What does an asterisk mean in a knitting pattern?
Knitting patterns can sometimes be filled with symbols and abbreviations that can be confusing for beginners. One of the most common symbols you’ll encounter is the asterisk (). Understanding what an asterisk means in a knitting pattern is essential for following instructions accurately and completing your project successfully. In this article, we’ll explore the role of the asterisk in knitting patterns and how to interpret it correctly.
The asterisk is often used to denote a repeated section of the pattern. This is particularly useful for patterns that have a repetitive sequence, such as cables, lace, or colorwork. When you see an asterisk in a knitting pattern, it indicates that the following instructions should be repeated a certain number of times until the end of the row or round.
For example, a pattern might read: “Row 1: K3, P1, K2, rep from to end.” This means that you should knit three stitches, then purl one, knit two, and repeat this sequence until you reach the end of the row. The asterisk here indicates that the sequence “P1, K2” should be repeated throughout the row.
It’s important to note that the asterisk may also be followed by a number, which indicates how many times the repeated section should be repeated. For instance, “Row 2: K2, K4, P2, rep from 3 times, K2.” In this case, the “K4, P2” sequence should be repeated three times before the row ends.
In addition to indicating repeated sections, the asterisk can also be used to denote a starting point for a pattern. When you see an asterisk at the beginning of a row or round, it means that you should start working on the pattern from that point. This is particularly helpful when a pattern has a specific starting point or when you need to begin a new section of the pattern.
To summarize, the asterisk in a knitting pattern serves as a crucial tool for understanding repeated sections and starting points. By recognizing the role of the asterisk and following the indicated repetitions, you’ll be able to navigate complex patterns with ease and create beautiful knitted projects.
