How to Read Patterns and Select Projects
When you first learn to knit, it can feel like you need to learn another language to read patterns. There are many new terms and acronyms. Thankfully there are also many online resources and local yarn stores (LYS) that are happy to share knowledge. The goal of this tutorial is to enable you to confidently select and read a knit pattern based on your skill set and interests.
First, you will learn how to search for patterns. Then you will read a well thought-out knit pattern for a shawl. Finally, you will create your own criteria that will help you select patterns that you are confident you can complete.
For this tutorial, the main example pattern is West Knit’s Boneyard shawl. It is a free pattern and you are encouraged to follow along with the tutorial and make the shawl. I recommend that you purchase a DK weight merino wool. Note, if you select a superwash wool, it is more likely that your shawl will be a little larger. Superwash tends to grow more when blocked but it is softer when against the skin.
Search for knit patterns
The most popular site to search for knit patterns is Ravelry. Ravelry has a fantastic search function with every possible filter to find just the pattern with all the attributes you want. It does require a sign up to view some content, but it is well worth it. The two main benefits when you create an account are the ability to save patterns and review projects completed by other knitters.
You will find all the most important pattern information on the pattern overview page.
Designer
Suggested yarn
Yarn weight
Needle size
Yardage
(pattern) Languages
There are also the pattern attributes, the techniques necessary to complete the project. The attribute buttons can be selected for a definition.
Even if a knitwear designer has their own website, their patterns are usually also on Ravelry.
Read a knit pattern
Patterns have two main sections, the information you need to get started and a set of instructions necessary to complete the project. It is a good idea to briefly read the entire pattern before you begin. If a pattern has incomplete information for either section, be very cautious. There are thousands of incredible patterns, both free and paid, don’t let yourself get frustrated because a pattern was not well tested.
Prepare your materials
The information to get started is incredibly important. At a minimum a good pattern will include the following.
Finished measurements.
Yarn. Always weight and sometimes recommendations of specific yarn to purchase.
Yardage. The amount of yarn you will need.
Needles. Size of the various needles you will need.
Notions. Any tools you will need to complete the project; stitch markers, darning needles, etc.
Gauge. The number of stitches per row and rows of stitches. Usually measured in 4 inch by 4 inch squire. It is incredibly important to knit a gauge swatch before making a garment.
Below is the get started section of the Boneyard Shawl pattern.
To follow along, you will want 600 yards of DK weight yarn for a shawl that is 70 inches long at its top edge. For tools, you will need circular needles US size 7 that are 40 inches long, stitches markers, and a tapestry needle. If you were to select a fingering weight yarn, you would need US size 4 needles.
Note: The square brackets are used to indicate a size difference. In this pattern the fingering weight yarn is outside the bracket and the DK weight yarn inside.
Understand bracket notations
Bracket notation is incredibly important to understand for garments. Below are two snippets from the Flax sweater pattern by Tin Can Knits that use parentheses, commas, and bold text to help the reader select the right size.
In the first snippet, you will select the sweater size you intend to make.
In the second snippet, you will select the corresponding number of cast on stitches for the size you selected.
For example, if you want to make an Adult XS you will cast on 80 stitches. The Adult XS size is in the parenthesis and is the first bold number. With that size position located, you will use the same logic every time you encounter that sizing notation.
Understand abbreviations and techniques
A good pattern will also include a table of abbreviations. Designers will use this list of abbreviations throughout their pattern for brevity. Always read the table before you start so that you are not surprised by a technique.
The table will also sometimes include definitions for techniques. It is important to read the definition carefully since some stitch techniques vary between designers. However, even if a technique varies slightly the end result will always be very similar.
Finally, many designers will include asterisk notation throughout their pattern for brevity. Asterisk are meant to indicate repeats. You will repeat the instructions in between two asterisks. For example,
Row 1: *k2,p2* to BOR
You will repeat two knit stitches and two purl stitches until you reach the beginning of round marker. In this instance, you will create 2x2 ribbing.
Follow the instructions
The instruction section is start to finish guidance on how to complete the project. A good pattern will be broken down further into smaller subsections so that it is easier to follow. All patterns should start with a recommended cast on and end with finishing techniques. Depending on the complexity of the pattern there can be 3 or more subsections.
Below is a snippet from the Boneyard Shawl pattern that starts with the preferred cast on method.
The entire cast on method for this shawl has three steps. First you will need to CO, cast on, three stitches with any cast on method. Second, you will knit seven rows total, not including the cast on stitches. Third, evenly pick up three stitches from the left edge and the three cast on stitches. When you are done, you will turn your work so that you are working the WS, wrong side.
At the beginning of the next section the pattern designer has set out two methods to complete the shawl; make increases or yarn over increases.
Well written patterns will include tips and recommendations, like the snippet above. The YO increases are a better choice for beginners.
For the YO increases you will repeat rows one and two a total of five times, and have 27 stitches total. It is incredibly important that you count your stitches before you move to the next section. This will allow you to catch mistakes early.
For row one, work on the right side; knit three stitches, yarn over, knit to the marker, slip the marker, knit one, slip the marker, yarn over, knit to the last three stitches, yarn over, knit three stitches. The marker notes the middle of the shawl.
The Boneyard Shawl pattern ends with how to bind off the live stitches and wet block.
With the simple bind off, you will knit two stitches together through the back loop then place that worked stitch back onto the left needle to be knitted together with the next stitch.
Evaluate knit patterns
Now that you have reviewed a well written pattern you can apply what you learned to when you select your next pattern. Additionally, with the following best practices, you will be able to confidently select a project.
Free vs paid
In this tutorial, you reviewed two well written free patterns. Both were released by well known designers, making them more motivated to test and edit before releasing. Generally, fee patterns will be tested and supported. These are two important benefits for new knitters. However, there are a couple other aspects that are equally important to consider.
First, review the number and status of projects in Ravelry. One way to ensure a pattern is well tested is many completed projects. Second, consider the popularity of a pattern. Popular patterns have the benefit of community support. You are more likely to be able to search the internet for advice if you get stuck if the pattern has lots of interest and has been completed by tens of thousands of knitters.
Align with your interests
The best way to ensure that you’ll complete a project, even through some challenges, is an engaging knit. An engaging knit will be different for each person and can change with your skill level, time constraints, and even mood. When you search for patterns, consider what type of techniques interest you. Do you want an easy project or something more challenging? Do you want to learn a new technique? Do you want to finish it quickly?
Another important consideration can be to evaluate which new project would complement your existing works in progress (WIPs). It can reduce the likelihood of a repetitive stress injury if your projects require different stitches or techniques. For example, you may want to work on a garter stitch scarf that is all knit stitches for a relaxing knit and then try a hat with cables for a slower more mindful project. Another way to get variety is to select projects with different needles sizes.
Preparation
Once you have selected a pattern or two of interest, always fully read the pattern and pay close attention to the overview and technique attributes. It can be frustrating to pay for a pattern that you ultimately decide not to complete, but that is better than the time investment and money spent on yarn on a project you will not complete or do not want to wear.
Fully reading the pattern will also allow you to get the necessary tools in advance so that you don’t have to pause the project later.
Conclusion
Have fun and don’t worry about mistakes! West Knits has a fantastic step-by-step video that details the entire knitting process for the Boneyard Shawl. If you want a more complicated project, try the Flax sweater. Feel free to reach out on Instagram if you have any questions.