If you’ve ever opened a knitting pattern, looked at the chart, and immediately decided to skip straight to the written instructions, you’re definitely not alone.
Charts can seem intimidating at first. They look like a page full of tiny symbols, and it’s easy to wonder where you’re even supposed to begin.
The good news? Once you understand how knitting charts work, they become one of the most useful tools in your knitting toolkit. Many knitters even find that they prefer charts over written instructions because they make it easier to see how a pattern develops.
Let’s take away some of the mystery together.
What Is a Knitting Chart?
A knitting chart is simply a visual representation of your knitting.
Instead of reading every stitch written out row by row, each square on the chart represents a single stitch. The symbols inside those squares tell you exactly what to do.
Think of it as a map for your knitting. Rather than reading long paragraphs of directions, you’re following a picture that gradually transforms into your finished fabric.
Why Do Designers Use Charts?
Charts make it much easier to see repeating patterns, especially when you’re knitting lace, cables, or colourwork.
You’ll often find charts used in lace, cables, textured stitch patterns, and colourwork because they make it much easier to see how the design develops. Many of my own patterns, like Through the Witch’s Garden and Beachcomber, include charts alongside written instructions, giving you the flexibility to work in the way that feels most comfortable.
Rather than reading something like:
K2, yo, ssk, k3, yo, k2tog…
…over and over again, you can simply follow the symbols across the row.
Many knitters find that this helps them recognise the pattern much more quickly and spot mistakes before they become larger problems.
That said, not everyone enjoys working from charts, and that’s perfectly okay. Whenever possible, I like to include written instructions alongside charts so you can choose whichever method feels most comfortable.
Every Square Represents One Stitch
One of the biggest “light bulb” moments when learning charts is realising that each square represents one stitch.
Some squares contain knit stitches.
Some contain purl stitches.
Others represent increases, decreases, yarn overs, or cable crossings. If you’re unfamiliar with some of these stitches, don’t worry. I have step by step tutorials for techniques like Yarn Over (YO), Knit Two Together (K2tog) and Slip Slip Knit (SSK) that you can refer to whenever you need a refresher.
The exact symbol can vary slightly between designers, which is why every well written knitting pattern includes a chart key or legend explaining what each symbol means.
Whenever you’re working from a chart, keep that key nearby.
Which Direction Do You Read?
This is probably the question I hear most often.
Right Side Rows
When you’re working a right side row on flat knitting, read the chart from right to left.
That matches the direction your stitches move across your needle.
Wrong Side Rows
When you turn your work, you’ll read the next row from left to right.
As you continue knitting flat, you’ll alternate directions every row.
Knitting in the Round
When knitting in the round, every round is worked from right to left because you’re always working from the right side of the fabric.
Once you realise this, charts become much easier to follow.
If you’re new to knitting in the round, my Magic Loop tutorial will help you get comfortable before tackling your first chart.
Start at the Bottom
Most knitting charts begin in the bottom right corner.
Think of building a house.
You wouldn’t start with the roof. You begin with the foundation and work your way upwards.
Your knitting chart works exactly the same way.
Complete one row (or round), move up to the next row, and continue until you’ve finished the chart.
Don’t Worry About Memorising Every Symbol
When you’re first learning to read charts, it’s tempting to think you need to memorise every symbol before you can begin.
You don’t.
Even experienced knitters glance at the chart key from time to time.
After you’ve worked a few charts, you’ll naturally start recognising common symbols like:
- Knit
- Purl
- Yarn Over (YO)
- Knit Two Together (K2tog)
- Slip Slip Knit (SSK)
Over time, reading charts becomes surprisingly intuitive.
Helpful Tips for Reading Charts
Here are a few things I find make chart knitting much more enjoyable.
Use a Row Tracker
A magnetic board, ruler, or even a simple sticky note placed underneath your current row can help you keep your place. If you’re working a particularly intricate lace pattern, adding a lifeline every few repeats can also give you a little extra peace of mind.
It also makes the chart feel much less overwhelming because you’re only looking at one row at a time.
Read Before You Knit
Before you begin each row, take a quick look across the chart.
Notice where increases, decreases, or repeats appear.
Spending just a few seconds understanding the row often prevents mistakes later.
Trust the Pattern
Sometimes charts can look unusual, especially in lace knitting.
Remember that the chart is showing the finished fabric, not what the knitting looks like while it’s still on your needles.
Even if something seems a little odd, trust the pattern and let the stitches develop.
What If I Make a Mistake?
Don’t panic.
Everyone loses their place occasionally, especially when they’re learning.
If something doesn’t seem right:
- Compare your knitting to the chart.
- Count your stitches.
- Check that you’re on the correct row.
- Make sure you haven’t accidentally skipped a symbol.
Taking a few minutes to check your work is much easier than trying to fix several rows later.
Final Thoughts
Learning to read knitting charts can feel a little intimidating at first, but like so many things in knitting, it becomes easier with practice.
Start with a simple chart, keep the chart key nearby, and don’t be afraid to take your time.
Before long, you’ll begin to see charts not as pages full of confusing symbols, but as helpful guides that show exactly how your knitting comes together.
And who knows? You may even find yourself reaching for the chart before the written instructions.
Happy knitting! 🧶
Put This Skill Into Practice
Reading charts becomes much easier once you’ve worked through a real project.
Here are a few patterns where you’ll have the chance to practise this technique with clear written instructions and charts working together.
Beginner
Aideen
Daisy
Snickerdoodle
Intermediate
Bruanery
Secret Garden
Penelope
Homebound
Looking for more?
Browse all charted patterns →
Keep Learning
Now that you’re feeling more comfortable reading knitting charts, you might also enjoy these knitting resources:
Knitting Tutorials Hub – Browse all of my technique tutorials in one place.
Sock Knitting Hub – Learn techniques commonly used in sock knitting, along with patterns and helpful resources.
Cowl Knitting Hub – Explore cowl patterns, tutorials, and knitting tips.
Hat Knitting Hub – Find hat patterns, technique guides, and inspiration for your next project.
Shawl Knitting Hub – Shawl patterns, lace tutorials, and resources for knitting beautiful wraps.
Mitten Knitting Hub – Mitten patterns, thumb techniques, and everything you need to knit warm hands.
Wherever your knitting journey takes you next, I hope you’ll find something that inspires your next cast on.
FAQ Section
What do knitting chart symbols mean?
Each symbol represents a specific stitch or technique. Every knitting pattern should include a chart key explaining what each symbol means.
Do I have to use knitting charts?
Not at all. Many patterns include written instructions alongside charts, allowing you to choose the format you prefer.
Are knitting charts easier than written instructions?
Many knitters find charts easier because they show how the stitches relate visually. Others prefer written instructions. Neither method is better—it comes down to personal preference.
Pattern Support
And if you’re knitting one of my patterns and get stuck, don’t forget that my Pattern Support page is always there to help.
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