Skill Level: Just Starting
Patterns on the Diamond Site have a skill level rating.  On the Patterns page, there are details for each rating.  Just starting is defined as "Only need to know how to cast on, make a knit stitch & bind off".

Sizes: 1 size
Some patterns such as sweaters will come in more than 1 size.  This is where the sizes will be defined for patterns in more than 1 size.

Finished Measurements: 9" (23 cm) wide X 10 1/2" (27 cm) long
For simple patterns such as this, the measurements are listed.  For more complex patterns such as a sweater, a schematic will be given.  A schematic is a line drawing of each major pattern piece with measurements.  From the schematic you can determine which size will best fit, and if adjustments to the pattern are needed.  It is helpful in determining if your stitch gauge is correct by comparing the measurements to the piece that is knitted.

Yarn: Cottontots from Bernat 100% cotton - 40 oz (113g) per ball
The sample for this pattern was made in Cottontots by Bernat.  This yarn can be purchased at most craft supply stores.  This yarn was chosen because most will have access to this yarn, plus it is inexpensive for those on a budget.  Other cotton yarns can be used for this pattern too.  If choosing a different yarn, pick a 100% cotton yarn that is soft.  A mercerized cotton will also work.  Choose a worsted weight yarn that uses size 7-9 US or 4 1/2-5 1/2 mm needles.

Amount: 1 ball or skein
The amount refers to the amount of yarn required to knit the pattern.  Some patterns will tell the amount in balls or skeins.  This is how most hand knit yarn is sold, although some yarns are sold on cones.  Sometimes the amount will be in weight (ounces or grams) or by measurement (yards or meters).  Normally this is because less than a ball, skein or cone is needed.

Needles: 9 US (5 1/2 mm) straight
The needles will indicate if straight, circular or double pointed needles should be used.  Some patterns will require more than 1 type.  If the length of needle is not give,any length of needle will work.  The size of the needle (9 US / 5 1/2 mm) is a general guide to get the stitch gauge for the project.  Depending on the person knitting, the required size of the needle may not work to get the required gauge.  Tricia Shafer knits most of the patterns on the Diamond Site.  After knitting a few patterns by Tricia, you will know if you need a slightly bigger or smaller needle size.

Stitch Gauge: 13 stitches per 4" (10 cm) - swatch not required
Most patterns only give the number of stitches per 4" or 10 cm.  A swatch will be taught in a later lesson.  If "swatch not required" is listed, then use the stitch gauge as a guide.  Some patterns don't have to be exactly the same dimensions as the required such as this pattern.

The stitch gauge can also be a guide for choosing the yarn.  Most yarn wrappers include the number of stitches per 4" or 10 cm.  One thing to note about this pattern is that the stitch gauge does not match the wrapper of the Cottontots yarn.  This is because the knit will be looser for this pattern. 

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Techniques Used: Slip Knot HKT1, CO HKT2, K HKT3, BO HKT4, Finishing HKT5
The techniques used is a guide for you to see if you know how to knit the pattern.  Most often the abbreviations of the techniques will be used.  When available, the technique names will be linked to the technique page.  Click on the link to get detailed instructions for the technique.

More advance patterns will not list the basic techniques such as CO HKT2 or BO HKT4.  It is assumed that the knitter knows how to make these techniques without assistance.  But the techniques are always available in the Technique area of the Diamond Site.

Extras: none
The extras area is for downloads or other helpful information like a video that might be available for the patterns. 

Instructions
Make a slip knot & place on 1 needle.  The width of the piece will be 9" (23 cm).  This should help in determining how long to leave the tail of yarn to start.

After making the Slip Knot, CO 29 stitches (30 total on needle including Slip Knot).

Each row will be K stitches.  K until piece measures 10 1/2" (27 cm) from CO edge.

It's a good idea to count the number of stitches in a row every so often to be sure that no stitches are dropped or missing.  There are 30 stitches in each row.

The pictures below show how to measure the length of the knit.  Some instructions will have you stretch the knit (knit is stretchy, especially garter stitch), and others will have you keep the piece relaxed.  To measure this piece, keep it relaxed.  The measurement starts at the CO edge, and includes the stitches on the needle.  Sometimes the required measurement will be in the middle of the stitch on the needle.  This is okay.  Normally it's better to have a half stitch more than less.

BO all stitches.

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Finishing
Finishing is how to sew, add trims or other details for the project.  This project has very little finishing.  Only the yarns from the CO and BO need to be finished.  This is called Weaving in Yarn Ends or Hiding the Yarn. 

Thread one of the yarns on a seaming needle.  It's best to get a seaming needle that does not have a sharp point.  Take the point of the needle through the stitch where the yarn meets the knit as in the picture on the left below.  Wrap the yarn around the needle 1 time as in the middle picture.  Take the needle through the stitch & the wrapped yarn keeping the wrapped yarn tight.   This makes a buttonhole knot to secure the yarn. 

Work the needle through the edge of the knit for about 1" - 1 1/2" (3-4 cm) as shown in the left picture below.  Work the needle going in the opposite direction for about 3/4" (2 cm) as shown in the middle picture . When going in the opposite direction, it's not necessary to go through the same stitches or loops.  Trim the yarn close to the knit.

Pressing or Steaming is another finishing technique.  This project does not require pressing.

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