How to Use the Pattern Reader
The Pattern Reader extracts key information from knitting patterns automatically. Paste in any pattern text and it pulls out the gauge, stitch counts, shaping instructions, and abbreviations — ready to use with the gauge calculator.
Step by Step
- 1
Open the Pattern Reader tab
Find Pattern Reader in the tab navigation below the main calculator. Click on it to open the Pattern Reader interface.
- 2
Paste your pattern
Copy your pattern from a PDF, website, or document and paste it into the input field. Include as much of the pattern as possible for better results.
- 3
Analyze the pattern
Click the "Analyze Pattern" button to begin processing. This extracts gauge information, identifies sections, detects abbreviations, and calculates stitch counts.
- 4
Review the results
The results show gauge information (stitches and rows per 4 inches/10 cm), pattern structure sections, abbreviations with interactive tooltips, stitch count calculations, and shaping instructions organized by type.
- 5
Apply to the calculator
Take the gauge information from the Pattern Reader and use it in the main calculator to adjust the pattern to your personal gauge. The stitch count information can help you track your progress through the pattern.
What the Pattern Reader does
- Extracts gauge information — automatically detects stitch and row counts per 4 inches/10 cm
- Calculates stitch counts — finds cast-on counts and computes final stitch counts
- Identifies shaping — detects increase/decrease instructions and neckline shaping
- Explains abbreviations — provides hover tooltips with detailed explanations
Pro tips
- Hover over abbreviations to see detailed descriptions and instructions.
- The stitch count calculation shows you how increases and decreases affect your total stitch count.
- More complete patterns yield better results — include the full pattern when possible.
Next steps
Once the reader has pulled out the pattern's gauge, compare it with your own swatch. If the two don't match, here's what to do — and the gauge calculator tutorial shows how to convert the numbers.