Knitting pattern

A knitting pattern is a set of written instructions on how to construct items using knitting.

Knitting pattern - Paragon Girls Cardigan Leaflet no 49

Forms

There are two basic forms of knitting patterns:

• Text patterns which use numerals and words (and usually abbreviations), and
• Chart patterns which use symbols in a chart.

Some patterns include the entire instructions in both forms, as some knitters prefer one or the other.

Some patterns mix the forms to take advantage of the best of each. For example, a pattern's start and end may be described in text and a repeated design as a chart.

Each knitting pattern typically provides its own abbreviations and symbol keys or refers to a standard. There is no single authoritative source for knitting symbology and Knitting abbreviations, so multiple standards exist.^[1][2][3]

Both forms use the convention of sequential row numbers; a row counter is often used to keep track of progress through the pattern.

Text patterns

Text pattern details can vary from a general description to detailed stitch-by-stitch instruction. Knitting abbreviations are used for brevity.

Text patterns typically provide sequential instructions to be followed and may also include helpful advice.

Chart patterns

Chart patterns use a matrix of blocks filled with letters and symbols to describe the knitted stitches, typically with one stitch per block.

Chart patterns provide visual feedback on the relative position of stitches. They may be color-coded for multi-color knitting.

Sources

The earliest known pattern book containing a knitting pattern was published in 1524.^[4] The earliest published English knitting pattern appeared in Natura Exenterata: or Nature Unbowelled, which was printed in London in 1655.^[5] Knitting books started to become more widespread in the 1800s;^[6] Jane Gaugain was an early influential author of knitting pattern books in the early 1800s.

Individual knitting patterns, sold as leaflets, date to early 1900s.^[6]

Yarn companies give away knitting patterns to promote use of their yarn.

See also

• Freeform crochet and knitting, to make a piece that is not constrained by patterns