Use graph paper for placing pattern sequences, motifs or designs. You need to find knitting graph paper, which has rectangular divisions instead of squares, because stitches are not square (the width is more than the height). In fact, although there are many fine variations, the ratio is approximately three stitches to four rows, and this applies to most knitting stitches. Garter stitch is the main exception, as one row lies behind another, and this means that to match the same length, nearly twice the number of rows have to be knitted.

Knitting graph paper is usually an eight by ten grid, instead of ten by ten. I have found pages of blank knitting graphs in some knitting books. These are a wonderful source.

If you use normal square graph paper, the numbers will still be correct, and what you knit will be right, but unless you adjust the design the motif will look short and squat (see here).

22.

A magnetic board with magnetized strips is a wonderful help if you are following a complicated pattern. Slip the board under the pattern page, and place the strips under and above the section you are working. Move the strips as you progress. This is also useful if you are embroidering or knitting a design from a graph. My tip is to work from the bottom of the graph and place the metal strip above the row that you are working. This will allow to locate where you are, as you can see what you have done on the previous row.

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