Reading a knitting pattern means understanding abbreviations (K = knit, P = purl, YO = yarn over), size notations in parentheses, and repeat markers like asterisks. With 70% of knitters searching for patterns online, pattern literacy is the gateway skill to the craft. Whether you're following a Ravelry pattern or a custom one generated by La Maille, this guide teaches you to read any knitting pattern with confidence.
Anatomy of a Pattern
Most patterns follow a similar structure:
Header Information
Skill level: Usually Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. Be honest about where you are.
Finished measurements: The size of the completed garment. Critical for choosing the right size.
Materials needed: Yarn (with yardage), needle sizes, notions like stitch markers or cable needles.
Gauge: The number of stitches and rows per inch that the pattern is designed for. The most important number in the whole pattern.
The Instructions
Cast on: How many stitches to start with and often which method to use.
Body sections: Step-by-step instructions for each part of the garment.
Finishing: How to assemble pieces, add edgings, and complete the project.
Supporting Materials
Abbreviations list: What each shorthand term means.
Schematic: A diagram showing finished measurements.
Charts: Visual representations of stitch patterns.
Essential Abbreviations
These appear in almost every pattern:
K = Knit P = Purl St(s) = Stitch(es) Rep = Repeat RS = Right side (the front/public side) WS = Wrong side (the back/inside)
CO = Cast on BO = Bind off (also called "cast off")
Inc = Increase Dec = Decrease
K2tog = Knit 2 together (a right-leaning decrease) SSK = Slip, slip, knit (a left-leaning decrease) M1 = Make 1 (an increase) YO = Yarn over (creates a hole, often used in lace)
PM = Place marker SM = Slip marker
Rnd = Round (when knitting in circular) Row = Row (when knitting flat)
Reading Pattern Instructions
Parentheses ( )
Usually indicate size variations or repetitions.
Sizes: "Cast on 80 (90, 100, 110) stitches" means cast on 80 for the smallest size, 90 for the next, and so on.
Tip: Circle or highlight your size throughout the pattern before you start.
Brackets [ ]
Usually indicate a sequence to repeat.
"[K2, P2] 4 times" means you work K2, P2, then repeat that sequence three more times (for 4 total repetitions).
Asterisks *
Mark the beginning of a repeat section.
"K1, P1, repeat from to end" means you K1, P1, then go back to the * and repeat K1, P1 across the entire row.
"At the same time"
This phrase means you need to do two things simultaneously — like continuing a pattern while also starting shaping. Read ahead before you start so you're not surprised.
Understanding Shaping Instructions
Shaping creates the curves and angles in your garment. Common shaping language:
"Decrease 1 stitch at each end of needle": Work a decrease near the beginning and another near the end of the row.
"Decrease every RS row 5 times": On the next right-side row, decrease. Work the WS row normally. Decrease on the next RS row. Continue until you've decreased on 5 RS rows total.
"At the same time, decrease at neck edge every other row": While continuing whatever else the pattern says, also work decreases at the neck.
Reading Charts
Charts are visual representations of stitch patterns. Each square represents one stitch.
Reading direction:
- RS rows: Read right to left
- WS rows: Read left to right
- In the round: Always read right to left
Symbols: Each pattern defines its symbols. A blank square usually means "knit on RS, purl on WS." A dot often means "purl on RS, knit on WS."
Charts seem intimidating but often become easier than written instructions once you're used to them — you can see the pattern taking shape.
The Importance of Gauge
Gauge is listed as something like: "20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch."
This means if you knit the way the designer did, with the same yarn and needles, you'll get exactly that many stitches in a 4-inch square.
If your gauge doesn't match:
- More stitches per inch = Your fabric is tighter, your finished piece will be smaller
- Fewer stitches per inch = Your fabric is looser, your finished piece will be larger
Always make a gauge swatch before starting. Change needle sizes until your gauge matches, or accept that your finished measurements will differ.
Working Through a Pattern Section
Let's decode a real example:
"Row 1 (RS): K3, P2, K2, rep from to last 5 sts, P2, K3. Row 2 (WS): P3, K2, P2, rep from to last 5 sts, K2, P3."
Breaking it down:
Row 1 (a right-side row): 1. Knit 3 stitches 2. Purl 2, knit 2 3. Repeat the purl 2, knit 2 until 5 stitches remain 4. Purl 2, knit 3
Row 2 (a wrong-side row): 1. Purl 3 stitches 2. Knit 2, purl 2 3. Repeat until 5 stitches remain 4. Knit 2, purl 3
This creates a ribbed fabric with 3-stitch borders.
When You're Confused
Re-read slowly: Pattern language is precise. Every word matters.
Count your stitches: If the numbers don't work out, you may have misread something.
Look for errata: Many patterns have published corrections. Check the designer's website or Ravelry.
Check Ravelry notes: Other knitters often document confusing sections and how they solved them.
Read ahead: Understanding what comes next can clarify what you're doing now.
Tips for Pattern Success
Print it out: Easier to mark up, highlight your size, and track your place.
Read the whole pattern first: No surprises. You'll understand how it all fits together.
Use a row counter: Losing track of which row you're on causes mistakes.
Take notes: Write down modifications, what worked, what didn't.
Trust the pattern (mostly): If something seems wrong, double-check before assuming error.
When Standard Patterns Don't Work
Sometimes patterns don't accommodate your measurements, or you want to recreate a sweater that doesn't have a pattern.
Tools like La Maille generate custom patterns based on your specific measurements and gauge. The instructions are written the same way — with abbreviations and row-by-row guidance — but calculated for your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do knitting abbreviations mean? K = knit, P = purl, St = stitch, Rep = repeat, RS/WS = right/wrong side, CO = cast on, BO = bind off, K2tog = knit 2 together, YO = yarn over.
What do parentheses mean in knitting patterns? Usually size variations or repeats. "CO 80 (90, 100)" = cast on 80 for small, 90 for medium, 100 for large. Circle your size throughout.
What does "repeat from to end" mean? Work the instructions between the asterisks across the entire row. Example: "K2, P2, repeat from *" = keep working K2, P2 until you reach the end.
How do I read a knitting chart? RS rows read right to left, WS rows left to right. Each square = one stitch. Symbols are defined in the pattern's chart key.
What's the most important number in a pattern? Gauge. If your stitches-per-inch doesn't match the pattern gauge, your finished measurements will be wrong regardless of following instructions perfectly.
Ready to try a pattern? Whether you're following a published design or generating a custom one with La Maille, understanding pattern language opens up the world of garment knitting.