Definitions and Details
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Knit/Crochet Experience Levels
©2006 Evelyn Van Orden

Novice  (no symbol)
        Knit/Crochet    Doesn't know basics. Doesn't know how to read patterns. May or may not have done some needlework in the past.

Beginner   
        Knit    Knows just knit basics (slip knot, cast on, knit, purl, bind off).
        Crochet    Knows just crochet basics (slip knot, chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch).
May not know how to read patterns.
        Knit/Crochet    Limited experience making simple rectangular pieces with no shaping and minimal finishing
.

Advanced Beginner (aka Easy)    
Knows how to read simple patterns. Knows or is ready to learn simple shaping:
        Knit    dec=k2tog; inc=k in the front and the back of the same st
        Crochet    dec=skip 1 st or sc/dc/hdc 2 sts tog; inc=2 sc/dc/hdc in the same st
Little or no experience sewing seams. No experience knitting in the round. May have experience crocheting simple motifs in the round such as granny squares or simple centerpieces with yarn but not fine crochet thread.


Intermediate    
       
Knit    Knows how to read more complicated patterns with cables, lace, Intarsia, Fair Isle, and/or Entrelac. Not necessarily experienced combining these together in the same project. May have experience with knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.
        Crochet    Knows how to read more complicated patterns with combinations of sc, dc, hdc, and treble crochet. Should be experienced working back and forth and complex motifs in the round. Knows how to attach pieces by sewing seams or crocheting them together.

        Knit/Crochet    Experienced in sewing seams and following standard assembly and finishing instructions.

Advanced (aka Experienced)    
        Knit    Experienced in reading complex textual and charted patterns that combine cables, lace, Intarsia, Fair Isle, and/or Entrelac. Experienced in making complex garments such as sweaters, coats, socks, etc. Experienced working with most types of yarn, from lace weight mohair and crochet thread to bulky, slubbed, furry, thick-and-thin, and novelty. Experienced with all types of needles (straight, circular, double pointed, cable).
        Crochet    Experienced in reading complex textual and charted patterns that combine many types of stitches in complex ways. Experienced in working with multiple colors and textures of yarn in the same project. Experienced with different types of hooks (steel, aluminum, plastic, wood).
       
        Knit/Crochet    Experienced in following complex assembly finishing instructions, or in the absence of instructions, making decisions on the best way to assemble and finish the project.

Designer (aka Experienced)    
        Knit/Crochet    Same experience level as Intermediate or Advanced, but also has the courage and desire to change existing patterns, or design new patterns from scratch.
 

Knit/Crochet Standard Symbols

These are standard symbols and their names as specified by the Craft Yarn Council's (CYC) (www.craftyarncouncil.com) Standards and Guidelines for Crochet and Knitting (www.yarnstandards.com):

    Experience Levels

    Beginner
    Easy  aka Advanced Beginner
    Intermediate
    Experienced  aka Adv. or Designer


    Weights of Yarn

            Super Fine    aka Fingering Weight
            Fine    aka Sport Weight
            Light    aka DK Weight
            Medium    aka Worsted Weight
            Bulky    aka Chunky
            Super Bulky    aka Ultra Chunky

These standard symbols are currently used in most published patterns, books, and magazines.


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