then I don't have to print the pattern again, I just highlight this new size with a different color.
I loved your last comment about the stitch count at the end of a row being the RESULT of the knitted stitches in that row rather than the stitch count before knitting that row, so many people make that mistake !!! Thanks again for one more great instructional video !
Hello Nicole
Thank you Norman for another excellent video and happy new year. I’ve been knitting for 70+ years and learn something new all the time. My question is ‘why do you write a chart right to left? and do you read all the rows right to left? Could you please do a video about the quality and properties of various types of yarn, ie; stretchiness, shrinkage, fluffy or tight, wool versus fibre. etc. It would help with choosing what to use if you can’t get the recommended make. Thx.
Because ypu knit from right to left, too 😎
That pen is to die for! You don't see those much nowadays.
oh really? interesting..ha..i must be an old-fashioned knitter then ^^
As a crocheter who is now knitting, reading knit patterns is very similar to the way you read crochet patterns, which is VERY helpful! You just have to get used to the different "jargon" used. :) However, charts are still a MAJOR issue for me no matter if they are crochet or knit! It's just WAY too easy for my eyes to skip rows on charts or to misunderstand the symbols used. (So far, knit symbols seem a bit easier to read, but I'm not very experienced with those just yet.) What I typically end up doing is taking the time to convert the charts into written patterns that I can follow. Sometimes this helps, but sometimes it just complicates things. However, after watching your explanations, I will trying again to use a chart in the future. :) Thanks for the explanations and the encouragement. Great video as always!
maybe this resource here on my blog will also help you a bit with charts: nimble-needles.com/tutorials/read-knitting-charts-for-beginners/
@@NimbleNeedles Thanks. I will definitely check it out. :)
I know there are subtle differences in patterns, depending on where the pattern came from. This is another reason to read the pattern thoroughly before starting.
Also, as an experienced knitter, I don't knit as many swatches as I used to, but if I'm working with an unfamiliar yarn, it's essential. For example, I'm a big fan of acrylic yarn made by a particular company, so I already know my gauge with it, depending on needle size. If I'm using acrylic yarn from a different company, I will make a swatch using the suggested needle size, because I've learned the hard way that my gauge can be off by a lot once I begin.
yes, I keep on preaching this. stick to a yarnbase. it will solve so many problems.
Very helpful video for a beginner, especially the tip of keeping track where you are in a patter. Thank you! For a side question, what is the pen you are using? I am a fountain pen nerd, and love that pen!
that is a Lamy. They used to sell them here in Germany for around 15ish USD.
Thank you for the tips!
You are very welcome 😊😊🧶
Hi Norman, I've been knitting on and off for the past 10 or so years, but your videos have really helped me get so much better these past few months. Do you know how to knit a flat circle? I've picked up crochet for the sole purpose of making a flat circle, but if there's a way to do it with knitting, I'd like to learn how!
that's fairly simple actually. you should look into "pi shawl" this will explain the process very well. Basically it boils down to for "every doubling your row count you need to double your stitch count". so row 2 8 stitches, row 4 16 stitches, row 8, 32 stitches, etc.
how does it feel to have single handedly improved my knitting by bounds in the last few weeks???
I could throw back that quesiton to you Sebastian. I mean..my channel is not about me but about you and the knitting community. So feedback like this is seriously the best I can ever get!
Hi Norman!.. I'm from Connecticut USA. I start to knitting last year I love doing it,but theres a problem for me when I like a pattern and only comes in a chart pattern I do not understand nothing for more I read feel so frustrated,I'm trying to do a hat but it's become a headache but I don't give up,but I love watching your videos you take your time to teach I feel relaxed, hope you do more video I have see all your video in RUclips...love...Wishing you a prosper 2022 in all your life. ♥️
you saw that I linked the full video on charts, right? it does take practice but once you invested a bit of time you won't want to look back!
Yes I did🥰
Hi Norman...I love this video and checked out your blog too which looks awesome!...You mentioned a PDF of knitting abreviations...I would love this so I could print it out...I don't see it on your blog...?? Thanks
It's only available on my patreon account
Is your sweater pattern available to buy? Please share the link!!
Awesome tutorial! Love your videos ❤
i did not knit this sweater. However, that's a very specific pattern from the Aran Islands (innishmore to be precise) so there should be quite some patterns around on Raverly.
(I bought it as a souvenir!)
You were mentioned in our local paper the other day in an article about yarns. I’m in a medium sized town in the state of Arkansas in the US. Thanks but another great video with loss of good info.
Wooot? Really...wow...can't believe that...🙈
@@NimbleNeedles It was a syndicated article they pulled from somewhere but I was a little too tickled to see you mentioned in print. 😄
@@EvieO1950 i am excited even reading your comment here :)
I think even Aliens would be confused by these haha.
But really this is very helpful, it's only been a day of following one of your beginner videos so hopefully I'm not jumping in too fast hah.