I am very excited to release two free Pattern Reading Guides – new resources for beginner knitters and crocheters. They are the help I wish I had when learning how to work with patterns during my first years of knitting and crocheting. You can grab them at the end of this post.

The Story Behind

After launching SWD at the end of 2021, I often receive questions about the information that is already written in the pattern. Questions about a particular term or what a part of the instruction or chart means. So, talking to my customers, I realized that many of them have difficulty understanding the pattern. At the end, reading a pattern it is like learning a new language.

I also realized that many people do not know how to read the charts and how charts simplify the workflow, especially if you are a skimmer (like me).

And we do not even start about the terms and sizes difference between US and UK standards that are so confusing.

The core of my designs is simplicity. And I want them to be accessible to all people, no matter what skill level they have. I want anyone who has my pattern to be able to create a beautiful design from it with ease. Thinking about how I can make it easier for beginners to work with my patterns, I came up with the idea of the pattern reading guides. Of course, you can use them to read ANY pattern, not only mine.

What is Inside Each Guide

Each guide is a 14-page e-book that has 8 sections:

• Section 1: Understanding Patterns. General introduction and the structure of a standard pattern.
• Section 2: Abbreviations & Symbols. Dedicated to each craft, with a handy cheat sheet to save or print.
• Section 3: Hooks/Needles Sizes Conversion Chart. Contains a US, UK, and metric sizes conversion chart you can save or print and use while working with any pattern.
• Section 4: US vs UK Terms. Most common stitches for each craft, with an example of how to read them in the pattern.
• Section 5: How to Read Written Instructions. Key elements with examples of what they mean in the pattern.
• Section 6: How to Read Charts. Common symbols for each craft with tips on how to read a chart if you are working flat or in the round.
• Section 7: Glossary for Beginners. Special wording (terms) in the pattern and what they mean.
• Section 8: Pro Tips & Tricks. Helpful tips on how to make working with a pattern easier and faster.

How can you get these guides?

The pattern reading guides are free, and you can grab them by signing up for the SWD newsletter here.

If you are already subscribed, please reply to the subscription confirmation email with the word GUIDE (you can also specify if you would like to get the guide for knitting or crochet patterns), and you will receive it via email.

I am very excited to be able to help you learning knitting and crocheting. Coming up with more free resources and new products to make it fun and easier.

Happy making 🙂