Poll: Chart vs. Written Pattern?

[ArtLady1981]

I like using charts because I find it easier to see what the stitches are supposed to look like. I use a piece of low-tack painter's tape to highlight the row I'm currently on, and hide the rest of the chart that I don't need to see (yet). Then I can easily move the tape up the chart as I progress.

GREAT IDEA! I've been using sticky notes til they won't stick anymore! But I'm dragging out my painter's tape! I've got some of the green!

[bree]

Yes it works well. I've tried the post-it note thing but they never did stay sticky long enough. The painter's tape works well especially on laminated sheets or those plastic page protectors.

[wezyus]

Preferably charts, i converted all the written pattern into chart n knit a gauge before starting any works

[KnittingNat]

Definitely charts, it's easier for me to visualize the pattern and to memorize it. I recently converted written instructions for a lace scarf to chart, so i can understand how the pattern looks.

[gingerbread]

It took me a long time to figure out the charts. I love lace knitting and so it was learn how to, reading written out on lace is long and I would lose my place. I use magnets on a cookie sheet to read my charts now.

[Knit4Pie]

I can work from both, but prefer written. Some patterns however (a very few) I have even chucked the written instructions in favor of the chart. If there's only a chart, I'll generally write it out before starting.

I invested in the chart keeper from KnitPicks, so when I do use a chart, I just move the magnet up each line. Very easy and won't move or fall off unless I drop the whole thing (which happens sometimes with a 5-year-old and a cat).

[GinnyG]

I cannot use charts, because of my vision. When I was younger, I did a lot of cross stitch using charts, but can't do them anymore because I can't see them well. That's why I switched to knitting. I had never knit a stitch until I couldn't read my cross stitch charts anymore.
Occasionally, I have had to do a bit of knitted chartwork, but it was so taxing on my eyes. I had to use a magnifying glass, reading glasses and very bright light. Not a fun thing to do at all.

Sandy, I have terrible eyesight, wear bifocals and always struggle to see small things. I blow up my charts on the copier or if there are alot of them I take them to kinkos and have them enlarged. Then I color code them and it's actually easier to see than written directions.

Ohhh, just read back and see that someone already suggested that. I guess it's just a personal preferance.

Painters tape!!!!!!!!!! Brilliant idea! I actually have some charts laminated, ones that I know I'll use again or charts for lengthy projects. I have used sticky notes which stick great but painters tape is a GREAT idea!

[ArtLady1981]

Staples and Office Depot sell 9"x12" 'laminating sheets' by the 50 sheet box. You can laminate an entire 8x11 sheet, or cut it into smaller pieces and laminate a recipe card! Whatever! I use them all the time. I 'laminated' my husband's RWT retirement card. He wanted it preserved for his wallet!

I especially use them to laminate charts and 'keys' that I use a lot.

Yeah, the painter's tape would be perfect to use on a laminated chart!

This pack of 50 'self seal' laminating sheets was not expensive, about $24. That's about 48 cents per sheet. It beats the fee for regular hot laminating at a print counter! Plus, it's convenient.



Here are some of the spare half sheets I use for little stuff:


My first box/packet was AVERY brand. This new packet is GBC. It all works the same. It's good thing to have around!

OFFICE DEPOT: Avery & GBC brands for sale!

[rachejm]

I like charts. I tend to get lost in written instructions if there are a lot of stitches, I like charts that I can cross off so I know where I am. It was a little intimidating when I started using them because I did get confused but now that I know roughly what I'm doing I'll take the chart over the written instructions.

[Anarfea]

Charts!!!

I didn't know there were charted patterns when I was a beginner, and the first time I knit a lace scarf there were written out instructions and I was having so much difficulty visualizing what I was supposed to be doing I got out some graph paper and read the pattern through making a chart with all of my own symbols.

And you know what? I intuitively did it right to left and left out the wrong side rows (stockinette lace) and thought I was so clever. Of course I eventually discovered that other people already had invented charts, but I still sometimes "re-chart" things in excell to add colors, etc--also to add more repeats to see how the pattern looks on top of itself.