The simplest tips for readings charts are, that it is a map of your knitting. You go the direction you are knitting, which is typically bottom to top and beginning right to left. Often return (purl or knit) rows are not on charts so left out (which you can tell by numbered rows on the chart, or comments that precede).
Similar to looking at a road map with north up and going south, you reverse it in your mind (or turn the map), you will just reverse direction to read the map (if every row is patterned). In other words, it is a visual "schematic" of your end result (though height and width will distort as knit stitches aren't square like the chart, but more rectangular). Often knit stitches are left blank for ease in reading, and only changes to that (such as YO's and various decreases, cables, etc.) are put on the chart. Sections of repeats can be presented in bars with borders, similar to repeats in music (if you are familiar with that). Some suggest slipping the first stitch, but I find it tends to limit ease in lace knitting when dressing/blocking, but opinions differ...a slipped edge does provide easier pick up for edgings, but I pick up from the purl bump, regardless. It is important to keep count of the stitches within your rows, and if you count is off, you need to rip or amend, which helps you catch it early. Holding your knitting up to the light regularly, is paramount to catching mistakes (as your count may be fine, but you displaced a stitch on everything, etc.). If lace knitting, you many find doing it during their peak time of the day or with a clear head works best. Sometimes we leave our pleasure crafts to late in the day for relaxation and initially, you may find you make more mistakes and charts are confusing when your mind/body is tired. A few women have joked that a glass of wine from dinner doesn't really help the situation. DPN's and small crochet hooks can help remedy a mistake a few rows down, but if much more than that, it can tend to cinch your knitting and be obvious after dressing/blocking. It all seems complicated, but a deep breath, clear head and patience, it all comes together with ease...mind over matter. Also lace knitting is much easier with pointed needles. Popular ones are Addi Lace Turbo, or Chia Goo Red Lace, but there are wood ones also, and other brands. Most find that their knitting skills really amp up, as they learn to read their knitting better, as well as the charts! HTH, Susan Reishus www.SusanReishusDesigns.com - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
