A knitting chart might at first glance look confusing, but they are designed to make it easier for you to follow a pattern and create something amazing with your needles.
What’s in a knitting chart?
Charts use symbols which are read using a key and these provide instructions on following a stitch pattern in a simple and more concise way. Although not standardised, the images used are easy to interpret, even without a key or legend.
According to the Knitting & Crochet Guild, only Japan has a standardised set of symbols, although most are based on what Japanese knitters use.
There are many knitting kits available with charts and plenty of advice on how to use them from suppliers like https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/knitting-kits and these are a good way to begin if you’re not familiar with them.
Common symbols include knit, purl, left leaning and right leaning and once you start using them, they’ll soon become second nature.
Charts are read from the bottom up, with the right side normally the first row of symbols. Each box containing a symbol is the stitch you must knit. If the box is blank, this is usually a standard knit stitch.
How does a chart help?
Knitting instructions can be made shorter with a chart and if you use one, it can also help you to memorise a pattern. They are a visual representation of what is being knit, and therefore shorter than full instructions. This makes them easier to work with as you are not constantly having to look down to check the pattern.
Top tips
If you’ve never used a knitting chart, start with a simple pattern such as a pair of socks or a hat, making sure to read the entire pattern before you start.