How to read knitting patterns and follow written instructions [for beginners]

Reading knitting patterns is an essential skill for every beginner once you want to progress past your first scarf in garter stitch. It might seem daunting but it's actually much easier than you think. The biggest problem is probably the many abbreviations. But a good knitting glossary will help you like nothing else to make sense of any pattern - even if there is no legend.
And then reading a knitting pattern boils down to understanding the few rows.
Every row has its own line and it consists of commands for the different stitches separated by commas. Sometimes numbers tell you to repeat a certain stitch multiple times, like k7 means knit 7 stitches in a row.
The second thing you might need to know is that asterisks frame a repeat. So *k2,p2* means repeating to knit two stitches, and then purl two stitches until the end of a row.
And then of course, there is sizing information. To read that part of a knitting pattern, you have to know that these are typically separated by slashes. So it's like S/M/L/Xl and it says "ast on 10/15/20/25 stitches"...and you just have to focus on whatever position your size is. If are an L, then it means 20 (so the 3rd spot in this case).

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to reading a knitting pattern
1:17 How to make sense of the abbreviations
2:57 How to read a knitting pattern
10:54 Figuring out your size
11:50 Gauge
13:51 Materials for a knitting pattern
14:37 How to read charts
16:30 Common mistakes when reading a knitting pattern

[Sandrahsings]

Norman, Your teaching ability is immaculate!! So easy to understand and so very thorough! 👍💯❤️

[lenaraullo]

Very clear Tutorial, very helpful for all beginners. English/American vs. German patterns have slight differences (noticed it as I switched from English to German sometimes). I usually read the pattern from beginning to end to have an idea. Then I mark the size to make for me to make it easier before starting the project. If any special stitches I check it out in You Tube. You are correct, gauge is very important. What I love in your channel

[M]

Dear Norman, you really care about your fellow knitters! This video is extremely helpful, thank you!

[galeem]

Anything in brackets should be marked with stitch markers. A lot of time, this is where shaping happens. It also helps novice knitters keep track of stitches

[rshepherd]

You're a master, Norman. Thank you! I always learn something from your very thorough videos. (And I like your gold fountain pen, too!)

[rnpink]

Norman, thank you so much for your videos. I've been knitting for years but there are so many things that I've been afraid of trying. You've made things so easy to understand and you're a great teacher!

[bonniebozec]

Another excellent podcast Norman. I started knitting at a very young age. I was innocent about needle size, type of wool and the resulting type of fabric. I attempted to knit socks without this knowledge. I was fearless in my ignorance. The first sock I knit would’ve fit a giant! My grandmother then explained to me about needle size and weight of yarn. My grandmother lived far away and wasn’t easily accessible when I had questions. I would’ve been so happy as a young inexperienced knitter to have had access to a video such as yours. Take care. I hope you’re having a wonderful day.

[niajones]

I've been crocheting for a few years and I've recently decided to learn how to knit so I can make this beautiful sweater. I've just found your channel and website and I'd be lost without it! Thank you for giving a complete beginner hope that one day I may share some of your prowess!

[stevensonsandra]

Thank you, thank you! I've been knitting for only a few months. This tutorial is exactly what I needed and explained so many questions I didn't know I had.

[JaneHasGame]

This video is more than I hoped to find. My mother knit for many years and I'm hoping to learn. Thanks for putting this together

[promenadeable]

Brilliant teaching - your ability to communicate is exquisite. I believe your tone and inflections have much to do with this - as I've listened to others and most seem to lack that special something which you apparently have. As a new knitter I'm so happy I found you!

[YKKY]

I don't know how I'd knit anything without you, really. Thank you!

[everybodydad]

i’ve been on and off for 4 years and consistently for about 2 and i’ve never been able to get the hang of written instructions- this translates to my learning style very much- but i see a lot of cute patterns i want to try to thank you for making this!!!

[rubypickles]

Thank you for this. Scratching out the extra size info really helped me read my pattern.

[beago]

Hi Norman,
Thank you so much for all your information in this video. I finally finished knitting my boyfriend's bulky pullover sweater I started on 12/19/21 on 01/7/22. I'm so happy it's completed since it's a late Christmas present. 😊

My next project is a men's sweater with cable stiches. I appreciate your YouTube channel so very much.

[kathyd]

Awesome! Still have a lot to learn. Been teaching myself since covid. Have made many hats. Now doing sweaters for my small dog. Wish I had paid more attention to my mother’s knitting. She made some beautiful, complicated things.

[j]

This is SO good! Thank you. Love your skills and presentation. You are gifted! Your videos are a breath of fresh air.

[theastewart]

Great video Norman! Great tips for beginners! My favorite is reading the whole pattern through from start to finish. I had to learn that one the hard way years ago. It’s amazing what information is in the pattern that must be read before starting the pattern! Thanks for sharing!😊🤗

[LittleBlueJay]

I’m so glad I found your channel! I wanted to learn how to knit and approached my grandmother for help, however she can’t help me due to heath complications.

Your explanations are easy to follow and very comprehensive, I have no doubt I can lean everything I need from you.

My end goal is to be able to knit sweaters for my family, the way my grandmother always did.

[kendrallejones]

I love you so much for this video ! You helped me so much and your aesthetic is so nice