Quick answer: Always read the symbol key for your specific chart — symbols are not standardised. RS rows read right to left, WS rows read left to right. Each square = 1 stitch, each row of squares = 1 row.
What a chart is
A knitting chart is a grid where each square represents one stitch and each row of squares represents one row of knitting. Symbols inside each square tell you what to do. Charts show the pattern as it looks on the RS of the fabric.
How to read direction
- RS rows: read right to left
- WS rows: read left to right, but work the WS action (blank on RS = knit; on WS = purl)
- Circular knitting: all rows read right to left — always on the RS
Common symbols (check your key)
- Empty square: knit on RS, purl on WS
- Dot or dash: purl on RS, knit on WS
- Circle: usually yarn over
- / or backslash: right or left-leaning decreases
- Cable symbols: crossed lines indicating which stitches cross over
Common mistakes
- Reading all rows right to left — WS rows in flat knitting go left to right
- Using a different pattern's symbol key — symbols are NOT universal
- Forgetting that the chart shows RS appearance — WS row stitches are the reverse