When I first started to crochet I watched many YouTube videos from talented and generous contributors. I learned the basics and then started to see fabulous crocheted items on Instagram and Pinterest and wanted to try them. Nothing like ambition!
I would download a pattern and dive in - I became VERY good at frogging efficiently. Gradually I started to understand some of the rules of written patterns. The confusing string of letters and numbers started to make sense and I can now visualise what that string means and how it should look in my finished work.
I have discarded many patterns just because they were so difficult to read and so confusing. All those rows and rounds in a solid block of text. You will understand them with time but as a beginner, try to stick with more simple patterns, clearly written with plenty of notes.
This blog is to give you some handy hints about how to approach a pattern, what to look for and how to break down the pattern into sensible bites before you get overwhelmed. I hope it helps!
1. READ THE PATTERN FIRST!
I cannot stress this enough. The beginning notes contain a wealth of handy information that you will need! They were not put in just to fill up space.
As I teach crochet I know students like to get stuck in, jumping straight to the meat of a patterns and then get stuck because they are missing that bit of information THAT WAS IN THE NOTES!
(I hope this is not too many exclamation marks but it is important)
2. ADAPT TO THE MATERIALS YOU HAVE
Many patterns you will see will have affiliate links for materials. The pattern writers are trying to make a living from their crochet work and will form relationships with yarn suppliers for example. This does not mean you have to use the exact same yarn but you do have to use the equivalent "type" of yarn to achieve the same result. So if the pattern uses a double knitting yarn, then you need to do the same.
This is also where the gauge becomes relevant. Many patterns will advise you of the gauge you need to achieve the finished size of your item. It will suggest that 10 stitches by 4 rows equals 10cm x 10cm, for example. This is important for fitted clothing. Don't shout but I do not always crochet up a swatch to check the gauge for items which are not dependant on it eg. blankets, bags etc.
Eventually, you will be able to adapt the whole pattern for different weights of yarn but for now, stay with the pattern.
3. UNDERSTAND THE ABBREVIATIONS
All patterns will have a list of the abbreviations that they have used. These will vary so it is important that you understand what they mean. Firstly is it a UK or US pattern? It can quickly become confusing if you are mentally translating stitches from one to the other as you go. Many patterns will explain their method for bobbles, puff stitches, dc2tog, amongst others. Read through and visualise what they are explaining.
4. GETTING TO THE PATTERN
Whew! All that and we haven't even started yet! Now is the time to pick up your hook ( the correct size of course) and get going.
The foundation chain or beginning ring will not be numbered as a row or round.
The following rows or rounds will be numbered. Each one will contain the stitches for the whole round or row.
You will be told if your turning chain counts as a stitch or not.
If a number is BEFORE the stitch, that number of stitches is placed in the same space. For example 7hdc = 7 half double crochets into the same chain space. (I see a fan coming on)
If a number is AFTER the stitch, that number is made in consecutive stitches along the row or round. For example hdc 9 = I will make a half double crochet in the next 9 chains
Brackets or parenthesis are used to enclose a group of different stitches that are all made in the same chain. For example (3dc, ch2 ,3dc) = I will make 3 double crochets, chain 2 and then a further 3 double crochets all in the same chain or space.
Asterisks are used to show which group of stitches are to be repeated along the row or round. for example *SC, DC,* repeat 10 times = I will alternate a single crochet with a double crochet until I have repeated it 10 times across the row.
You will come across some rows or rounds that are 3 lines long and look like you are trying to make a nuclear bomb. Slow down, break it down into sections, crochet slowly and try to understand what the end result will be. Patterns have been tested many times so trust what you are being asked to do.
I hope that these notes will help you in your crochet journey! It is a big jump to start reading patterns but you can do it.
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