Symbol
A symbol is a mark in an embroidery pattern indicating which colour, stitch or action you use at that point.
Definition
A symbol is a mark in an embroidery pattern indicating which colour, stitch or action you use in that place. You may also see the term chart symbol or pattern symbol. Symbols appear in a pattern's grid and receive their meaning from the legend. This lets you see what each square or part of the pattern requires of you.
When to use it
Use the term symbol when reading an embroidery pattern, checking it or translating it into fabric, thread and stitches. For each mark, look at the legend to see which colour, stitch or instruction belongs with it. This is important for patterns in which different marks are close together or in which multiple stitch types and colours occur.
Mistakes
Reading a symbol on its own without checking the legend is a common mistake. Confusing one mark with a similar mark can also lead to the wrong colour or stitch. Therefore, always check that the symbol matches the legend, fabric count, thread colours and stitch types of the pattern you are using at that moment.
Tips
Compare a new symbol calmly with the legend before working it on the fabric. Keep the legend visible beside the grid, especially when marks look alike. Check from time to time that you are still following the same colour and stitch indicated by the symbol. This lets you translate the pattern clearly into your embroidery step by step.
