Doodle Repeats: 12 vs. 24 Stitches

Your personal Doodle pattern is created by combining micro charts together in different arrangements. All of the colorwork charts within the Doodles Series are the same stitch repeat, so they all work together, whether in my Doodle Book, the Doodle Decks, as well as within the Doodle Pattern Series, so you can get creative with how to use them. 

Working with Full Charts

The standard stitch count for Doodle Charts is 24 Stitches. Many of the charts utilize this full width of stitches, and cannot be "cut" down into smaller stitch increments. This works well for hero motifs, mirrored motifs, or other more ornate examples of charts. 

Here are some examples of Doodle Charts with 24-stitch Repeats:

But some of the charts have shorter repeats! How do those work?

Working Half Charts

Many of the Doodle Base Patterns call for working “half” patterns, or repeats of just 12 stitches, rather than 24 stitches. This is typically used to allow more flexible sizing, especially for smaller circumference pattern shapes, such as socks or mittens. Since the increment is smaller, it enables "half sizes" to be added between what would be allowed for only 24 stitch repeats. 

While not every chart can be cleanly cut in half, there are dozens of options that allow for shorter repeats.

An easy way to tell is to look for charts where the design is repeated in stitches 1-12 and 13-24, or in other words, looks like two of the exact same design within that motif.

Here are some examples of Doodle Charts with 12-stitch Repeats:

Working with Small Stitch Repeats

Many of the Doodle Charts, especially those found in the Basic Doodle Patterns, can be cut down to even less stitches for their minimum repeat. 

Here are some examples of Doodle Charts with 4-stitch Repeats:

Here are some examples of Doodle Charts with 6-stitch Repeats:

Regardless of the minimum stitch count on the card, the base structure of the Doodle Patterns remains the same, based on the famous 24 stitch repeat. 

Did you know? All Doodle Decks come with the minimum stich count printed right on the card plus the same minimum repeat outlined in a bold box. This enables makers to quickly and easily understand what they are working with and how they can modify!

Hope this helps you understand how to make decisions about which charts to use when working patterns with alternative stitch counts!