So this is a topic that has come up several times this week for me. First my friend Suz who is an avid crocheter is progressing along nicely in her adventures in knitting, even tackling a beautiful lace shawl pattern (out of some of my hand dyed lace weight yarn, which makes me all warm and fuzzy inside) and she was having some difficultly deciphering the chart in her pattern. Now thankfully we have the power of Google Wave and Blackberry Messenger and I’ve been able to help her out when she gets to a sticky spot. Then Sally, a yarnie friend and fellow Phat Fiber contributor (also super awesome gal from my hometown!) left a comment asking for some clarification on chart reading as well. So it was destined. I did a little video on some of the basic terms/symbols and the really quick version of how to read a lace chart. I plan to do one for cable charts as well. As a follow up to this video if there is any specific question having to do with lace charts that I didn’t go over in this video please leave a comment asking about them and I will do a follow up video.
Knit Tips Episode 4 – Lace Charts
Featured in the video this week:
Pattern Magnets from Slipped Stitch Studios
Mentioned knit wear designer Ysolda Teague, see her patterns here
Chart shown is from my Polaris Sock pattern.
Also a quick overview of what I went over as it pertains to lace charts:
1. Have some way to keep track of what row of the chart you are on, you can use a sticky note that can be moved up as you work the rows or pattern tamers/magnets which is what I recommend because they don’t waste trees like sticky notes do.
2. Read the key that accompanies the chart, familiarize yourself with the symbols and what they are asking you to do
3. Note whether your chart gives you directions only for the lace rows (excluding rest rows) or if the chart gives you the rest rows as well.)
4. Note how many stitches across your lace pattern is and how many rows tall it is. Be sure to note if this is a repeating lace pattern or if it’s a motif that is used only once.
5. Yarn overs (yo) are usually paired with a decrease of some kind if you are working in a pattern that is not using the yarn overs as increases (like shawls, raglan sleeves, etc.) Make sure you’re aware of what comes after (or before) the yarn over so that you work it correctly.
In addition to those things I mentioned in the video other things to consider when following a lace chart:
1. When you’re working a chart that is for a triangle or circular shawl you may have several charts that you are working and some of the directions for those charts are probably included in the pattern as well. (Example: For chart 1 work according to chart for one repeat, then work k1 (center stitch) and repeat Chart 1 again.) Triangle shawls often have a center stitch and the charts given show how to work one half of the chart, then you work the center stitch and repeat the chart again.
2. When you are first working with lace charts I would recommend knitting something that is fairly simple and doesn’t use the lace as shaping as well, an excellent example of beginner lace projects include straight scarves, simple hats or sweaters with lace inserts. My Polaris Sock pattern is an easy beginner lace pattern (if you’re comfortable knitting toe up socks) or I recommend the Abby cowl which is free from Knitty.com and features a super simple lace pattern and a tiny little chart that is a great way to get used to following a chart.
Chart knitting is probably something we’ll revisit again however so if you have more questions feel free to let me know!
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