HOW TO READ JAPANESE KNITTING PATTERNS - A non Japanese speaker’s guide

[@CletusChan]

Thank you for watching! I hope this videos encourages some of you to explore the BEAUTIFUL world of Japanese knitting! Let me know if you’ve ever tried!

[@tadpole53]

Ok this is SO smart. Especially the 1-1-4 thing! There have been so many times I'm confused by the wording of a pattern when it comes to repeats. Like sometimes instead of saying "_ times total" or "_ more times", it'll just say "_ times". And I'm not sure if it means in total, or repeat it that many more times 😭 I also love that there's diagrams showing the whole process of the garment. If there isn't a diagram of the pieces I'm supposed to make, I'm usually super lost as to how to put them together or what they should even look like. Thank you so much for this video!

[@mizuki719]

Good job! I learned to knit in Japan 40 years ago as a child. So when I moved to Canada and picked up a knitting magazine I was overwhelmed by the amount of information in the patterns I didn’t knit for almost 10 years😆. So the hesitancy to use the other’s pattern goes both ways. Looking forward to part 2! Now I can just direct my friends to your channel instead of me explaining 😉

[@CletusChan]

Same!! When I opened my first western pattern my eyes were crossed haha there’s definitely pros to both though. And thanks! Hopefully they will find it useful!

[@EverydayKawaii3]

Hi🌈 from Japan😊Just wow 😆Thankyou for explaining I was wondering why overseas patterns are written in many sentences but it's interesting to try in English patterns because I can learn other culture🌈

[@lenasweethorses6079]

Hi, I just discovered your very informative channel... I was hoping to find here a video about Japanese Knitting but sadly noticed you're not posting anymore...😢 I love knitting and bought my Japanese Knitting Bible. There are a few videos out there but they are very difficult to follow... Maybe you'll find the time to do some videos again. I would really appreciate it... Lots of greetings from Germany 👋

[@amaryllis731]

This channel would be helpful for you. m.youtube.com/@amuusejp

[@raine51]

Please - part 2. I love your teaching style!

[@Dollectable_Dreams]

This is absolutely great!! Thank you so much!!!!

[@jessp9137]

Really excellent explanation of Japanese knitting pattern basics. Thank you very much for doing this. I will look to see if you've done "Part 2". I have also just viewed your video on organizing a yarn stash, for which I thank you. I hope you are doing well.

[@jo-annefalconer6280]

Thanks so much for sharing knowledge of Japanese knitting patterns.

[@shannonbrown7488]

I have not done any knitting with Japanese patterns as I've only recently taken up knitting but I have done a lot of crochet from Japanese patterns and LOVE them! I can't recommend Japanese patterns enough. I'm a visual person so seeing everything laid out just makes sense to me. I find the Japanese system just makes more sense to me than the American system of abbreviations. On the down side Japanese patterns can be hard to find but luckily here in CA you can find them in LA, or San Franciscos Japan Town so I've amassed a HUGE collection of them. The style of Japanese patterns is wonderful and I am seeing more of them interpreted for the American consumer! Now that I have Japanese crochet down, I'm onto Japanese knitting!

[@tracys.5143]

Excellent video, thanks! I love how clean and concise Japanese patterns are. Western patterns are so wordy....

[@CletusChan]

You’re welcome! I definitely like that too! Western patterns sometimes make me go cross eyed haha

[@bsfb3ar]

You are a supered teacher. I got a few Japanese Knitting as well as crochet pattern book, It was like reading Greek to me. Boyyyy am I glad I found you not only I can understand your English so clearly. Now that is my next adventures. I guess since you read Chinese that helps understanding some of the Japanese character., Please keep your tutorial coming lot of Thanks

[@angehavok]

Great video!! So helpful and informative! I would also like to say that I could learn absolutely ANYTHING if Cletus explained it! Rocket science, brain surgery ... Anything! ❤️❤️❤️

[@CletusChan]

Omg what a compliment! Thank you so much! 🙈

[@lumpcrabbarnacle3382]

You are a wonderful teacher

[@Cyn2you]

I am a visual learner and always found patterns frustrating to deal with, because with all the step by step style and abbreviations drive me crazy. Looking at Japanese patterns look like what I would prefer. Thank you for making this video, it is helpful.

[@CletusChan]

So true! I easily get overwhelmed when I see like a 6 page pattern filled with rows of texts haha Thanks for watching! I’m glad I could help :)

[@knittingthestash]

Cletus, Thank you! I am working on a Twig Pattern Pullover from Yoko Hatta and this explanation helped me put together the final pieces of the "recipe" that I couldn't quite figure out. You have some excellent fans out there--you were recommended to me by a mutual watcher :) I'll be sharing your video and channel on my next podcast once I finish this sweater! Thanks again!! ~Melissa

[@wendyellis6402]

This is so helpful. I own two Japanese knitting books: one that is full of intricate stitch patterns, and charts. The other is much smaller, and explains symbols and terminology. I feel confident that I could use these references to incorporate the stitch patterns into my projects. ❤

[@renatamendenhall513]

You are fantastic! Thank you so much! You have no idea how much you have helped me with a Japanese pattern that I want to make for my pregnant daughter! Again… thank you! ❤

[@winnieleung607]

wow, your class make me understand more about Japanese knitting pattern. Now I can try to see japanese knitting patterns to knit socks. thank you very much.

[@lanismith414]

Thanks for this - I would like Part 2

[@pamelabarus2742]

Why do I just found this now? This is so informative! Thank you!

[@mantoniaodonnell281]

Thia is soooohelpful. Part 2 PLEASE.

[@spiritwaterwolf]

Thank you so much for sharing. For years I have been creating patterns for knit garments in this style. For me I liked the nonconventional easy to follow instruction method, and wanted to have patterns easily read and understood.... So now that I am looking at putting a knit design collection together, I will follow the easier to read 1 page method, only in another language. Thanks for the inspirational share.

[@mixedandknot5911]

Direct to the point. Grateful

[@CletusChan]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ninayarbrough]

Thank you so much for posting this content. My friend gave me a Japanese knitting book for Christmas and this is giving me so much more confidence to explore the awesome patterns. Love to see my dope BIPOC crafters making it happen. Please keep putting out your content. ❤️❤️❤️

[@CletusChan]

That’s awesome!! I honestly love Japanese patterns and just want to share its magic haha Thank you for your kind words :) they really do mean a lot xx

[@patchesandrefit]

Definitely interested in Japanese chart reading, for knitting and crochet! ❤

[@Dilton94]

What a great video, I’m sure so many people will find it a good resource!

[@CletusChan]

Thank you!! If you know anyone who would be interested please feel free to share the video, it’ll really help me grow the channel :)

[@fcgn1908]

Very interesting. Makes me our patterns were written this way. I imagine it would make it easier to figure out modifications you might want to do. Thank you for sharing. I hope you continue posting. I knit and crochet. I stumbled on this video while looking for Japanese crochet pattern help.

[@debrastiens6216]

Wow! This is very helpful! I wish I had known this years ago when I saw a lovely baby dress that turned out to be a Japanese pattern. I was so disappointed because I had no way to interpret it. I will be taking notes! Thank you!

[@CletusChan]

Aw thank you for your kind words! I love Japanese patterns so much and just want to share the joys of it with others :)

[@awhitteron]

Thank you let us ☺️. So helpful. I would like to see the video o reading Jp knitting charts too please.

[@danielanascimento8504]

Thank you, thank you! This is great, I've learned a lot.

[@alicechin2144]

Thank u so much for the explananation. ❤

[@veroniquesterckendries9143]

whow thank you very much, clear explanation. Loved it!

[@marsal822]

Great explanation! Thanks!

[@sophiastevens6222]

Really useful info! Thank you!! Will you be doing a vid on how to read the charts?

[@elaineoverton4829]

Loved this! Thanks.

[@naevisualizer]

Thanks a lot cletus! This will really help! ❤️

[@CletusChan]

Thank you for watching! Just trying to spread the joy of Japanese patterns haha

[@naevisualizer]

@@CletusChan you're so welcome! ♥️

[@benjaminhucklebridge2337]

Really interesting Cletus. Now I’m really inspired to go and knit Japanese patterns. Maybe I’ll eat some sushi too 🍣 yum!

[@CletusChan]

Hahhaha sushi and knitting the perfect combo 🥰

[@aggierowe9574]

Thank u so much for this!

[@Rose-xc7wz]

Great tips. Love the idea of allowing freedom because I am bad at following explicit instructions. 😁 Tell me M1 I will do a lifted right or left M1. Seems I will do me better that way.

[@CletusChan]

Haha tell me about it! It’s also good training to be a more independent knitter. When I knit western patterns I rarely read every row or instruction and can kinda just figure it out haha

[@rolenestone]

Thank you for opening a whole new world of knitting patterns. ❤❤❤

[@PunsandPixels]

Thank you for this, I don’t knit, I crochet but many of the Japanese kanji you shared are the same. I wish there was more access to buying Japanese crochet pattern books from outside Japan

[@shannonbrown7488]

Etsy has several sellers that sell them. In the US if you are lucky enough to be near LA, or SF there are bookstores that sell them. Outside of major cities though you probably won't find them.

[@steenannie12]

Cletus! I loved this video and can’t wait to knit my first Japanese designed pattern. I’d love for you to create a tutorial on how to read the charts- that’s so intimidating for me!

[@theoldgumtree1]

Ooh. Great video. Part 2 please. Thank you.

[@beverleyhereford3004]

It would be great if you would create a glossary of the symbols used in the Japanese patterns. I have three books of fabulous patterns but they are incomplete as far as some of the symbols. For instance what action is indicated by / and or \ in a chart? Thanks!

[@genier7829]

Thanks so much for this, I have only tried one Japanese pattern and was intimidated. I'm more experienced now and your information will absolutely help. Melissa at Knitting the Stash suggested your videos.

[@rosemariezanfardino3769]

This was cool!

[@lingualunatic]

I also have some books translated into English, but i love this video and hoping I will be able to possibly try some without the translation now that I have some basic knowledge of the flow of the patterns and some Japanese characters. Thank you! Looking forward to seeing your presentation on reading the graphs!

[@CletusChan]

You’re so welcome! I’m so glad this is encouraging people to explore more Japanese designs :)

[@studiovivalbicocca]

Guess what, I just bought six Japanese knitting books all the way shipped from Japan to Europe, I was so so exited to see those gorgeous patterns, but so confused with the Japanese texts. This video really helps me a lot!

[@PunsandPixels]

Where did you find them? I am looking for Japanese crochet books

[@studiovivalbicocca]

@@PunsandPixels hey, you can check the website called: japanese-sewingbookstore.com , there you can find out various books of Japanese designers. It takes several weeks for shipping from Japan. Also on Etsy some books can be found too!

[@PunsandPixels]

@@studiovivalbicocca oh sweet! Thanks for the info

[@msullivan3531]

Part 2 please!

[@kata8012]

Wonderful!

[@stargatis]

Yes!

[@lizasharp6725]

Good explanation. Please recommend some japanese knitting book for me to buy.I would like to try knit cardigan and sweater .

[@RomanticFlor]

Hola Cletus, thanks for the video. I am knew to your channel. And I would like to ask you, if possible for you to show the how to of the “no stitch “ of the Japanese Knitting Bible book? thanks in advance.

[@theshawlknitter-unplugged1863]

That was most helpful, thanks so much. I do however have a slightly complicated Japanese pattern that I cant seem to work out (I am a very experienced knitter of 40 years, so its not that I cant knit!) the front section of the pattern that has short rows throughout. Im not sure how to proceed. Any chance you can help with this, thanks.

[@janegelberg2003]

Thank you!

[@mariavelazquez6823]

Hi Cletus! This was so helpful and gave me the confidence to try a Japanese knitting pattern for a hat. I’d love to know if you’re planning a part 2 😁🙏🏽

[@brizia6305]

Ciao from Italy the pattern you found in magazine is on Ravelry the desiner is Vera Valimaki I Made it also!!! I think you know that

[@ceceandrew]

Thank you for the very detailed explanation.Looking forward for part 2 soooooooooooon 🙏😍

[@likeagoodgood6808]

thank you so muchhh

[@EverydayKawaii3]

Hi 🌈from Japan 😊 Thankyou for translation I was wondering why overseas patterns are written everything in sentences😆 weight of yarn info helped me because I buy yarns from overseas🙆‍♀️

[@CletusChan]

Hello! Glad you enjoyed the video! Hope I did Japanese knitters proud 🙈

[@EverydayKawaii3]

@@CletusChan Thankyou I knit & crochet and have my channel unboxing yarns I hope you like☺️

[@catb2069]

This was awesome content, Cletus! Thank you. Yes. Would love a part two....and three 😉

[@mariamorel3676]

Can you do one for crochet? 😣 oh boy I found a good magazine but I don’t understand how to follow the patterns:(

[@CletusChan]

Hey! Unfortunately I don’t know how to crochet at all! :( if I ever learn I will definitely make a video for it :)

[@Rich924819]

Thank you! This video is awesome. Would definitely be up for Part 2 (& 3 & 4). Wondering if you can help my aching head with decreases? I understand how they’re written, read, and what they mean (I think) But if I’m working a back sweater piece for instance which decreases evenly, like a pyramid, do I apply the decrease instructions to both sides of the work? So for 2-1-30 for instance would I Row 1: knit as pattern Row 2: decrease Row 3: knit as pattern Row 4: decrease Until 30 decreases Or would I Row 1: knit as pattern Row 2: knit as pattern Row 3 decrease Row 4: decrease Until 30 decreases complete Or do I take option one but alternate decreasing at start and end of row? Mind blown. Thanks. And sorry - I’m a relative beginner who jumps in feet first

[@CletusChan]

Hey! Could you shoot me a pic of your pattern over on IG so I can have a better look? :)

[@bsfb3ar]

Hi Cletus I bought a gorgeous suppose to be a Japanese pattern book ,to me surprise when I received the book it was mostly in Chinese. It like Greek to me, will you be willing to help? Thanks cheers.

[@amarisjoseph]

Hi can u do a video on Japanese sock pattern

[@jodiekingsley5181]

Love knitting new to hi from us

[@dukeofnikko5791]

So impressed! Did you recognize those kanji characters, since you are from Hong Kong (I assume you speak Cantonese?)? Did it help you to guess what they may mean? I don't speak Cantonese or Mandarin, but when I was in Shanghai, reading subway maps and train station names was easy because I could recognize the characters, although I didn't have the slightest idea how to pronounce them!

[@CletusChan]

Aw thanks! I do speak Cantonese but unfortunately I can’t read or write it very well haha But for people who can read Cantonese they can easily interpret a Japanese pattern :)

[@britsluver]

Are you coming back

[@karenmanwiller2570]

This was really helpful. It's been over a year; will Part 2 be happening?

[@angelajohnson2830]

Part 2 please

[@nathaniachristabel7848]

Thank you for such an amazing video and explanation! I've encountered some problem while decreasing using japanese pattern. My decrease will be like this: Every 16 rows, decrease 1 stitch, 3 times Every 14 rows, decrease 1 stitch, 1 times 14 Rows even So, should I decrease like this: Row 1-14: Work even Row 15: decrease 1 st Row 16: work even Row 17: decrease 1 st Row 18-33: work even Row 34 decrease 1 st Row 35-50: work even Row 51: decrease 1 st Is it like this? (I'm a total beginner....)

[@CletusChan]

Hello! May I ask is the way you’ve written out your instructions already read from bottom up? Meaning, 16-1-3 is at the BOTTOM of the written pattern? If so, then you will START with that line first. Knit 15 rows, on the 16th decrease 1 stitch. Repeat this twice more, totaling 3 times. Then proceed with the next shaping instruction. If not, and the first instruction is 14 rows even: knit 14 rows even, knit 13 more rows even, on 14th row decrease 1 stitch (14-1-1), then proceed to 16-1-3. I HOPE that makes sense, if not, feel free to shoot me a picture of your pattern over on my instagram and I can have a further look :)

[@nathaniachristabel7848]

@@CletusChan Oh my, thank you! I understand now. 😆 I still have a question and I already reach you through your instagram account! thank you so much!!

[@bmwvintageprincess]

nice

[@KateMH_]

You’re adorable love this vid

[@partyfiesta1557]

Damn Cletus you’re so handsome and smart and a knitter! Wow a true gem! Hugs from Provence, Adrien

[@angelajohnson2830]

What are your favorite Japanese design & designers?

[@ahmetkemalgurel5730]

omg he's so cute

[@99rockaholic]

i racked my brain just to understand "1-1-4" and still confused😭😭

[@db19812009]

You’re so handsome. Thank you for the video