{"id":664,"date":"2019-12-27T16:05:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-27T16:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homeincomeguides.com\/?p=664"},"modified":"2021-06-09T17:00:32","modified_gmt":"2021-06-09T17:00:32","slug":"how-to-read-knitting-patterns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homeincomeguides.com\/how-to-read-knitting-patterns\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Read Knitting Patterns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Knitting Skill Level<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patterns will generally state a knitting skill level. Most books will use 3-4 levels to help their readers determine which projects they can complete easily. While the techniques may vary from pattern to pattern or book to book, read my post about\u00a0How to Determine Your Knitting Skill Level,\u00a0as a basic guide.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"knitting<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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Knitting Needles<\/h2>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n

Knitting needles are the one of the most important tools of a knitter\u2019s craft. The pattern will tell you what size of needle you should use as well as make a recommendation for the kind (straight, dpn, round).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I use a Different Knitting Needle Size?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This will be the first time (of several) where I\u2019ll answer in this way: make sure that your gauge is correct. If your gauge isn\u2019t correct, your finished product will be too large or too small. As knitters will vary in their tension when they knit (or may substitute a yarn), there will be times where you may need to use a different needle size out of necessity in order to knit the correct gauge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As different areas of the world use different ways of sizing knitting needles, use the following table to determine if you have the right size.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/colgroup>\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
US (United States)<\/th>UK (United Kingdom)\/British<\/th>Metric<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
0<\/td>14<\/td>2mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
1<\/td>13<\/td>2.25 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
2<\/td>12<\/td>2.75 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
N\/A<\/td>11<\/td>3 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
3<\/td>10<\/td>3.25 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
4<\/td>N\/A<\/td>3.50 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
5<\/td>9<\/td>3.75 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
6<\/td>8<\/td>4 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
7<\/td>7<\/td>4.50 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
8<\/td>6<\/td>5 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
9<\/td>5<\/td>5.50 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
10<\/td>4<\/td>6 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
10.5<\/td>3<\/td>6.50 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
N\/A<\/td>2<\/td>7 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
N\/A<\/td>1<\/td>7.50 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
11<\/td>0<\/td>8 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
13<\/td>0<\/td>9 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
15<\/td>0<\/td>10 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
17<\/td>N\/A <\/td>11 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
19<\/td>N\/A<\/td>19 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n
50<\/td>N\/A<\/td>25 mm<\/td> <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

What Should You Do If Your Swatch is Too Large\/Small?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After you have knitted your swatch, block it<\/a> like you would a finished garment, then measure it. Count the number of stitches per inch\/centimeter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have too many stitches per inch\/centimeter, go up a needle size<\/strong> (or two) and knit a new swatch. Your stitches were too small. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have too few stitches, go down a needle size<\/strong>. Your stitches are too large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should You Use Wood or Metal Needles?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Generally, the material used for your needle doesn\u2019t matter. However, if you are working socks on dpn (double-pointed needles), wooden needles are more likely to prevent your stitches from slipping off. Wooden needles are also \u201cquieter\u201d than metal needles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Metal needles, on the other hand, don\u2019t catch on certain yarns as some wooden needles do. The smooth surface also allows you to knit more quickly than your wooden counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care when purchasing needles. Not all needles are created the same. Some wooden needles are more likely to split at the tips than others. Interchangeable needle kits for knitting in the round are handy, but if the connections fail or break, it can be frustrating to transfer your work. As you progress as a knitter, invest in a good-quality needle set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"yarn\"<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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Recommended Yarn<\/h2>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n

Most patterns will make a suggestion on the type of yarn to use (generally the one pictured in the pattern). It will tell you the weight and the approximate amount used.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do You Have to Use the Yarn Recommended on the Pattern?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t necessarily have to use the yarn recommended on the pattern, but there are few things you need to consider when using an alternate yarn:<\/p>\n\n\n