The Importance of a Good Chart Keeper

As a crochet pattern designer, I’ve come to appreciate the value of a good chart keeper. It wasn’t until my previous one failed to meet my needs that I realized how crucial it is to have a pattern holder that is both functional and versatile.

My previous chart holder was flimsy, difficult to transport, and didn’t allow for charts in landscape orientation. After struggling with this inadequate tool for far too long, I decided it was time to find a more reliable solution.

That’s when I discovered the Basic Chart Keeper from We Crochet. This magnetic pattern holder has been a game-changer for me, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on this essential tool with you. Whether you’re a seasoned crochet pattern designer or just getting started, the Basic Chart Keeper is a must-have addition to your toolkit. In this blog post, I’ll be reviewing the Basic Chart Keeper from We Crochet, exploring its features and benefits, as well as some of its drawbacks.

Pros

Size and Portability

One of the most significant advantages of the Basic Chart Keeper is its size. When opened flat, it measures 12 inches by 9 inches, which is large enough to hold a standard A4 sheet of paper. This is perfect for most graphs or charts. When folded in half, the keeper is compact and easy to transport for projects on the go. You can easily slip it into a project bag and take it with you wherever you go.

This is especially helpful for crocheters who like to work on their projects while traveling or away from home. Having a tool that is both functional and easy to carry around is a game-changer for those who enjoy crocheting on the go. The keeper also folds up neatly, keeping the chart secured inside, so you don’t have to worry about your work getting damaged or lost during transport.

Versatility

One of the most versatile features of this pattern holder is that it can be used in both landscape and portrait orientations. This is a big advantage over other chart keepers that are designed for use in only one orientation, which can be frustrating when working with charts that don’t fit the prescribed format.

In fact, this was the exact issue I had with my previous chart keeper, which led me to search for a more flexible alternative. I found that with this chart keeper, I no longer have to worry about being limited by the orientation of my chart.

Affordability

Another big pro of this chart keeper is that it’s very affordable, priced at just £11.51. For those of you in the U.S., that’s around $16. This is a great price point for a functional and durable chart keeper, and it’s definitely a big advantage over more expensive options on the market.

In addition to the affordable price, there are also a few color options available to choose from, so you can pick one that fits your personal style.

Cons

Lack of Rigidity

One downside is that it lacks rigidity when opened flat. This can make it prone to flopping around and causing the magnets to shift, which can lead to losing your place on the chart. However, this issue is easily remedied by marking off each row with a pen once it’s completed, ensuring that you won’t lose your place even if the chart keeper moves around. While it may not be perfect, this simple solution will help you stay on track and avoid any frustrating mistakes while working on your crochet project.

Magnet Size

Another potential drawback of the chart keeper is that the longest magnet may not be long enough to cover a chart that is being worked in landscape orientation. However, this issue can be easily resolved by using a sheet of paper as a line guide under the magnet. While it may require a bit of extra effort, using a sheet of paper under the magnet is a small price to pay for the convenience and organization that the chart keeper provides.

No Built-in Stand

Finally, it’s worth noting that the chart keeper does not come with a built-in stand like some others on the market. For those who prefer to have their patterns displayed at an upright angle, this may be a drawback. However, it’s important to consider that previous chart holders with built-in stands often lacked the versatility to work with charts in landscape format.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Basic Chart Keeper from We Crochet is an affordable and versatile tool that is a must-have for any crochet enthusiast who works with charts. With its large size, portability, and ability to work with both landscape and portrait orientations, it offers many benefits that make it worth considering. Although it lacks rigidity when opened flat and may require a bit of extra effort to use with landscape charts, these issues are easily remedied with simple solutions.

If you’re looking for a functional and stylish chart keeper that won’t break the bank, I highly recommend giving the Basic Chart Keeper from We Crochet a try. To see the chart keeper in action, be sure to check out my video review:

So why not add the Basic Chart Keeper to your crochet toolkit and make chart reading a breeze?