Pattern Symbol Guide

In pattern design, various symbols play crucial roles, helping to simplify and structure the description of knitting and crocheting patterns. Below is a detailed explanation of these symbols and their usage:

Basic Symbols

1. Square Brackets []

Purpose: Represent a group of instructions that need to be executed at the same position.

Usage Examples:

[2X] - Execute 2 X stitches at the same position
[X, T, F, T, X] - Execute X, T, F, T, and X stitches in sequence at the same position

Real Example:

R4: 5([X, T, F, T, X], 3SL)

This means in Row 4, repeat 5 times: execute X, T, F, T, X stitches at the same position, followed by 3 SL stitches.

2. Parentheses ()

Purpose:

1. Mark repeated instruction groups
2. Define multiple positions in complex joining operations

Usage Examples:

5(X, V) - Repeat "X stitch followed by V stitch" 5 times
(P1R1S1-S3, P2R1) - Join stitches 1-3 from Row 1 of Pattern 1 with Row 1 of Pattern 2

Real Example:

R3: 5(2X, V)

This means in Row 3, repeat "2 X stitches followed by 1 V stitch" 5 times.

3. Curly Braces {}

Purpose: Define the content range of a sub-part or repeating block.

Usage Example:

repeat(2){
  R1: MagicRing, 5X
  R2: 5V
}

Real Example:

repeat(2){
  R1: MagicRing, 5X
  R2: 5V
  R3: 5(X, V)
}

This means repeat the content (from R1 to R3) within the curly braces 2 times.

Functional Symbols

1. Colon :

Purpose: Separate row numbers/part identifiers from specific instructions.

Usage Examples:

R1: MagicRing, 5X
P1: MainBody

2. Comma ,

Purpose: Separate different instructions or elements.

Usage Example:

R1: MagicRing, 5X, 2SL

3. Hyphen -

Purpose: Represent a range, such as row numbers or stitch positions.

Usage Examples:

R4-R10: 15X  - From Row 4 to Row 10, each row contains 15 X stitches
P1R18S7-S18  - Stitches 7 to 18 in Row 18 of Pattern 1

Special Function Commands

1. repeat(n)

Purpose: Repeat the content in the following curly braces n times.

Usage Example:

repeat(2){
  R1: MagicRing, 5X
  R2: 5V
}

2. Join:

Purpose: Used to join different parts together.

Usage Example:

Join: P2R8, P1R18S7-S18

This means join Row 8 of Pattern 2 with stitches 7 to 18 in Row 18 of Pattern 1.

Combined Usage Example

Below is a comprehensive example showing the combined use of multiple symbols:

# Five-Pointed Star
P1: 
repeat(2){
  R1: gold, MagicRing, 10X  // Using gold thread, create a magic ring with 10 X stitches
  R2: 5(X, V)               // Repeat 5 times: X stitch followed by V stitch
  R3: 5(2X, V)              // Repeat 5 times: 2 X stitches followed by V stitch
  R4: 5([X, T, F, T, X], 3SL)  // Repeat 5 times: a complex stitch group followed by 3 SL stitches
}

Join: P1.1R4, P1.2R4  // Join R4 of the first repeat block with R4 of the second repeat block

Advanced Applications

R21: 4X, 4(X, A), 3X, A, 4X, A, 3X, 4(X, A), 4X

This line demonstrates a complex nested expression: 4 X stitches, then repeat "X stitch followed by A stitch" 4 times, followed by 3 X stitches, 1 A stitch, 4 X stitches, 1 A stitch, 3 X stitches, then repeat "X stitch followed by A stitch" 4 times, and finally 4 X stitches.

Through the flexible use of these symbols, complex knitting patterns can be described concisely and precisely, enabling creators to easily express and share their designs.