How to read a knitting pattern: your simple step-by-step guide

by Alison Woods January 30, 2025

How to read a knitting pattern

Whether you’re new to knitting or you’ve been knitting basic items for a while, understanding how to read a knitting pattern is an essential skill. Many patterns include abbreviations, special instructions, and detailed guidelines that can feel overwhelming at first. With a bit of practice, though, you’ll find it’s much simpler than it looks. But what is key to remember is that different pattern writers will have their own pattern writing style, that covers independent writers like myself or a large yarn and pattern supplier like Sirdar.

In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through reading a knitting pattern, covering everything from choosing the right materials to deciphering the abbreviations. By the end, you’ll be ready to pick up your needles and follow patterns with confidence.

A step-by-step guide to reading a knitting pattern

1. Choosing the right knitting pattern

Before you start deciphering the pattern itself, make sure you’ve picked one that’s suitable for your experience level. Do be aware there is no industry standard for categorising pattern skill levels so a beginner level for one brand may be different to another brand. At Knit One Kits, we categorise our kits by level, so it’s easy to find the right fit for you. Please check before making your purchase to avoid disappointment.

Here is our skill level summary
Beginner - cast on, cast off, knit stitch, purl stitch, no shaping, simple sewing up
Confident beginner - easy stitches such as rib or moss stitch, shaping a garment using simple increase and decreasing, changing colour
Intermediate - Cable stitches, using circular needles in the round, more complex shaping
Advanced - complex stitches, intarsia work, lacework
Top Tip: If you’re a beginner, stick to patterns that focus on straightforward stitches like knit (k) and purl (p). Once you’re comfortable, move on to designs that include a few extra techniques like increasing or decreasing stitches or a different stitch such as moss stitch or rib stitch. Try my beginner Rib cowl knitting kit available in 5 colours.
Top Tip 2: I always say to people when trying a new pattern to find some spare yarn and practice the stitch or technique before trying out the real thing! This can avoid disappointment and potentially spoiling yarn.

2. Understanding yarns, needles and sizing

Most knitting patterns begin by listing the yarn type/weight, recommended needle size, and any extra materials needed (like stitch markers or a cable needle).

Yarn: Pay close attention to the recommended yarn weight (e.g. double knit, aran, chunky). Choosing a yarn that matches the pattern’s suggestion helps you achieve the correct tension and size. It’s often best to use the yarn that the pattern was written for.
Needles: Patterns often suggest a specific needle size, but you can adjust if your tension is looser or tighter than the pattern indicates. If you knit tightly use the next size up and too loose you should use a smaller needle
Size and Measurements: Patterns typically provide finished measurements (e.g. width, length). These measurements help you know if the final piece will fit as intended.

If you’re in need of yarn or needles, explore our Beginner-Friendly Kits at Knit One Kits for a convenient way to get everything you need.

3. Common knitting pattern terminology

Reading a knitting pattern becomes much easier once you grasp the key terms. Below are some common words you’ll see repeated:

tension: refers to how many stitches and rows you knit per 10cm. Matching the recommended tension ensures your project turns out the right size.
rs / ws: right side / wrong side. The ‘right side’ is the front-facing portion of your piece, while the ‘wrong side’ is the back.
k / p: knit / purl. The two basic stitches in most patterns.
k2tog: knit two stitches together. A decrease method.
yo: yarn over. An increase method that creates a decorative hole.
rep: repeat instructions to duplicate a sequence of stitches or rows, usually bracketed between two asterix’s.
stocking stitch: Knit a row (right side), next row purl, continue in this manner
garter stitch: Knit every row

4. Knitting abbreviations table

Here’s a handy reference table to help you decode some of the most common abbreviations:

Abbreviation	Meaning	Explanation
st	stitch	Refers to a single loop on the needle.
sts	stitches	More than one loop on the needle.
co	cast on	Making your stitches.
k	knit	One of the main stitches, formed with the working yarn behind the right needle.
p	purl	The other main stitch, formed with the working yarn in front of the right needle.
k2tog p2tog	knit stitches two together purl two stitches together	A decrease that makes your work narrower. Put your right needle into two stitches as though to knit and treat as one stitch A decrease that makes your work narrower. Put your right needle into two stitches as though to purl and treat as one stitch
ssk	slip, slip, knit	Another decrease method, often for left-leaning shaping. Slip the next two stitches knit wise and knit together
yo	yarn over	Increases stitches and can create decorative holes. If you are on a knit row, you take the yarn from the back of the work between the needles and over the right needle and knit the next stitch. On the following row you knit this loop of yarn creating an extra stitch
rs / ws	right side / wrong side	The front-facing / back-facing side of your work.

5. Reading pattern instructions

Patterns can vary, but most follow a similar structure:

Materials List – yarn, needle sizes, and accessories required.
Tension – essential for achieving the correct size.
Instructions – step-by-step instructions for each row or round.
Finishing – cast off, weave in the ends, and block your project if necessary.

When following the instructions, keep an eye on any special stitches or repeated sections. Patterns often have sections like “Repeat Rows 2-5 until your work measures 20cm”, so be sure to take note as you go, reading the pattern prior to beginning the work does pay off!

If you’d like a pattern that’s straightforward but still interesting, why not try our [Easy Cable Hat Kit]? It’s a perfect way to practise following a pattern while creating something stylish and cosy.

6. Checking your tension

The tension (the Americans use the term gauge) section is there to help you match the designer’s knitting style, to make your project doesn’t come out too big or too small. To check tension:

Knit a small square bigger than 10cm square (often called a tension square) in the pattern’s recommended stitch.
Measure the number of stitches and rows in 10cm.
If it’s more or fewer than the pattern specifies, adjust your needle size until you match. If there are fewer your knitting is too loose so use a small needle and if there are too many stitches then use a bigger needle. Essentially the stitch size or loop is determined by the needle size.

Skipping this step can lead to a project that’s either too tight or far too loose, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right.

7. Tips for success

Highlight key sections: take a photocopy of the pattern and use a marker or pencil to highlight tricky areas or important steps in your pattern.
Keep tabs on your rows: A row counter or simple tally system helps you stay on track and avoid confusion.
Stay organised: Keep your pattern, yarn, and needles in one place. Our Project Bags are perfect for storing everything neatly.

8. Where to find knitting patterns

Knit One Kits – We have a variety of all-in-one kits that include patterns and yarn. Each pattern is written clearly so you can follow along with ease. We also sell patterns individually ideal for working through your stash.
Online pattern sites – Plenty of free and paid patterns are available, but always check the reviews or comments to ensure the instructions are well-written. Ravelry is the biggest pattern website, it’s a not for profit site where designers can sell their patterns, most often they are downloads only and some patterns are free. A note about Download patterns, sites (including Knit One Kits) will limit the number of times that you can download a pattern, be sure to save it somewhere safe on your laptop or phone.

Ready to try a pattern?

Now that you know how to read a knitting pattern, it’s time to pick one and get those needles clicking! Whether you’re making a simple cowl, a chunky jumper, or a pair of cosy socks, remember that practice is key. Each pattern you try will build your confidence and your skill set.

For a relaxing project that’s both stylish and manageable, take a look at our Beginners cowl kit. It’s an excellent choice if you’re new to knitting or simply want a comforting project that lets you focus on perfecting your pattern-reading and knitting technique.

At Knit One Kits ALL our kits are sold with a FREE printed pattern. Many of our popular patterns are available to download for a small charge from the Pattern section on our website. Note that Sirdar and Rico patterns bought singly are sent out as a printed copy and are not a download (due to licensing restrictions).

Ready, set, knit!

Learning how to read a knitting pattern opens up a world of creative possibilities. Once you’ve got the hang of the abbreviations, terminology, and structure, you’ll be all set to tackle everything from basic hats to intricate sweaters. Remember to check your tension, read carefully, and have fun experimenting.

If you’re searching for a new knitting challenge or simply need some guidance on your next project, do explore our [range of kits] at Knit One Kits. We’re here to help you enjoy the process and finish with something you can truly be proud of.