How to Read a Knitting Pattern

How to Read a Knitting Pattern Like a Pro

Opening a knitting pattern for the first time can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming if you're not familiar with the terms and structure. If you've ever felt lost, don't worry: I'll guide you step by step on how to interpret a knitting pattern so you can enjoy the process and create a stunning project.

1. Read Before You Start

Before grabbing your needles and starting to knit, it’s essential to read through the pattern. The first few pages often contain important information about the garment type, construction method, key sections, and required materials. Think of this as reviewing a map before starting a journey.

Every pattern is designed with a clear structure to guide you step by step. Look out for key details such as:

Is it knit in the round or flat?
Is it constructed top-down or bottom-up?
Are there seams, or is it seamless?

2. Get Familiar with Abbreviations

Knitting patterns often use abbreviations to represent different stitches or techniques. For example:

k: knit
p: purl
PM: place marker

If you’re unfamiliar with an abbreviation, refer to the glossary or abbreviation section of the pattern.

3. Identify Your Size

In my patterns, sizes are numbered from 1 to 9 to help you choose based on measurements rather than conventional labels like S, M, or L. Be sure to check the size chart and compare it with your own measurements to select the correct size.

Here’s how to determine your size:

Measure your bust circumference with a tape measure.
Add the ease you’d like for your garment (refer to the recommended ease range in the pattern).
Find the finished garment measurement closest to your desired fit.

Alternatively, you can use your favorite sweater as a reference. Measure it from side to side at the bust, double that number, and choose the size that matches the final bust circumference.

4. Understand the Recommended Yarn

Before starting, it’s crucial to understand the characteristics of the recommended yarn and how they impact the final result. Key aspects to consider include yarn weight, yardage, fiber content, and the amount required for your size.

Yarn Weight: Lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, or bulky.
Yardage: How many meters or yards a skein contains based on its weight in grams.
Fiber Content: The fibers used in the yarn can affect the texture and drape of your project.

If you substitute the recommended yarn, choose one with similar yardage and fiber composition to ensure the final result aligns with the original design. Always swatch and adjust as necessary.

For example:

Yarn and Yardage: Rosários4 Príncipe Real, worsted weight (120 m / 50 g; 131 yd / 1.76 oz; 50% linen, 36% cotton, 14% silk).
Approximate yardage for short-sleeve version: 465 (520, 585, 645, 705) (770, 840, 915, 960) m [510 (570, 640, 705, 770) (840, 920, 1000, 1050) yd] or 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) (7, 7, 8, 8) skeins of Rosários4 Príncipe Real.

5. Check Your Gauge

Gauge is essential to ensure your garment matches the intended dimensions. Knit a swatch using the recommended yarn and needles. If your gauge doesn’t match the pattern, adjust your needle size accordingly.

If your swatch has more stitches than required, your tension is too tight—try larger needles.
If it has fewer stitches, your tension is too loose—try smaller needles.

If the difference is significant and adjusting needle size doesn’t help, consider whether your chosen yarn is suitable for the pattern.

6. Follow Step-by-Step Instructions

Trust the pattern—it’s designed to guide you through every stage of the project. Read each section carefully and follow the instructions in order. If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to seek help.

When instructions differ by size, only follow the numbers that correspond to your chosen size. Sizes are listed at the beginning, for example:

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9).

If the pattern says:

Cast on 93 (97, 97, 101, 105) (113, 121, 121, 121) sts using a Cable Cast-On.

And you’re knitting size 4, you’ll cast on 101 stitches.

If an instruction excludes certain sizes, it’s shown with dashes, like this:

Only sizes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9:
Knit (-, -, 4) [6, 8, 10] {10, 10, 10} rows in stockinette stitch.

7. Understand Repetitions

Instructions that need to be repeated within a row are usually enclosed in parentheses () or marked with asterisks (*). In my patterns, I use asterisks.

For example:
*k1, p3*, repeat to marker, slip marker.

This means you knit 1 stitch, purl 3 stitches, and repeat that sequence across the row until you reach the marker. Then, slip the marker and continue.

Pay close attention to these instructions—they’re often the key to achieving consistent textures or patterns.

8. Seek Support in the Knitting Community

If you’re unsure about something, remember you’re not alone. The knitting community is full of people willing to help. Knitting is a continuous learning process. The more you practice reading patterns, the more confident and enjoyable your projects will become.

I hope this guide is helpful! If you’re ready to put these tips into practice, check out the patterns in my shop and start your next project.

Do you have any questions about interpreting a pattern? Send me a message on social media or an email—I’d love to help you enjoy knitting as much as I do!