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Dear Knitting lover,
The world around us is filled with symbols. When the traffic signal turns from green to yellow, a pamphlet does not flutter from the sky telling us how to slow down and prepare to stop. We'd never read it, or think it was meant for another driver. International signs for travelers have simplified our communications considerably by giving us simple drawings of beds, utensils and local attractions to indicate where to get what we want, without any words whatsoever.
In the same way, the trend in craft publishing is toward using symbols rather than word-for-word directions. They offer the visual learner a wonderful way of seeing on paper what the project will look like even without a photograph. The major problem is that some knitters have not learned to embrace the newfangled idea, and instead, yearn for the days and ways of the past.
A Reader's Fervent Request
Recently, a reader sent me a letter pleading that my company, DRG, stop using symbols and charts in our publications. She wanted us to return to the way knitting instructions were formerly presented, in the verbose method of writing out each direction in lines of text. Sadly, a vision problem makes it necessary for her to use a magnifying-text reader during her fiber pursuits.
I have not the heart to reply as to when I'll consider doing that: never in a million years! The use of charts and graphs is such an improvement over the line-by-line descriptions of the past that, at least for me, there is no going back.
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Visual Learning Skills
Teaching people how to knit over the years has made me realize that nearly all the hundreds of my clients classify themselves as visual learners. After all, if they had been able to read directions from a magazine or book and relay that information without assistance, why would they have needed me to interpret for them?
For those who do not speak the language of pattern design, translation can be challenging. Symbols allow knitters around the world to understand a chart without reading a word. In fact, Japanese knit patterns seldom have text at all, relying solely on the use of graphs and symbols for the entire design! World-famous designer Lily Chin has done at least one pattern in this style, with all the information needed for a sweater set done on a schematic with a key!
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 Nuts & Bolts of Chart Use
When using a chart, I suggest isolating the line you are working on from the other lines. Several methods for this work well. A magnetic board on which the chart or graph can be placed is nice. Strip magnets can then align with the rows to let you see what's happening.
A clever new product called Pattern Tamers (Patterntamers.com) is another alternative, and is especially nice since it does not require you to have one page attached to a metal board. Two magnetic pieces, contained by a beautiful ribbon, clamp on each side of the pattern page. Another option is to photocopy your pattern and use a highlighter to mark the rows as you complete them.
The method I have found most simple is to use an upside-down Post-it note placed just above the current row. This allows me to see what I have done, but not what lies ahead in the design. This way, my eyes don't dance around the whole chart, yet I can clearly see how the current line relates to the chart I have worked up to that point.
When working a chart, each square represents a stitch in a row. If working back and forth in rows, the odd-numbered rows signify the right (public) side of the work, and the even rows indicate the wrong (private) side. The odd rows begin on the right side of the chart, and the even start on the left. If the project is done in the round, all rows begin on the right-hand side. The numbers of the rows tell you which way the work is intended.
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The Key Unlocks the Code
The key is the most vital piece of information needed for symbol reading. The knitting industry has had some challenges using consistent symbols, but progress has been made in this area. Any publication which uses charts will include the key to the symbols. Open a knitting book or magazine and take a look yourself. Some keys have color codes for working with different color yarns, but most are simply black and white boxes with little bits and lines to indicate whether a stitch is a knit, purl, part of a cable, or twisted in some way.
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Bigger Is Better
Since space is at a premium in most publications, charts are usually too small for anyone over 19 years of age to read easily. I generally photocopy the charts, as well as the key, enlarge it as much as is needed, and keep the two together as I work. This saves flipping pages back to the reference every time a symbol is introduced. Several sheets of a large chart may be taped together to make an entire graph of a garment if you choose. Think how easy an intarsia pattern might be worked from such a chart!
Whether you intend to knit a complex cabled or lace-patterned project, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the updated way designers are using charts and graphs. Knitting as a craft and art is not static. It is stimulating to embrace new concepts and learn new ways to enjoy your passion!
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Free pattern
Clothing patterns for the popular 18-inch dolls are frequent requests, and they are so loved by school-age girls. Creative Knitting has published several, and today I am pleased to send you this one for a Checkerboard Pullover. Designed by Edie Eckman, this will fit Molly, Samantha or any of the American Girl dolls (Americangirl.com) which have captured the hearts of young girls. With the emphasis on historical periods rather than the latest makeup or hairstyles, these little friends have proven their value to young ladies everywhere. I hope you enjoy knitting and sharing this versatile pattern with someone you love!
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 Checkerboard Doll Pullover
Design by Edie Eckman
Practice a slip-stitch check pattern and use up some of your stash to create a little sweater for a favorite doll or bear.
Skill Level
Intermediate***
Size
Fits 18-inch doll
Finished Measurements
Chest: 14 inches
Length: 5 1/2 inches
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn: Approx. 85 yds dark green (A), 45 yds white (B), 45 yds red (C)
- Size 8 (5mm) needles or size needed to obtain gauge
- Tapestry needle
Gauge
20 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches/10cm in sl st check pat
To save time, take time to check gauge.
Pattern Notes
This may look like a Fair Isle pat, but it's really a sl st pat that uses only 1 color on each row. Colors not in use may be carried loosely up side.
Sl all sts purlwise with yarn of WS of fabric.
Pattern Stitch
Slip Stitch Check (multiple of 4 sts + 2)
Sl sts purlwise.
Row 1 (RS): With B, k1, sl 1, *k2, sl 2, rep from *, end k2, sl 1, k1.
Row 2: With B, p1, sl 1, *p2, sl 2, rep from *, end p2, sl 1, p1.
Row 3: With A, knit.
Row 4: With C, p2, *sl 2, p2, rep from * across.
Row 5: With C, k2, *sl 2, k2, rep from * across.
Row 6: With A, purl.
Rep Rows 1–6 for pat.
Back
With A, cast on 34 sts. Work in k1, p1 rib for 3 rows.
Change to pat and work even until piece measures 4 3/4 inches from beg, ending with a WS row.
Shape neck
Maintaining pat, work 11 sts, join new ball of yarn and bind off next 12 sts, work to end. Working both sides at once with separate balls of yarn, bind off 1 st at each neck edge once. (10 sts each side)
Work even until back measures 5 1/2 inches from beg. Bind off with A.
Front
Work as for back until front measures 4 inches from beg, ending with a WS row.
Shape neck
Maintaining pat, work 14 sts, join new ball of yarn and bind off next 6 sts, work to end. Working both sides at once with separate balls of yarn, work 1 row even, then [bind off 2 sts at each neck edge] twice. (10 sts remain on each side)
Work even until front measures 5 1/2 inches from beg. Bind off with A.
Sleeves
With A, cast on 30 sts. Work in k1, p1 rib for 3 rows.
Beg pat, inc 1 st each side [every 6th row] twice, working new sts into pat. (34 sts)
Work even until sleeve measures 4 1/2 inches from beg, ending with Row 2 or 5 of pat. Bind off with A.
Finishing
Sew left shoulder seam. With A, pick up and knit 44 sts around neck. Work 3 rows in k1, p1 rib. Bind off all sts. Sew right shoulder and neck seams. Sew sleeve to sides of body. Sew underarm and sleeve seams.
Copyright © August 2002 Knitting With Bits & Pieces. All rights reserved.
Click here for a printer-friendly version.
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 Reader Letters
I have just been reading about the care labels found on yarn packages; they are so very important. After lovingly knitting something, why ruin it by washing or drying it wrong? I keep a small book with the name of the item made, a label from the yarn and any other notations right in my laundry room, so there is no chance to forget. If I knit something for other people, I always include the same information, but also written instructions, especially for non-knitters. Any leftover yarn goes in the package as well, in case the recipient needs to repair it.
Jean Frost
What a good idea, Jean, to have the specific information at the point of use -- in the laundry room! Knitting journals are nice for memories and references, but to have this data close at hand is even more important!
I agree with scientific studies that conclude knitting relieves anxiety. Last winter, I had an episode of depression and didn't know it. I was knitting like a fiend; it was what got me through the day. Today I am better and knit for pleasure as well as anxiety relief.
At United Methodist Church's Southeast Jurisdiction headquarters in Lake Junaluska, N.C., a week-long retreat on spirituality is planned for a week in July. One of the topics is Contemplative Knitting. Thanks for the newsletter; it always offers something useful.
Beth Holt
It is lovely to hear that your self-prescribed fiber therapy provided relief for your troubled time. Lake Junaluska is also the site of a very popular knitting camp arranged by another knitting magazine, Beth. Knit on!
I had my own brush with knitting stars recently. I was scheduled to take a class on Bavarian Twisted Stitch at the Sow's Ear in Verona, Wis., taught by Amy Detjen. However, the class was cancelled, and I was crushed! The unlucky woman who had the misfortune to be the one to call me with this news got a tale of woe about how I've wanted to learn to do this for over 20 years and couldn't something be done? She suggested I call Amy, who lives in Wisconsin -- just call her up and ask for a private lesson. What? One can do this? This woman works with Meg Swansen and runs in the glittering knitting-with-the-famous-people world.
I called and Amy couldn't have been more kind and generous. She did agree to meet me and teach me the Bavarian Twisted Stitch. She was a riot and a regular, normal person. Even though knitters may be famous, they're still knitters first and foremost. That binds us all together, famous or not.
Ruthi
You tell a wonderful story of a generous teacher, Ruthi. Knitters are wonderful people the world around, and your experience may prompt another reader to contact a star in his or her galaxy. Amy taught a weekend seminar I attended several years ago, and shared a wealth of knowledge and humor. She has an outstanding collection of Fair Isle tube tops!
How fabulous! A blanket for a car-seat carrier! I didn't know such an item existed. I'll be making two for a friend who is having twins. She'll be so happy! Thank you, thank you!
Karen
I loved the Baby's Car Seat Blanket designed by Sue Childress because there was no fringe to mess with. The blanket was easy to knit, and 19 x 23 inches is a great size. The pattern is beautiful and easily printable. Please continue offering these blankets on your Web site.
Shirley
We are so glad you both liked the little blanket project! Many readers wrote to say they liked this pattern; we'll try to offer more of a similar size in the future.
I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful newsletters. I have been a crocheter for many years, but have just learned to knit about five years ago. I am slow at attempting many new projects. My sister-in-law, who taught me to knit, now tells me that I surpass her in attempting new things. I had to tell her that many of the ideas I get are from your newsletters. I find them very informative, and the tips are very useful. I just want to thank all of the readers who send in information. I gobble it up like a sponge. The sky's the limit!
Jean
Of all the things I love about knitting, Jean, one of the best is that you can always learn some new hint to make it better, or another technique to widen your horizons. I've read that this sort of continual learning may be the best way to stave off dementia in our later years. I'm all for that!
I was just reading your news regarding knitting being a stress reliever, and thought you might enjoy an experience that my mother had that made it into an American Medical Association journal.
During my delivery, the doctor offered her a mirror to see me being born, and my mother replied she couldn't look right then -- she was turning a heel on a sock. She had absolutely no labor pains or transition -- she just kept on going with that sock, despite the record heat wave, and without air conditioning! They cancelled the Michigan State Fair parade due to the heat in that summer of 1951!
Incidentally, she taught me to knit and crochet before I started kindergarten. Since I am left-handed and she is right, I can honestly say I don't know which is harder to learn -- I don't remember back that far!
Bonnie Santoro
Our readers will have to go a long way to top this story, Bonnie. What a woman, to knit through childbirth and feel no pain!
What is this heel enforcement stuff for socks, and where can I purchase it? I knit a lot of socks for my daughter and have never heard of it. It would sure save me from knitting so many pairs if it helps socks withstand wear and tear.
Thanks, Penny
You can purchase heel reinforcement thread at many yarn shops; some yarns are even sold with matching thread to make the heels and toes resist wear longer. Woolly nylon, sold as serger or interlock sewing-machine thread, is a great substitute and is available in many colors. The best solution is to knit socks on a much smaller needle to make a very dense fabric, especially for the heels and toes. If using a worsted-weight yarn, you can go as small as a size 3 needle to get a density strong enough to last a long time. I routinely use a size 1 needle to get 8 stitches per inch with fingering-weight yarn.
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 Knitting Find
I recently found the Lucy Neatby Knitter's Companion DVD series while roaming the aisles at The National Needlework Association's summer meeting in Columbus, Ohio. Lucy is well-known in the knitting world for her fabulous and complex designs. I was delighted to learn that through this series of instructional DVDs, a knitter can have the clearest and most helpful instruction available whenever she or he wants to view it. Knitting Essentials 1 is full of clear and basic information, and I found myself glued to the computer as she explained things which have challenged me to explain to others. The series includes Sock Techniques 1 & 2, Finesse Your Knitting 1 & 2, Knitting Gems 1 to 4, and other titles are listed on her Web site, Tradewindknits.com. I encourage you to take a look!
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