Pattern Repeat
A pattern repeat is the smallest unit of a knitting pattern that repeats, given in number of stitches and rows, such as 'repeat these 8 stitches'.
Explanation
The pattern repeat states how many stitches (width) and rows (height) make up one complete repetition of a knitting pattern, such as a cable or colorwork motif. Patterns often state this as, for example, 'an 8-stitch repeat over 12 rows', and the total stitch count usually needs to be divisible by the repeat width for the pattern to work out evenly around the whole garment. Using stitch markers between each repeat makes it much easier to keep track of where you are in the pattern as you go.
Also known as: Repeat, rep
What a repeat is
A pattern repeat is the smallest unit of a stitch pattern that gets worked again and again. It has a width in stitches and a height in rows, and the full fabric is built by repeating that unit sideways and upwards.
Patterns express it either in text — "repeat from * to *" — or as a chart with the repeat boxed in. Either way, your stitch count has to be divisible by the repeat width, possibly plus a few edge stitches.
Making the repeat come out even
To resize a patterned garment you add or remove whole repeats, not individual stitches. Otherwise the pattern breaks partway across.
If you are one or two stitches short of a full repeat, it is often easier to adjust in the ribbing below the pattern instead, where a single increase or decrease is invisible.
Common mistakes
- Changing the stitch count without accounting for the repeat width.
- Forgetting the edge stitches that sit outside the repeat.
Keywords
- pattern repeat
- stitch repeat
- row repeat
Frequently asked questions
What do the asterisks in a pattern mean?
They mark the start and end of a section to be repeated. "Repeat from * to *" means you work the sequence between them as many times as stated, or to the end of the round.
How do I read a chart?
Bottom to top. Working in the round, read every round right to left. Working flat, read right-side rows right to left and wrong-side rows left to right.