How to Choose the Right Knitting Pattern

(so you actually finish what you start)

Getting the right knitting pattern matters more than most people think.

Fun fact, I recently spent weeks trying to find the perfect pattern for an idea I had. I went through Google, different websites, multiple options… and in the end, I found it on a completely random site I hadn’t even planned to look at.

Sometimes finding the right pattern is a bit of a slog.

At The Wool Shop, we try to make that easier.

We have a wide range of printed patterns across all styles and skill levels, and we also work with Ravelry, which means we can help you find patterns, purchase them, and even print them for you in store.

But even with all that…

Patterns are everywhere.

And that’s where people get stuck.

The thing most people get wrong

The pattern is what makes the yarn shine.

And the biggest mistake I see?

Choosing a pattern based on the photo.

I get it. I’m visual too.

But the photo isn’t the pattern.

Behind that image is:

• a construction
• a yarn choice
• a skill level
• and a whole lot of decisions

If you only fall in love with the picture, you can end up choosing something that doesn’t actually suit you.

Another big one is skill level.

I don’t believe beginners should only ever do beginner patterns.

But there’s a difference between:

• a stretch
• and something that overwhelms you

And if you’re juggling real life, not just knitting full time, that matters.

The third mistake?

Trying to force a pattern to fit a yarn.

It’s much easier to:

• find a pattern you love
• understand what it needs
• then find a yarn (or similar pattern) that actually fits

That’s exactly what I did with the pattern I spent six weeks searching for.

Where people actually find knitting patterns

Finding patterns is not always as easy as people think.

People come into the shop with:

• screenshots
• half descriptions
• vague ideas

And expect us to find it.

Which we often can… but it’s not always straightforward.

Patterns come from everywhere:

• Ravelry
• yarn stores
• books
• designers’ websites
• Instagram, TikTok, Etsy

And while that sounds great…

…it also makes it harder.

My honest take

Ravelry is amazing.

But it’s not always easy to search.

That’s why I often use AI or Google first to:

• find the pattern
• identify the designer
• then track it properly

Social media can actually be incredibly helpful here too.

Printed patterns are another story.

Some are clear and beautifully written.

Others assume you already know what you’re doing.

Which is why people get stuck.

This is where yarn stores help.

If you buy a pattern from us, we’ve usually seen it, and we can help you understand it.

That makes a huge difference.

How we help you choose the right pattern

When someone comes into the shop, I don’t start with the pattern.

I start with questions.

Things like:

• What level of knitter are you?
• How confident are you?
• Do you knit in the round or flat?
• Circular needles or straight needles?

Then we go deeper:

• What yarns do you like?
• Do you avoid finer yarns like 4 ply?
• Do you want a quick knit or a longer project?

And one of the most important:

👉 Do you want a “TV knit” or a challenge?

I’ll also ask how you learn.

• Are you happy using YouTube?
• Do you Google techniques?
• Or do you need everything explained step-by-step?

Because the goal is simple:

👉 I want you to actually finish what you start.

The biggest mistakes beginners make

There are a few I see all the time.

Not checking sizing

Not all patterns are size inclusive.

It’s frustrating, but it’s true.

Choosing the wrong yarn

Trying to force a pattern to fit a yarn rarely works.

It’s usually easier to match them properly from the start.

Choosing based on the photo

Some patterns look incredible in photos.

That doesn’t mean they’re right for you.

Following outdated advice

You don’t have to start on straight needles.

You don’t have to follow rigid rules.

You can learn the way that works for you.

Beginner vs Intermediate vs Advanced

(and why those labels don’t always help)

I don’t rely heavily on those labels.

Because they don’t tell the full story.

If you want a structured path, I highly recommend PetiteKnit.

Her patterns build skills in a really logical way.

But you don’t have to follow a set path.

What matters more is this:

👉 How many new skills are in the pattern?

My general rule?

About a 20% stretch.

Enough to learn something new.

Not so much that it becomes overwhelming.

Because you can be advanced in one thing…

…and a complete beginner in another.

A quick note for beginners

If you’re starting out, avoid very fine needles.

Not because you can’t do it.

But because it slows everything down.

Starting with:

• DK
• Aran
• or thicker

means:

• you can see your stitches
• it’s easier to handle
• and you get quicker progress

And that momentum matters.

How to read a knitting pattern (properly)

Before you start…

Read the whole pattern.

Read it all first

Note anything you don’t understand.

Highlight anything important.

Don’t assume you’ll “figure it out later”.

Highlight your size

Go through the pattern and mark every number for your size.

This avoids mistakes later.

Measure properly

Check:

• your measurements
• the finished garment size

They are not always the same.

Understand abbreviations

Look them up.

Write them down.

Make sure you know what you’re doing before you start.

Watch for repeats

Patterns use:

• brackets
• asterisks
• repeats

Treat them like maths.

Write them out if needed.

Use tools

Use:

• notes
• stitch markers
• paper

Make it easier on yourself.

Let’s talk about gauge

I used to skip it.

Now I don’t.

Why it matters

Gauge determines fit.

Not needle size.

What I do

• knit a small test
• adjust needles if needed
• then do a proper swatch
• and block it

The truth

It’s better to fix a small square…

than ruin a whole project.

Frequently asked questions about knitting patterns

What is the easiest knitting pattern for beginners?

Not always a scarf.

I often recommend something like the Sophie Scarf by PetiteKnit because it teaches skills while staying interesting.

Can I use a different yarn than the pattern?

Yes.

Just focus on:

• gauge
• weight
• fibre behaviour

How do I know how much yarn I need?

Look at metreage, not balls.

Where can I buy knitting patterns in New Zealand?

• yarn stores
• Ravelry
• designers’ sites
• books

We can help you find and print them too.

Are printed or digital patterns better?

Personal preference.

Most people still print digital ones anyway.

Do I have to follow a pattern exactly?

No.

Patterns are a guide.

Why doesn’t mine look like the photo?

Usually:

• gauge
• yarn
• or tension

What if I don’t understand a pattern?

Read it again.

Break it down.

Ask for help.

Final thought

A pattern is not just instructions.

It’s the foundation of something you’re going to spend hours creating.

So choose one that fits:

• your skill
• your yarn
• your life

And you’ll enjoy the whole process a lot more.