One of the things that I think stops people from learning color knitting techniques is the requirement to read knitting charts. But the truth is, following charts -- especially basic color knitting charts, especially if you're knitting in the round -- is really easy and shouldn't be a deterrent at all from knitting exactly what you want to knit.
The first step in making your own knitting chart. © Sarah E. White.Another problem some knitters may have is that they want to add a specific motif to something but they just can't find the right pattern out there on the web or in any of the color knitting books they might have. But it's really not that difficult to make your own knitting charts for stranded knitting or intarsia, even if you don't have a lot of artistic skill.
I like the challenge of making my own charts, and sometimes it's absolutely necessary to do so. For instance, I get questions all the time about charts for various licensed images or characters, like Elmo, or the logo for an NFL team, for example, but those sorts of charts simply aren't available -- and if they are, they're probably a violation of copyright. But if you make your own chart for your own use, it's fine to knit a sweater with Elmo on the front or an afghan bedecked with the Giants logo (or the Patriots, or whoever).
So how do you physically make a chart? You can either use graph paper, which I how I do my "first draft," or you can use one of a number of computer programs that include knitting symbols to put into your chart. (I've reviewed a free on, Jacque's Knitting Chart Maker, but there are paid options as well.)
Have you even made your own knitting charts? I'd love to hear about your experience!
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