How to: read a pattern

Let's take a look around a typical pattern to see the type of information it contains, from equipment and how much yarn, to the stitches and making up.

If you get stuck in a pattern and start to lose heart, don't give up! Just put it to one side for a couple of days, maybe ask for some help, and you'll return to it with renewed enthusiasm.

Knitting from a pattern takes all the guesswork out of how to make a project, whether it's something new for your wardrobe or a special gift for someone else. Patterns may look daunting but they are broken down into manageable chunks, so just take your time on an initial read through to get an idea of what's involved in each one. A new pattern is the best way to add new stitches and techniques to your repertoire, as well as trying out different yarns, so to make sure a pattern is right for you, here is a simple checklist to help you decide. Can I get the yarn and equipment easily? - Don’t forget your local yarn shop for great advice or online store for easy delivery. Do I understand the pattern? - Remember you can look up abbreviations, watch videos, ask friends and even practise any tricky bits with spare yarn. When do I need to get it done by? - If time may be an issue, choose something smaller. Enjoy exploring our pattern collection, and remember, it's fine to have more than one pattern on the go at a time, in fact, it can feel quite therapeutic to have a change...