Tips

Comparing Machine Knitting Pattern Formats

Over the years machine knitting patterns have been published in a number of formats.
Do you have a favorite?

Japanese Style

Multiple Sizes

Wall of Words

Magazine Columns

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Japanese Style

Multiple Sizes

Often written for obsolete yarns
Written for one gauge - requiring you to MATCH gauge
Minimal instruction - often numbers only are provided
Multiple sizes on a diagram - highlight the desired size before you start knitting
Knitting instruction can be cryptic and machine-specific

Wall of Words

Often written for obsolete yarns
Written for one gauge - requiring you to MATCH gauge
Mulitple-sized are often included requiring highlighting to keep the numbers straight
Often typewritten, a full page of text is difficult to read and follow and they are stuffed full of cryptic abbreviations
Rarely do these patterns have diagrams, making them difficult to use

Magazine Columns

Often written for obsolete yarns
Written for one gauge - requiring you to MATCH gauge
Mulitple-sized are often included requiring highlighting to keep the numbers straight
Designed to be printed in a magazine format, knitting instructions are squeezed into newspaper column format making them difficult to read and follow. The also include cryptic abbreviations to save space.
If diagrams are provided, the numbers are tiny making them difficult to use

- Tina B
- December 28, 2022
I use knitradar, KIN-patterns, changing handknitpatterns and even DAK for different machines and plans. The Cheet-sheet may vary, but it is always nessary to make and (maybe) follow the decisions.
- Yanna O
- December 27, 2022
My "cheat sheet" is about 2-3 pages for each project I made. It looks like step-by-step instruction and includes as many details as possible. So if my first version is unsuccessful (wrong size, tension, or stitch pattern), it is easy to go back and catch the problem. It is also helpful if you want to repeat the project two-three years later.