I’m curious to find out what everyone prefers. Say a pattern has both a chart AND written pattern, which would you use? Personally I find charts rather confusing and harder to follow than written. What about you?
I will pick a chart over written instruction EVERY time!
Definitely charts…I’m more of a visual learner so if I can see what I’m supposed to be doing it makes more sense than trying to follow written instruction…hence my finding KH so I could [I]see[/I] how I was supposed to be knitting…lol
CHARTS all the way!!!
Written directions are tedious, time consuming and tiresome!
Especially when a chart could have been developed in its place!
I’ve tried and tried and just can’t wrap my brain around reading a chart. I used to cross stitch so I figured charts would be a piece of cake… but not so. So I much prefer a pattern written out.
I prefer written at the moment. I’ve only used charts for the mosaic type of colourwork.
I prefer charts. There are frequently issues with written patterns, and sometimes begins to look overwhelming. Go green! Save paper! 
Charts usually take up one page, maybe two. Written instructions can take up to as many as 8 or 9 pages. (I actually saw that once. It’s not that common, though, for a pattern to take up 8 or 9 pages. ) Written instructions are SOMETIMES easier, and I do like them, but charts are definitely my preference. Plus they look cool. 
I haven’t done much that involves charts so right now I prefer written as they seem confusing to me, too. I can see the value for complicated patterns so maybe someday…
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.
I was so glad to find a craft that didn’t require charts. cloud9
Now, I get SO frustrated whenever a knitting pattern only has charted directions. I just pass it by, and move on to written patterns.
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. :help:
Sandy, I always ENLARGE my charts using my printer.
If the entire enlarged chart won’t fit onto a normal sheet of paper, I print it on two or three pieces of paper. One third on sheet #1, one third on sheet #2, and the final third on sheet #3.
Had to to that for SYLVI. Four pages.
I’ve tried that a couple times, but still get frustrated. I just wish they would offer written instructions as well, you know?
When I’m knitting, I look at my stitches as they go. Then I look up at the pattern, and have to adjust my vision to see what’s written there. I’ve discussed it with my eye doctor, and he’s tried 3 different prescriptions for me. I guess I’m just one of those people with difficult eyes. :pout:
(Must be all those years of reading piano music, typing and filing as a secretary, reading books, and doing computer work.)
I think part of my frustration is the key for the charts. It seems like every knitting pattern uses different symbols for different stitches. So, I’m having to remember the symbols as well as the stitches, on top of trying to see it. Just too much work for my little brain.
That could be very very right! :pout:
Hey Sandy! I ADORE YOUR NEW PHOTO AVATAR!!!
You are absolutely gorgeous in that fuchsia color!
Thanks for the love, Dollyce! cloud9
I’m finally getting the hang of charts. For years all patterns were text, so I’m accustomed to reading them in text - left to right. I can read charts, but only recently was able to knit from them. Practice I guess… I still like words better I think.
I definitely prefer charts. I’ll even make a chart if possible. They help me envision the pattern and helps me to memorize things. They just make sense to me. I always seem to have to reread written rows from the beginning, where with a chart I can see where I am.
And I agree–Sandy, you look MAAAHVELOUS!!
Absolutely! :yay:
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.
Charts… almost always charts. I can also see what it’s going to look like when I look at a chart, not that way with written…
And I agree you look beautiful, Sandy!
I can’t picture what it looks like either way - I have to see actual photos.
cloud9 
Y’all are gonna give me a big head.
I might have to sign up for the Mrs America pageant. :teehee: