Learning to knit (VII) : Reading instructions and diagrams (part 2)

    Here we are with the most difficult and interesting part of the instructions. The explanation or the diagram of the stitch used. We can find the explanation in a written way. In this case, we will find how each row is knitted, and every needed row for making the stitch will be explained. I mean, if our stitch is composed of four different rows that are repeated all along the work, how to knit those four rows will be explained, and then the sequence will be asked to be repeated.

     

    In each of the rows, how to knit each stitch will be specified. We can find the instructions with complete words.

   

    Row 1 : knit 1, purl 1, and continue this way to the end of the row

    

    But usually we will find abbreviations, because it is easier and more comfortable.

   

    Row 1: *k1, p1*

   

    Abbreviations can vary from one magazine to another or from one autor to another, but they are usually explained before the instructions begin. Some common abbreviations that we can find are:

• k for knit, p for purl 
• st for stitch 
• k2tog for knit two together, p2tog for purl two together 
• inc for increase, dec for decrease 
• CO for cast on, BO for bind off, YO for yarn over

    We can also find the stitch explained as a diagram. To read these diagrams there are some considerations to be taken into account.

• Odd rows are read from right to left. Even rows are read from left to right. If in our diagram we also have the odd rows, the even rows will be knitted in the way the instructions say. Sometimes stitches are knitted as they appear (do you remember that I have already explained this?). Some other times all the stitches are purled. 
• The fractions of the instructions, written or diagram, appearing between asterisk (or sometimes between arrows), are repeated the times needed. In a diagram, if the asterisk are present in a row, horizontally, they mean that the stitches contained between them are repeated. If the asterisks are vertically, what we have to repeat are the rows contained between them. 
• If we find white squares in the diagram AND NO OTHER THING IS SAID, it means that there is no stitch. This white squares are added to make it easier to read the diagram. If the white square is knit, for example, it will be indicated. The only exception is when we are knitting jacquard. In this case, the colour corresponding to white squares (usually white) will be indicated.

    Related to the signs used to indicate each type of stitch in the diagrams, there is no convention. Each magazine uses its own signs. Here you can see two examples of diagrams from two different magazins, with their legends, for you to see how these diagrams look like and the different symbols used by each of the magazines.

    

Diagram from the magazine "Tricotar en casa" Nº5

 

    As you can see, the symbols have nothing to do with the one in this one.

    

Diagram from the Nº114 Lanas Stop

 

    In this way, seed stitch, for example, could be found explained in these two ways:

   

    Row 1: *k1, p1*

    Row 2: *k1, p1*

    Repeat this two rows as many times as it is needed.

   

    Or with a diagram.

    

 

    And from this point, things can become as complicated as you can imagine. For example, here you are the diagrams legend from The Craft Yarn Council. They try to make them standard for their members.

    

Knit Chart Symbols

 

    In following tutorials I will explain you how to knit the different things we are going to find in the patterns. Edge stitches, yarn over, simple and double decrease…

   

    Do you have any doubts about this part?