You want to learn to crochet! But how do you get started? In a previous blog post, we gave you tips and tricks for choosing the right yarn and Crochet Hook. Today, we’re diving into the world of Crochet Patterns. After reading this blog post, Crochet Patterns will hold no secrets for you.
It might just be the biggest hurdle for anyone wanting to start crocheting: those patterns! And let’s be honest, if you’re not yet familiar with the world of crochet, a Crochet Pattern can look a bit like a cryptic puzzle. The abbreviations and symbols are all over the place, not to mention figuring out how to crochet those stitches.
Good preparation is half the battle
Before you start working on a pattern, it’s helpful (read: essential) to know what the different stitches are. For example, how do I crochet a single crochet? And what is a double crochet? That way, you can focus entirely on the pattern and avoid it becoming a “puzzle within a puzzle.” If you’re not yet familiar with the basic stitches of crochet, follow the online crochet workshop on our website.
The “who, what, where” of a Crochet Pattern
In addition to the technique, a pattern always consists of a number of standard elements. First of all, there’s the difficulty level. Always choose a pattern that matches your skill level. Build up step by step so that crocheting is (and stays) fun.
The dimensions of the final product are often listed second.
Next, the tools & supplies and the gauge (the number of stitches and rows needed to make a 10x10 cm swatch). We’ll cover these two topics together because they go hand in hand, like yin and yang. If you use a different yarn and/or a different Crochet Hook than what’s specified, your stitch ratio will, 9 times out of 10, not match the one given. It’s usually not a big deal if a cuddly toy turns out a bit bigger or smaller. But if that cute cardigan suddenly ends up one or two sizes different from yours, that’s an unpleasant surprise, to say the least. So, if you choose to use a different type of yarn and the corresponding Needle Size, make sure the ratio is correct and adjust your pattern accordingly.
In many cases, you’ll find a key to the abbreviations used at the end. If there are any special details or if a unique stitch is used, the designer will also explain how to crochet that stitch in the introduction. Here’s a list of the most common stitches:
In addition to stitches, actions are also often abbreviated. For example, when you need to increase or decrease, or when you fasten off a thread. So, just for you, here’s a list of these common abbreviations:
Let's get started!
The preparations are complete—now it’s time to get started! Well, almost. Before you place the magic ring or the chain of chain stitches on your Crochet Hook, here’s one golden tip: read through the entire pattern once. It’ll give you a better idea of what the final result will look like.
All right, now it’s really time for Round 1. Don’t panic—we’ll guide you through the maze of abbreviations. It’s not hard; after a few rounds, you’ll be reading Crochet Patterns with your eyes closed. The important thing to remember is to read from comma to comma.
To explain this clearly, we'll take a section from one of the patterns in our Zoo CAL.
Round 1: Make a magic ring of 6 sc, or do it this way: crochet 2 chains. Crochet 6 sc in the first chain. Sl st in the first sc to form a loop (6). Round 2: Crochet 2 sc in each sc (12). Round 3: Crochet 2 sc in every 2nd sc (18). Round 4: Crochet 1 sc. *Crochet 2 sc in the next sc. Crochet 2 sc*. Repeat from * to * until the end of the round, but finish with 1 sc (24). Round 16: Make 6 decreases. Crochet every 3rd and 4th sc together (18).
After making a magic ring, crochet 6 single crochets into it as described in Row 1. Since the magic ring can be a bit tricky for some people, an alternative method is provided here. In that case, start by chaining 2. Then work 6 single crochets into the first chain stitch. Finally, work 1 slip stitch into the first single crochet. The number “6” in parentheses means that you’ll have 6 stitches at the end of this round. Round 2: Crochet 2 single crochets in each single crochet. By crocheting 2 single crochets in each stitch of Round 1, you’ll increase from 6 to 12 stitches. Let’s skip ahead to Round 4. This is where we’ll encounter asterisks (*) for the first time. Repeat the instructions between the asterisks (*). In Round 4, first crochet 1 single crochet into the first stitch of Round 3. In the next stitch (i.e., the second stitch of Round 3), crochet 2 single crochets. In the next two stitches, crochet 1 single crochet in each. Then crochet 2 single crochets in the next stitch and 1 single crochet in each of the two stitches after that. And so on… You end with 1 single crochet in the last stitch of row 3. Done? Then you’ve increased from 18 to 24 stitches in this row. Just as easily as you increase, you can also decrease. Take a look at row sixteen. At the end of row 15, you have 24 stitches. By crocheting every third and fourth stitch together in Round 16, you’ll end up with 18 stitches after this round.
English and American Crochet Patterns
What if the pattern for your dream project is only available in English? No problem! If you know what the English/American crochet terms mean and what the abbreviations stand for, you’ll have this dream project crocheted in no time. Just be sure to check whether the designer is British or American, because the terms differ in some respects. For example, “dc.” stands for a single crochet in a British Crochet Pattern and for a double crochet in an American Pattern.
We hope we've been able to give you a little introduction to the wonderful world of Crochet Patterns. Soon we'll be covering another topic: crochet charts. So be sure to keep an eye on our blogs!
