Knitting skill levels

Beginner

Can:

• Knit and purl

• Knit flat or in the round

• Follow a simple written pattern

Challenges:

• More complex stitch patterns

• Shaping, pattern deviations

Best for:

• Scarves, baktus shawls, basic hats, simple socks

Advanced Beginner

Can:

• Follow a pattern without constantly checking

• Work basic increases and decreases

• Do simple shaping techniques

Challenges:

• More advanced lace or cable patterns

Best for:

• Simple sweaters, easy stitch textures, basic garment construction

Intermediate Knitter

Can:

• Cables, lace, mixed stitch patterns

• Raglan shaping, sleeves, and neckline shaping

• Correct mistakes confidently

• Read stitch charts

Challenges:

• Highly complex constructions

Best for:

• Most sweaters, tunics, and cable projects

Advanced Knitter

Can:

• Complex stitch patterns and combinations

• Structural designs (drop shoulder, saddle shoulder, kimono shaping, etc.)

• Read and modify charts

• Adapt designs when needed

Challenges:

• Only very niche or experimental techniques

Best for:

• Complex sweaters, detailed constructions, advanced designs

Expert / Designer-Level Knitter

Can:

• Create patterns and constructions from scratch

• Understand silhouettes, proportions, and ease

• Choose and adapt yarns, gauges, and techniques

• Fix complex mistakes immediately

Challenges:

• Essentially none — mainly creative exploration

Best for:

• All projects, including designing, testing, and drafting the knitting project construction