A knitting pattern is a set of written instructions on how to construct items using knitting.
Some patterns include the entire instructions in both forms, as some knitters prefer one or the other.
Some patterns mix the forms to take advantage of the best of each. For example, a pattern's start and end may be described in text and a repeated design as a chart.
Each knitting pattern typically provides its own abbreviations and symbol keys or refers to a standard. There is no single authoritative source for knitting symbology and Knitting abbreviations, so multiple standards exist.
Both forms use the convention of sequential row numbers; a row counter is often used to keep track of progress through the pattern.
Text patterns typically provide sequential instructions to be followed and may also include helpful advice.
Chart patterns provide visual feedback on the relative position of stitches. They may be color-coded for multi-color knitting.
Individual knitting patterns, sold as leaflets, date to early 1900s.
Yarn companies give away knitting patterns to promote use of their yarn.
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