“If you think you are too small to make a difference,
try sleeping with a mosquito.”

― Dalai Lama

​

Hello there fellow knitter!

This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way Don McMillan loves funny charts.

​

Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain sponsored ads and affiliate links.
When you buy using them, you support our work here at The Yarnist, as we get a small commission.

​

Knitspiration

🔑 4 Keys to Master Knitting From Charts

Since we're looking at lace this week, I thought we should talk a bit about charts.

Lace knitting can be complex, with lots of yarn overs and decreases to keep track of.

One way to make managing things easier is through using charts.

Now, I know many people would prefer to get a root canal over learning to read charts.

But knitting from charts doesn't have to be hard.

In fact learning to knit from a chart is certain to make you a more fearless knitter.

Personally, I find using charts MUCH more simple than reading written patterns.

If you've never tired using a charted pattern you may be wondering where to start.

So today I'm giving you 4 simple tips you can use TODAY to practice knitting from a chart.

Key 1 - Understand the basics of reading a chart

Charts are a visual representation of your knitted fabric.

It's kind of like a map of where everything needs to be when you're done knitting.

Unfortunately there's no hidden treasure, but it will guide you to your goal.

Just like a map, all charts have the same basic elements.

These are:

• Stitch Count
• Row Count
• Right side row
• Wrong side row
• Stitch Symbol Key
• Pattern repeat (if needed)

The graphic above explains each of these items in more detail.

A chart can be simple or complex. But, it will almost always include these elements.

Key 2 - Start with simple and symmetrical

You wouldn't try teaching a kid to read using a quantum physics textbook. I'm not sure I would try reading one of those as an adult.

When you start reading you learn vocabulary and basic sentence structure.

The same goes for learning to read charts.

We want to set ourselves up for success.

That means ​baby steps​.

Even if it seems TOO easy, it's better to begin by using a simple, symmetrical pattern.

Something with only knits and purls is ideal.

A good way to practice is knitting only from the chart. Try doing it without referencing the written instructions.

Key 3 - Print out your chart

Having a physical version of your chart will be a game changer. At least to start.

Yes everything is moving digital these days, but it will be A LOT easier to keep track of your chart by printing it out.

You can make notes, highlight, and even block out rows to focus completely on your current row.

TIP: Use a sticky note to block the part you haven't knit yet.

Being able to track your progress in a physical form will help set you up for success.

And staying focused on one row at a time will keep you from getting overwhelmed.

You can be just whelmed instead.

Key 4 - Think in stitch blocks

Charts help us make things simple by giving a visual representation of your stitches.

But, it will be really cumbersome to reference every single square in your chart.

Instead you'll want to focus on sections of the row that are the same.

Ex. In row 1 of the chart above you have 4 knit stitches, 1 purl stitch, and 3 more knit stitches (in the repeat)

This is like how you actually read a sentence.

You don't read each individual word.

Often you group together words into phrases and read them all at once.

We want to do the same thing with sections of the row while knitting.

Your knitting will go smoother this way, and smooth is fast.

Conclusion

So there you have it!

I hope these tips will help you get started with knitting charts, or improve the way you approach charts going forward.

But what do you think?

Are you a chart knitter?

Why or why not?

Hit reply and let us know about your experience!

​

Announcements

Get 15% OFF your first YarnCrate Order!

The Summer of Color YarnCrate will be arriving at the end of this month, but you can get 15% OFF when you pre-order today!

Use code FIRST15 at checkout

Yes! I want my discount!

​

Fiber Finds

Daily Stitch Honeybee Lace Stitch This unique pattern uses elongated stitches to create a beautiful lace motif. ​Learn this stitch​

Book Recommendation Charts Made Simple by JC Briar This book helps you see charts differently, like the map of knitted fabric it really is. If reading charts feels like breaking a secret code, read this book first. ​Get it on Amazon​

Today's Yarn Deal All KnitPicks individual knitting needles are 25% off. Stock up for knitting season or grab a second set of your favorite size! ​Save 25% OFF Knitting Needles​

Pattern Pick Lily & Friends Ruana by Carla Cuadros This pattern celebrates the relationship between flowers and insects, by combining two stitch patterns with soft, shimmery Galileo to form a drapey hug of lace. ​Get this pattern here​

Work in Progress Wednesday What's on your needles this week? Give an update on your current project. ​Share a photo in the Yarnist Society​

​

Knits & Giggles

​

Thanks for reading!

​

Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs:

​

Look at you reading all the way to the end!

Here's a bonus video with this incredible arial footage of sheep being herded. 🤯

​

Made with 💙🖤🤍 in Tallinn, Estonia

Narva Mnt 15, Tallinn, 10120