How to Choose a Knitting Pattern

As a beginner you need to choose a knitting pattern very carefully. Although it is relatively easy to learn to knit, your first few projects need to be something simple or you will find yourself getting frustrated (and probably annoyed) to the point that you just give up.

Most patterns published these days have a rating system which allows you to select a pattern suitable for your level of experience.

Skill Levels for Knitting

Most of the rating systems consist of a rating from one to four, with one being for beginners and four being patterns only for experienced knitters.

The rating for each pattern in a pattern book has a graphic at the top of the page. The graphic will either bars, balls of wool or stars.

The number of bars or balls of wool that are dark indicates the rating for that particular pattern.

Beginner Rating

A pattern with this rating is suitable for a first time knitter.

Generally there is very little shaping in the garment and the knitting only uses basic stitches like stocking stitch or garter stitch.

Easy Rating

These patterns also predominately use basic stitches but they may inculde simple repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes and a bit more shaping than patterns with the beginner rating.

Intermediate Rating

Intermediate projects offer the knitter a bit more variety and may include basic cables, lace stitch patterns or simple intarsia.

You might need to learn how to use double pointed needles for knitting in the round. These patterns usually require you to do some mid-level shaping and finishing.

Experienced Rating

Patterns for experienced knitters are not for the faint hearted!

They generally use more advanced knitting techniques, like fair isle, complex arans, true lace patterns and numerous colour changes.

You can also expect complex shaping and finishing to make these garments.