🧶 Reading Charts: Basics for Lace and Cable Charts
- Shaina Scott
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
If you're new to reading knitting charts—or just feeling a little intimidated by those grids of symbols—you’re not alone! Charts can look complicated at first glance, but once you get the hang of them, they’re a powerful tool that can actually simplify your knitting. This guide is here to help you feel more confident as you work from charted instructions, especially in patterns like the Clematis Scarf, where lace and cable stitches twist and bloom beautifully.
📊 What is a Knitting Chart?
A knitting chart is a visual map of your stitches, showing how the fabric appears from the right side. Each square represents one stitch, and the symbol in that square tells you what kind of stitch to work—knit, purl, yarn over, decrease, or cable.
Charts are read from bottom to top, just like your knitting grows, and generally:
Right Side (RS) rows are read right to left
Wrong Side (WS) rows are read left to right
Be sure to check your pattern notes, as some charts only show RS rows (with WS rows worked as established or written separately).
🧵 How to Work From a Chart
Start with the chart key – Every pattern with a chart should include a key that explains each symbol. Keep it close—it’s your best friend!
Mark your progress – Use highlighter tape, a ruler, or a magnetic board to keep track of which row you’re on.
Watch your stitch count – Lace and cable stitches often involve increases and decreases that change the number of stitches as you go.
Follow repeat brackets – If your chart has a section marked with repeat lines (often a bold box), that part will be repeated across the row. The number of repeats will depend on your size or stitch count.
💡 Lace + Cable Chart Tips
Lace symbols include yarn overs (YO), decreases like K2TOG or SSK, and sometimes more complex combinations. These are usually arranged symmetrically to create flowing or floral patterns.
Cable symbols typically look like lines that slant left or right, showing which direction the stitches twist. Sometimes, instructions in the pattern will spell these out in more detail (like "2/2/2 RPC"), especially for more involved crosses.
In the Clematis Scarf, you’ll see both lace and cables working together in a single chart. It might look elaborate at first, but after a few repeats, you’ll find the rhythm—it’s a satisfying, meditative knit.
🌿 Final Thoughts
If you’ve always relied on written instructions, switching to charts might feel like learning a new language—but it’s a skill worth developing! Charts help you visualize your knitting before it’s even on your needles and make it easier to catch mistakes early.
Don’t feel like you need to memorize every symbol or stitch right away. Keep your chart key nearby, take your time, and give yourself space to enjoy the process.
Happy chart reading—and happy knitting!
✨ Shaina
Comments