I understand that charts may be easier for designers, but they are much harder for me...
As I teacher, I have learned what kind of "learner" I am ..and I am visual leaner, but I have a very difficult time understanding charts, graphs, etc ...It takes me time to understand them...funnily, I don't have that issue with maps...But I think this may be why I struggle with math concepts and maybe even some science....
I am a linear learner..I like lists ..and I like written patterns...
When I was in school, I had to create a thematic unit and one of the requirements was to create a web that showed the unit..this was very difficult for me..I did create one, but it was very simple...but I also put in a "linear" showing of the web..The professor marked me down and I challenged her on it...if we as teachers are suppose to present information to the students and be aware of their learning styles..shouldn't the professors also take that into account? If I know my learning style and I did present a web (albeit a very simple one), even though it was not in my learning style and presented the information in my preferred method..how could she discredit me for that? She agreed with me and I received the full credit...
So has crafters and designers, who aren't teachers..are you aware of your learning style? Are you aware of what method you will learn best using? I know that many designers prefer charts, but are they taking into account the many people who really can't read charts....or struggle mightily with understanding them? I've not bought patterns because they only come in chart form....One of the hesitation with the Kai-Mei socks was really when I got to the chart....I have not worked on them since July, because there was a chart involved!
I know people have their preferences...mine is for the written pattern...or better yet....the choice of the two...
What about you?
8 comments:
I'm not sure which learning style I am. I prefer charts. I like it when written instructions are included for when I can't translate the chart properly.
It would help if designers used the same symbols for the same stitches. I worked on a pattern recently where a blank box (usually a knit stitch) was a purl. Drove me bonkers.
I'm definitely a chart knitter! I find it very difficult to knit especially lace from written directions, if the lines are too long I loose myself in all the text. I never have that problem with charts.
It's so interesting that people are so different in how they learn stuff!
I am a chart knitter, however I like to have the written instructions to refer to sometimes, if the chart doesn't instantly make sense. Because of this I always chart AND write out patterns in full. I know lots of people who hate charts and lots of people who hat written instructions, therefore I prefer to include both, even if writing them out in full takes FOREVER!
I like charts the most. Written patterns are confusing especially in English but I find them difficult in German too. A chart shows the the "picture".
When I first started knitting charts scared me.
I have dyslexia and I have found that the charts are a Godsend with more complex patterns. They help me see the big picture of how the stitches all work together.
So, if I have the option, I will use the chart.
I think I'm probably like you. I like lists and written instructions. I can read charts but they take me longer. If I have to, I can do charts but I much prefer written directions. I think as a designer, I'll probably do both, depending on the design.
I like written charts I knit left handed and can't always make sense of charts because I'm not sure if I have things facing the same way as the chart.
Cassie, Edmonton, AB
I can use either, but it depends on which headspace I'm in as to which is best for me. The last shawl I knit I used a chart, the one prior I preferred the written one.
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