The Wonderful World of Knitting Patterns

Knitting is a sort of cross between art and therapy. Perhaps that is why it continues to come back in vogue as such a popular hobby. The most exciting thing about knitting is that you can never possibly exhaust the list of possibilities in items to create. Knitting patterns abound - in books, pamphlets and on the internet.

The good news is that many of these knitting patterns can be purchased for a nominal price, or even obtained for free by purchasing yarn, or surfing the knitting websites. No matter what your level or experience, there are plenty of knitting patterns to choose from.

What do my Knitting Patterns Say?

Once you have chosen an item to create, and you peruse the knitting patterns for the instructions, don't be surprised if you feel slightly confused by what you see. Most knitting patterns are written in the special language of knitters, but do not despair! The language is no secret, and with a little research and practice you will be deciphering those patterns like a pro in no time.

The first step, once you have gotten the "knit one, purl one" down, is to find a knitting pattern that is labeled "beginner". This will ensure that the stitches will be basic and there will be minimal shaping and finishing involved. Once you have breezed through a few beginner knitting patterns, you will be ready to try your hand at some more complicated intermediate projects.

Before you pick up your needles to begin your piece, take a little time to read through your knitting patterns. It will first give you a list of materials required for completing the project, and a recommendation for type of yarn to use. Make sure that the yarn you select matches the gauge in the instructions by knitting a small sample piece for measuring.

While this step might seem tedious, it will save you time and stress in the long run to ensure that your finished item will be the right size. If there are any special pattern stitches that you will be doing, they might be listed next. If you are unsure of these stitches, a little practice beforehand will help you to complete your project more competently and with less frustration. Finally, you will get into the meat of your knitting patterns - a step-by-step guide on putting your knitted piece together.

Knitting patterns can seem confusing at first, but with a little bit of practice they will soon become much easier. You will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you catch on to most patterns, and how much you enjoy this creative and therapeutic hobby.