Craft Blog

With all the choices of knitting needles sizes, how do you know the size Metric, US or Canadian to go with? Each pattern you use and each gauge you need to come up with comes from different yarns and needles.

The knitting needle or knitting pin is a long stick or rod, used to make knitted articles. The needle is what is used to snag the yarn through the stitch. The simplest design of the knitting needle is smooth, and long enough to reach through the stitch.

Knitting needles come in all shapes and sizes. They also usually come in pairs. The oldest known knitting needles, still very much in use, are double-pointed needles.

Straight needles are narrowed nearly to a point at one end and capped at the other with a knob or head (like the head of a straight pin), and are used almost exclusively for knitting flat two-dimensional fabrics like rectangles and squares.

They are generally used to form tubular fabrics such as socks and the bodies or sleeves of sweaters. As the name implies, double-pointed needles are tapered at both ends nearly to points. They are normally used in sets of four or five.

Typical 21st century double-pointed needles range from about 4 to 15 inches in length. Shorter needles are used for knitting socks and the fingers of gloves. Longer needles are used for nearly all other work, including sweaters, shawls and blankets.

Both tubular and flat knitting is also done on circular needles, today consisting of two pointed needles joined together by a flexible wire or length of nylon. Some manufacturers sell the two needles and the joining length of nylon separately.

Knitting needles are often selected for color. This color should be different from the color you are choosing to knit with, length, size and number. Choosing the right needle will be detrimentatl to the success of your knittting project.

To no surprise the needles differ in manufacturers that are supposed to use the same size, though they may have different diameters. If you have to change a needle in the middle of your project, compare the actual diameter.

Single point needles size from the range 0000 to 50, the smaller of the numbers represent the thinner of the needles.

Double-pointed needles aremade in even inch lengths of “5, 6”, 7” 10” and 14”. The size of double-pointed needles varies with the material from which the needles are made. Plastic needles range from 1-10 from fine to thick. In contrast the steel double-pointed needles are made from 18-8 with the highest number being the thinnest needle. For aluminum needles it can go either way.

Circular needles consist of two flexable needles that are connected with a flexable cord.
The solid needles are made of bamboo, wood or metal. The sizes are the same way single point are. The smalllest sizes 0-3 are usually made of steel. The other part to the circular needles that are unique because you add in the length. This would typically be 29”, 16”, 20” 24” and 32” are also made. A commonly used size would be “15 by 29”.

Knitting Needle Sizes
METRIC SIZES (mm)    US SIZES    UK/CANADIAN
2    0    14
2.25    1    13
2.75    2    12
3    -    11
3.25    3    10
3.5    4    -
3.75    5    9
4    6    8
4.5    7    7
5    8    6
5.5    9    5
6    10    4
6.5    10 1/2    3
7    -    2
7.5    -    1
8    11    0
9    13    0
10    15    0
12    17    -
16    19    -
19    35    -
25    50    -

Knitting is hot! Moreover, I am not talking grandma wrapped up in the blanket she knitting. Knitting styles and knitters themselves are hotter than ever!

Anyone from you and I to actresses like, Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Madonna, Uma Thurman, Tracy Ulman, Dakota Fanning, Daryl Hanna, not to mention the actors, yes actors that knit, Russell Crow, Antonio Banderas, Tony Hawk and Rupert Elliot, has been rumored knitting. Ssshh, those guys are still big and hot!

That is no surprise with all the extreme styles, glamour and class of the patterns. Not only that, but the overall peace of mind knitting brings to our lives. It really is no wonder that actors and actresses enjoy the same hobbies the hot grandmas do.

Imagine wearing a 1970 slinky, sexy vintage gown. Hot coral beauty will make you feel like you are a movie star. This option is available for knitting, and or wearing to the Academy Awards. Well at least to your family party. You will be the talk for weeks.

Next, think about an Elegant, sleek 1960’s saucy red knit gown with a gorgeous open knit collar and a trim at the wrists.  It is form fitting, and looks stunning on.

From silk knitted blouses, to knitting t-shirts and jumpers. With all these styles available, looking like a movie star is no problem.

Even Soap Opera Stars are getting into it all. The "All My Children" soap opera star Rebecca Budig has increased the knitting popularity. She visited Barbara Walter’s hugely successful daytime talk show "The View" to give the all-female hosts a knitting lesson. Two of AMC’s most popular stars, Finola Hughes (Anna) and Josh Duhamel (Leo), came out sporting the hand-made knitted gifts from Budig. Budig showed her varied soap opera audience, which ranges from adolescent girls to adult women and even to men, that knitting is a cool hobby.

There is nothing hotter than watching a 6 foot 4 man knitting. Currently, many movie stars, athletes, and other men prominent in the media are knitters.  They cite the rhythmic, relaxing nature of knitting as well as the creative outlet. They use knitting to distract them at times for when their wives are driving, or when her favorite talk show is on and it is sharing time.

When you get a chance take a look at the Collinette line of patterns “Colinette Rock Gods & Movie Stars”. They are to die for! The glamorous styles are HOT! These patterns will make you look like a movie star. They are relatively simple to create and the patterns only cost less than $10.00.

The Rowan Pure Wool Collection also has some amazing looks. These looks range from elegant to contemporary. I love the look of the Sinead. These patterns are around $6.00.

The RYC Classic (Rowan) Knitting Patterns have a fun look that can go from play in the sun to play in the snow. They also carry patterns for the little feet people who need to be warm and stylish at the same time.

Several surveys have been taken to find out what the new hot trends are, and knitting is at the top. The number of knitters is higher than it has been in years. This includes all ages, from children, to teens, and adults. So, jump in and join with your fellow knitters. Make something HOT with knitting.

The options for style and knitting are endless. Knitting is a great hobby to relieve stress and make people look good. Why not have the best of both worlds.

So, you are making that fuzzy, warm sweater for your loved one for the winter. You have heard about knitting in the round so you will not have seams to tie off and you will always see the front of your work. However, how do you do it? Let us explore that a bit.

Knitting in the round is one of the fastest ways to knit. It will get rid of the seams, and you will be able to see the front side of your work all the time. This makes some of the more difficult techniques used easier.

The most important thing to look at is the needle you want to use. There are a couple different kinds. Here are a few examples on what you can use.

•    Larger garment-24” circular needle

•    X-Large garments-29 or 32” circular needle

•    In addition, you can purchase the double needles. Use the same distinction on the needle sizes, when choosing the needle.

This type of needle will create a tube. Originally, circular knitting was done with 4 or 5 double pointed needles. Thank goodness that the newer technology allows for the use of 1 or 2 needles.

There are machines that specifically do circular knitting. They create these tubes for socks etc.

Knitting using a circular needle is rather simple. Here are some steps to follow. Try it; it really is simpler than it may sound.

1.    Choose a circular needle that is appropriate for the project you are knitting. You do not want bunching up or having the ends not meet.

2.    Cast on the required number of stitches. It is important to mark the beginning of the round. You can use a stitch marker, circle of yarn etc.

3.    Make sure all the bottoms of the cast-on stitches are facing the same direction, downwards. This may be the trickiest part of the circular knitting. Because the cast on stitches want to rotate to the needle cable.

4.    Before you join the stitches, run your hand around and orient the stitches so that the loops are up. GET this right, or you will have to take it apart and start over.

5.    "Joining" is just a fancy way of telling you to attach the first and last stitch you cast on so that you will be knitting an uninterrupted tube.

6.    Stick the right needle into the first cast-on stitch on the left needle. Knit a stitch; pull the yarn after the first stitch or two, to keep up the tension.

7.    Continue to knit around; making sure the right needle always goes first. Then one round is complete and you continue around.
A couple hints that will help with the finished project are:

•     Use a long-tail cast on; make sure you make the slipknot so that the knot gets tighter when you pull on the tail rather than the working yarn.

•    Also you can cast on one more stitch than called for in your pattern; when joining, slip the extra stitch from the right-hand needle onto the left-hand needle and knit them together

There you have it. See it was not that painful. If you are trying to make a garment from a sewing pattern, generally a rather fitted one, there is no doubt that it is easier to knit flat pieces to specs and sew them together later.

Are you ready to meet other knitters like you? Get ready for the camaraderie and support for your knitting projects by joining knitting groups that you need.

Knitting groups are people who gather to knit or crochet. It is that simple. There is rarely a charge, no pressure and no hassle. Just an opportunity to get together and enjoy the hobby you love. You can join groups through your church, with co-workers, once-a-month meetings or just pals.

Knitting groups are tons of fun, great conversation and tons of laughter. Some knit-along are just generally people who love to knit. Others work to get minds that think alike to share ideas and stories.

The group will be a place to make friends, show off your work and get some friendly advice. Some groups that started like this are:

•    Modern Yarn
•    Iowa Chicks Knitting
•    Knitlist Guild
•    Be Still N Knit
•    The Knitting Nook
•    Crochet Knit and More

Among hundreds of other groups that gather at home, online or in classes.

A great place to get with other knitters and learn new ideas about starting your own knitting group is the Yarn Crafters Network. The web site for the Yarn Crafters Network provides detailed steps on setting up your own knitting group.

Another group you should join is the Knitting Guild Association. They offer exciting classes, fashion shows, vendor markets, and special events. They have pretty much any event to fancy the knitting guru.

You could also join the Knitting and Crochet Guild of America. They also provide classes, shows, and markets. The Knitting & Crochet Guild is a registered national educational charity supported by subscriptions and donations and administered by volunteers. The Knitting and Crochet Guild of America was established in 1978 to preserve and nurture the skills of knitting and crochet and to conserve what is a major part of our cultural and craft heritage.

There are many groups in your hometown that you can join also. Those groups will likely have smaller groups or classes they offer. Some of those may be, beginners groups, kids groups, new mothers groups, and specialty knitting, felting, or crochet groups.

Another type of group that would be fun and beneficial to you and the community is the knitting for a cause group. Many groups are set up to help the homeless, disabled or needy children. Therefore, if you feel up to brightening someone else’s day and want to help, there are groups through your churches or community programs.

You can look for knitting group, like on yahoo groups, in Google, or just on the Internet in general.

There are knitting groups for specific ages, genders and religions. For example, there is the teen knitting club, Chill Out and Knit. This is a great way to get yourself or your teen involved in a hobby that will be a lifelong joy and skill.
There are knitting guilds that are triggered to specific areas of knitting. Those would be like:

•    The Cultured Pearls of McHenry County

•    Wool Works Knitting Guild

•    In the Round Knitting Group

The main thing is to join a group or guild that promotes knitting through meetings, workshops, and yearly knitting activities. The fees should be free, or very small. They may have newsletters and shows that you can show off your work. It will be more fun that you think. Get together with other knitters and build some gifts for a lifetime.

Joining a knitting group is a fantastic way to add joy and friendship to your knitting hobby. You can do this on the Internet through Yahoo groups.

Yahoo groups have provided a way for knitters who do not have a ton of time to go out to a group to join a group and spend time with other knitters from home. There are many groups available to join. Here is a list of a few of them. Listed on Yahoo are the name, a bit of the group information and their welcome to you. Take the time to read them and find one that suites your fancy.

Knitting Groups on Yahoo

 Knittyreader     48666 Members, Archives: Membership required     For readers of Knitty magazine…all the latest Knitty news, updates and goodies! Join us and you will never miss another Knitty thing.

Socknitters     11002 Members, Archives: Membership required     This is a list for anyone interested in knitting socks by hand. This is a place where we can share photos, ideas, tips, stories or just chat about the art of sock knitting.

Knitlist     9934 Members, Archives: Membership required     The Knitlist exists to provide a non-commercial, worldwide forum to share knitting information in an environment of dignity and respect

Knittingnews     8771 Members, Archives: Public     KnittingNews is a monthly newsletter providing free patterns, knitting information, and training in the art of knitting. Each issue includes at least one free pattern, pattern requests, etc.

Kniftyknitterlooms     7917 Members, Archives: Membership required     WELCOME Come join others who like to knit with Knifty

Knitter looms, and share your techniques and patterns! Check out our new database on the new Knifty Knitter Oval Looms!

Knitpatterns     4925 Members, Archives: Membership required     Tired of searching for knit patterns. Have them sent weekly right to your email

TownsendSocksKnitALong     3862 Members, Archives: Membrship required     A wonderful group of fiber folks. Knitting, spinning, crochet, and tatting. FREE Sock Patterns and other types of projects too.

 Aranknit     3515 Members, Archives: Membership required     Aranknit is a list for all knitters interested in Aran and cable knitting. It is moderated by designer, author, and teacher Janet Szabo, who publishes Twists and Turns.

Knittingmachines     3496 Members, Archives: Membership required     A gathering place for knitting machine enthusiasts. We share ideas and seek solutions to knitting problems.   

MonthlyDishcloths     3379 Members, Archives: Membership required    ALL NEW MEMBERS MUST ANSWER THE QUESTIONS EMAILED TO THEM IN ORDER TO BE APPROVED.

 Are you ready to meet other knitters like you? Get ready for the camaraderie and support for your knitting projects by joining knitting groups on Yahoo.

Knitting groups are people who gather to knit or crochet. It is that simple. There is rarely a charge, no pressure and no hassle. Just an opportunity to get together and enjoy the hobby you love.

Knitting groups are tons of fun, great conversation and tons of laughter. Some knit-along are just generally people who love to knit. Others work to get minds that think alike to share ideas and stories. Some knitting groups could be for widows or knitters that have been through some difficult life experiences that use knitting and the friendship in the group to cope.

Joining a Yahoo group gives you access to:

1.    Shared message archives

2.    Photos and photo albums

3.    Group even calendars

4.    Member polls and shared links.
 
Great stories come from great groups. If you cannot find one that fits your fancy, you are only a few steps away from creating your own group. You can create your own Yahoo group and invite friends and others to be a part of your unique knitting group.

Knitting classes are available for the full spectrum of knitters from the beginner knitter to the most advanced. Classes vary in price and projects. The main thing is getting into a class that will help you get a good grasp of the project you want to make and help you learn a life long skill of knitting.

Knitting classes are fun ways to build friendships, talk about knitting and learn new things. Maybe get a new pattern that will be fun to knit.

Here is a basic run down of some pricing of knitting classes.

Beginning knitters class

•    Two 2-Hour Classes for $59  (includes needles & yarn; drinks & snacks)

•    Learn the basics: Cast-on, knit stitch, purl stitch, ribbing, changing colors, bind-off and if time allows, much more.
Advanced Beginning Knitting Class

•    Three 2-hour classes for $40

•    You can cast on, knit, purl, and bind-off and you are tired of just doing scarves or maybe you need a refresher on the techniques, this class is for you.

•    Learn exactly how to correct the gauge, increase several ways, decrease several ways and complete a project at the same time.
Knitting groups for Those Who Already Know the Basics:

•    Three 2-Hour Knitting Group Sessions for $49 or $19 per session

•    Meet other knitters and get help on your current projects. You can go whenever you need help.
Project Classes

•    These classes will teach you how to read patterns, measure gauge, how to shape pieces & how to put them together.

•    One 2-Hour class $40

There are many options available for the needs you would have for a knitting class. You can find many classes either on the Internet, your churches, recreation centers, adult education classes, fabric and knitting stores and hobby stores. You can purchase DVDs or CDROMs with the knitting class you would be looking for also if you do not want to get out.

You can also expand your knitting knowledge by reading knitting blogs that are related to the area of knitting you are trying to learn. There are many blogs sites available to help.

Here is a list of a few blogs about knitting you might want to check out.

•    Bronx Girl Knits- a blogs about knitting and whatever else is on her mind.

•    EnigLdy Knitting and Crocheting & Kitty Alexandra- a blogs about like, knitting, and crocheting.

•    Craftin4Christ – Join me in my musings. I love to crochet and knit. I have designed many things and will from time to time share the patterns with viewers.

•    Violet Knits- a blogs about knitting, crocheting and her love of yarn.

•    Tight Knit Friends – This is a message board for crochet, and knitters. Swap patterns, ask questions, show off your creations and make some friends.

In addition, you can see many free movies of other knitters on the Internet explaining their projects and the steps to do them. This is similar to going to a class, but just on a more informal basis.

Learning to knit is probably easier to do with a teacher sitting next to you. However, that is not always a possibility. You may not have a grandma, mother or other family member that can sit right by you giving your their loving knowledge. Therefore you need to find a teacher of sorts either through a class near by, online or on video.

There are many web sites on the Internet that can link you to the knitting classes that are available in your area. In your basic search engine, I like to use Google, type in knitting classes and your location. There you will see many listing for classes you can sign up for in your hometown.

Whatever way you decide to learn to knit with online classes or in your neighborhood, be patient and enjoy yourself. This is a gift of knowledge for a lifetime.

Whether your pattern calls for buttonholes and gives instructions or if it just tells you to knit a buttonhole, you may want to add some of your own creativity by trying a different type of buttonhole.

Either way, the best thing to know is how to make buttonholes and as many as you can know. Even if the pattern does give you instruction, they may be for the most basic of buttonholes; yarn over and then k2tog.  This will make a buttonhole, but there are so many choices to look at.

The way a basic buttonhole is instructed determines the look, how strong it is, and how neat it is. If you plan to use a larger button then what was on the pattern, you will need to create larger buttonholes. If you decide on a smaller button, the same will need to occur, just making smaller buttonholes.

Here are some different techniques and styles you can try for your unique buttonholes.

Buttonhole Techniques in Knitting;

•    The basic buttonhole- yarn over and then k2tog

•    Eyelet buttonhole- work desired buttonhole location, yarn over, and decrease.

•    Two-row buttonhole-this is a horizontal buttonhole, bind off an appropriate number of stitches, then cast them back on in the next row. The yarn will usually be woven and bound off stitching to reinforce.

•    Vertical buttonhole- knit to desired buttonhole location, then attaches the second yarn and begin knitting with this yarn. Knit with the two fabrics flanking the buttonhole independently. This will be until the desired length of the buttonhole. Rejoin the two flanks, drop the other yarn end and work as one.

•    One-row buttonhole-this is horizontal also, work to where you want the buttonhole to be, then slip the next stitch. Move the yarn to the back of the knitting. Slip the second stitch pass the first slipped stitch over the second, slip the next stitch, pass the second stitch over the third stitch. Repeat until the width you wanted is reached. Turn your work again. Slip the next stitch to the needle in your right hand, pass the extra cas-on stitch over the slipped stitch.

Any type of buttonhole can be strengthened and given a more neater edge appearance with embroider using the buttonhole stitch.
The buttonhole stitch are stitches that catch a loop of thread on the surface of the fabric, though the main difference is that the needle does not return to the original hole to pass back to the back of the fabric.

In the classic buttonhole stitch the needle is returned to the back of the fabric at a right angle to the original start of the thread. As a result the finished stitch ends up looking like an “L” shape. Depending on the spacing of the stitches.

To go along with buttonholes you need to know how to attach the buttons.

Sew buttons on loosely, and then wrap the thread around under the button 4-5 times. To finish, run the needle through the wraps 2-3 times and cut, do this with out a knot!

You can start with no knot also, by taking a small stitch in the fabric and another at right angles to it. This anchors the thread for sewing on the button. Remember to leave the button loose enough for the fabric that will go under it.

Thicker materials require more room for the button. There are attachments you can use to put between the button and the fabric to keep the button loose enough. You also can use a yarn needle and pull it out before wrapping.

Well, you cannot have the button without the buttonhole. Nor can you have the buttonhole withoutthe button. Therefore, now with some practice you will be able to finish your blouse, dress or sweater with both the button and the buttonhole with ease.

At first glance, knitting instructions tend to be a little intimidating. Do not let the unknown jargon of knitting abbreviations scare you away from the joy of making a beautiful project for you.

Provided here is a basic list of knitting abbreviations. Many other abbreviations can be used on patterns, with the same process in mind. However, these should cover most of what you would find on a standard knitting pattern.

Knitting Abbreviation Chart
                
Abbreviation    Definition    Abbreviation    Definition

" Or in    Inch    Pat    Pattern

()    Parentheses. As in a math problem, the instructions within the parentheses become one unit. (k,p)3x would mean to work a knit st, work a purl st, and then repeat that 3 times.    psso    Pass slipped stitch over, Transfer the next stitch from the left hand needle to the right hand needle by putting point of right hand needle from left to right, through front of next stitch on left hand needle and slip onto right hand needle.

*    (Asterisk) Repeat the instructions following the asterisk as many times as specified.    Pwise or P-wise    Purl wise, or as though to purl

beg    Beginning    rem    Remaining

CC    Contrasting Color    rep    Repeat

dec    Decrease, reduces the amount of stitches in a row and is used to shape garments    RH    Right hand

dp    Double pointed needles    Rib    Ribbing stitch, work in ribbing as established

ea    Each    rnd    Round

inc    Increase, knit or pearl twice into the same stitch    SKP    Slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass the slipped stitch over the knit st

incl    inclusive    sl    Slip, usually slip one stitch

K    Knit, the most common stitch    sl st    Slip stitch

K1b or K1-b    Knit one through back loop    sl-K    Slip stitch knit wise

Kwise or K-wise    knit wise, as though to knit    sl-P    Slip 1 stitch purl wis

LH    Left hand    sp    Space

lp    Loop    st    Stitch

M1    Make one stitch: work into back of horizontal st lying before next st to create an extra st in row    St st    Stockinet st (knit 1 row, purl 1 row)

MC    Main color    tbl    Through back loop

O    Yarn over (see also YO)    tog    Together, you place the point of the right hand needle through the next two stitches on the left hand needle from left to right.  Place yarn under right hand needle, over the top and pull the yarn through both stitches at once. Drop both stitches off the left hand needle. This makes one stitch out of two

oz    Ounce    wyib    With yarn in back

P    Purl; Place the point of your right hand needle from right to left through the front of the stitch on your left hand needle wind the wool from top to bottom under the point of the right hand needle. Pull the wool through the stitch. You now have a loop of wool on your right hand needle. Slip the stitch off the LEFT hand needle. You have now purled one stitch.    wyif    With yarn in front

P1b or P1-b    Purl one through back loop    X    Times – 3x would mean three times

p2sso    pas 2 slipped sts over    yo    Yarn over

One of the most frustrating things you may run into as a beginning knitter is trying to decipher the jargon on patterns that are filled with abbreviations. It can feel like a code you will never be able to decipher. However, this chart can help: it has many of the standard abbreviations used in knitting patterns, as well as their basic "translations." You can print this and put it next to your pattern to decipher what you will be doing.

Aran knitting is the technique that has created some of the most beautiful and warm sweaters, jumpers, and blankets ever knitted.

This technique also known as fisherman knitting comes to us from the Arran Islands. It was most popular in the fishing villages on and islands off the West Coast of Ireland, or from the Isle of Arran off the west coast of Scotland.

The Isle of Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. It is the unitary council area of North Ayshire. In the 2001 census the population was 5058.

Arran is the seventh largest scottish Island and the ninth largest island surrounding Great Britain. Arran shares it’s cultural and physical simiilarities with Hebrides, off the coast of Kintyre.

Most historians agree that far from being an ancient craft, Aran knitting was invented as recently as the early 1900s by a small group of enterprising island women, with the intention of creating garments not just for their families to wear but which could be sold as a source of income.

Historically, each family had their own particular pattern, a unique combination of stitches, which was closely guarded within clans and passed down from mother to daughter, generation to generation. These individual clan patterns have been recorded and registered with the Aran Sweater Museum on the Aran Islands.

In the beginning the jumpers were said to be knitted using unscourned wool. This wool retained it natural oils. This made the garments water-resistant. This was very beneficial to the cold and wet climate. This is also one of the main reasons the fishermen who wore them and their wives that knitted them.

There have been rumors that the traditional interpretation of the jumper had a signifacant religious meaning. The honeycomb is a symbol of the hardworking bee. The cable an intregal part of the fisherman’s daily life. It is said that it is a wish for a productive and safe journey.The diamond is a wish of success and treasure. The basket stitch represents the fisherman’s basket and a hope for a great many catch.

Long before there was any knowledge of thermal dynamics, the women there were knitting theses knobby pattern stitches into the sweaters they made for their families. We now know that trapped air spaces make for a warm garment and with reasonable care, these beautiful sweaters can last a lifetime.
You can purchase Aran knitting patterns on the internet, in your local craft or fabric store among other hobby and knitting shops.

The Aron sweaters have a certain measurement system to  make sure the garment fits as best as possible. Here is the basics that are to be looked at.

•    Hipmeasurement, 7 inches below the waist.

•    Back length

•    Sleave length

•    Underarm to hip

•    Length of Raglan

•    Wrist measurement

The designs are planned so you can add or subtract stitches from either side of the garment without altering the overall look of the pattern.

The knitting pattern combines moss stitch, cables and patterns from traditional fishermen’s sweaters, known as ganseys, to represent the sea and the mountains of Arran.

Each hand-knit garment varies slightly from the next, making them each unique but recognizable as Aran.

The Aran stitch patterns are:

Diamonds- you can fill them with almost any other pattern, making it possible to tie a garment together with a theme.
Chevrons, trees and coins- pretty much any that look like a tree.

Cables, plates and braids- 2-8 stitch cables, double twist braid, long cable, and diamond and braid which ever you like.

Backgrounds-double moss, goose berry.

These sweaters, jumpers and blankets seem to carry the most memory, thought and love in their making. Dating back since the 1900. They are also the best stitching you can use to keep your family and friends warm and comfy in the cold winter months.

Knitting has been a popular pastime for years, and many people have taken it up as a hobby. If you’re new to crocheting, chances are all of the abbreviations and terminology on the different patterns is a little confusing. However, there are a number of tips that can help you learn how to read knitting patterns.

There are two main types of patterns—written and charted.

Written stitch patterns

The written instructions give knitters row-by-row directions. These patterns are mostly abbreviations, so once you get the abbreviations down, they are easier to understand. One trick to this is to learn how to read the commas and asterisks in the patterns.

As a general rule, steps are separated by commas. So if for example the instructions read, "Slip 1 with yarn in front, k5," you would slip a stitch with the yarn on the front side of the item you’re knitting, then take the yarn to the back in order to knit 5. When asterisks are used in pattern, it indicates that whatever instructions follow are to be repeated. Asterisks usually indicate that the next stitch repeats.
 
A written stitch pattern would look something like this:

 Row 1 (right side): *K2, p2; rep from *
 Row 2 (wrong side): *P2, k2; rep from *

To the untrained eye, this can be confusing. However, when you translate it, it simply states that on the first row, you are to knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, knit 2 stitches, purl 2 more stitches up until the end of the row. On the next row, also called the wrong side, you would start by purling 2 stitches, then knitting 2 stitches, purling 2 stitches, knitting 2 stitches, and so on, repeating this sequence to the end of the row. The p stands for purl and the k for knitting, with the number afterwards indicating the number of stitches.

Charted stitch patterns

The other type of patterns is a charted stitch pattern. These charts are different in that they use a square to represent each stitch, with a symbol inside the square to indicate how to work the stitch. Each pattern is different, but you should begin reading a charted stitch pattern by first finding the key to the chart. If, for example, the first row is a right-side row, the charts begin in the bottom right-hand corner and read to the left. The second row is read from left to right.

With charts, it’s important to remember that the charts represent the pattern of the knitted fabric exactly as you’re looking at it, also referred to as the right side of the fabric. The pattern key will remind you. If the pattern you’re knitting is in the round, you can simply follow the chart without worrying about whether you have the wrong side or right side of the fabric facing.

If patterns are very confusing to you, you may want to consider taking a knitting class. These classes can be as long as a couple of months, to teach you more in-depth techniques, or they can be just a few hours. Regardless, they can help you learn how to read a knitting pattern.

As with anything else, learning how to read knitting patterns just takes patience and practice.