A few weeks ago I was asked if I could design and knit two baby blankets for twin boys. The only directions I had were, could each blanket have the baby's name. Luckily for me both names are short :) Dean and Adam. As these blankets contain many different knitting techniques I thought it would be a great idea to share with you - as a sort of free tutorial. Therefore every tuesday will be a knitting class, and if you subscribe (free) to this blog at the end of the course you will recieve a free knitting pattern for the completed blanket.
First week was Lesson 1, the process of chosing the design.
Week two was Lesson 2 : how to make a knitting motif chart for the boat etc
Today we have lesson 3: how to read a knitting motif chart.
Knitting charts are very useful for showing knitters what to do without explaining every single instruction in words. They are a necessity for multi-colored knitting and are often used for knitting with cables or for lace patterns. Chart knitting can be a little intimidating but once you understand it, it's really easy.
Knitting charts begin at the lower right-hand corner.
The bottom row indicates the first row of knitting, and as your work your way up, each row of the chart illustrates the next row of knitting. Instead of working each row as you see it from right to left, though, you start the second row with the first stitch on the far left side and work from left to right. Continue working from right to left, left to right, right to left from the bottom to the top of the chart. When you reach the top and knit the last row, you're done..
Color knitting charts indicate where the colors change in a pattern, while pattern charts show which stitches are made at which point in the project.
First week was Lesson 1, the process of chosing the design.
Week two was Lesson 2 : how to make a knitting motif chart for the boat etc
Today we have lesson 3: how to read a knitting motif chart.
The bottom row indicates the first row of knitting, and as your work your way up, each row of the chart illustrates the next row of knitting. Instead of working each row as you see it from right to left, though, you start the second row with the first stitch on the far left side and work from left to right. Continue working from right to left, left to right, right to left from the bottom to the top of the chart. When you reach the top and knit the last row, you're done..
Color knitting charts indicate where the colors change in a pattern, while pattern charts show which stitches are made at which point in the project.
If you're having trouble making sense of a knitting chart or keeping track of where you should be, it might help to write out the instructions in words. Some people are more visual and take to knitting from a chart very easily, while for others it is more difficult and takes some practice, but everyone can learn to knit from a chart. Just be patient, knit slowly and with time it will become easier.
Once you have your charts and you begin to understand them the next step to making the blanket is: Lesson 4 next week - to choose your yarn, colours and begin knitting.