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Different machine knitting pattern formats laid side by side, showing various historical and modern notation styles used for machine knitting instructions

Comparing Machine Knitting Pattern Formats

Over the years machine knitting patterns have been published in a number of formats. Knitting from the different formats can be confusing.

Knit it Now has brought machine knitting patterns into the 21st century.

japanese notation knit it now patterns
Over the years machine knitting patterns have been published in a number of formats.
Do you have a favorite?

Vintage knitting pattern formats


Japanese Style
  • You need to translate the Japanese symbols
  • Written for ONE gauge
  • Commonly written for ONE (small) size
  • Minimal knitting instructions
  • Any knitting instructions are in Japanese

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

Updated Machine Knitting patterns from Knit it Now

With customizable, online, interactive patterns for machine knitters,
Knit it Now has brought machine knitting patterns into the 21st century

Improved machine knitting patterns from Knit it Now


  • Instead of knitting multiple swatches to match the designer's gauge, build your custom pattern with YOUR yarn and establish YOUR gauge.
  • Want great fit? Customize the size of your sweater based on your measurements.
  • Want longer sleeves? .... no problem! Need more tummy room? ... no problem!
  • Save a tree. Don't print your pattern, knit from your phone, tablet or computer
  • No abbreviations!
  • Tips and helpful knitting tutorials linked directly from the pattern.
  • Nothing to install or learn
  • Create a custom pattern with just 3 steps
Watch the short video

Visit the Pattern Library to find your next project

Tell us in the comments:

  • Do you have a favorite pattern format?

  • With any pattern do you write a "cheat sheet" to keep you on track as you knit?

Japanese Style
  • You need to translate the Japanese symbols
  • Written for ONE gauge
  • Requiring you to MATCH gauge
  • Commonly written for ONE (small) size
  • Minimal knitting instructions
  • Any knitting instructions are in Japanese
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
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2 COMMENTS
Tina B
 Dec 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
 Dec 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.

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