Understanding knitting charts
The basics · 8 min
How do you read a knitting chart?
A knitting chart is read one square at a time. Row direction, numbers, the repeat box and the chart key give you the information you need to keep moving.
Chart used in this tutorial
Which way do I read it?
Always start at the bottom of the chart, then work upwards one row or round at a time. When knitting flat, right-side rows are read from right to left and wrong-side rows from left to right. In the round, every round is read from right to left.
Knitting flat
Knitting in the round
The numbers show where to start
The number placement marks the beginning of the row and confirms its reading direction.
Number on the right: read from right to left.
Number on the left: read from left to right.
The box marks the pattern repeat
The boxed section is the pattern repeat. Stitches before and after the box are worked only once.
What if I have stitches left?
Do not automatically begin an incomplete repeat. Work the full repeats as instructed, then work the end stitches of the chart.
If the stitch count does not work out, check the chosen size, stitch count and previous row.
A grey or blank square
In many charts, it means “no stitch”. Skip it and move to the next square.
The chart key is always your reference.
The chart key is your friend
Symbols can vary from pattern to pattern. Keep the chart key nearby and check it before you begin.
Before you begin
- 01
Find the reading direction.
- 02
Identify the pattern repeat.
- 03
Keep the chart key nearby.
Next tutorial
How to knit an accurate gauge swatch