READING CROCHET PATTERNS
Learning to read crochet patterns is almost like learning a language. With time and practice you will be reading them easily, like a second language. The first time my husband looked over my shoulder while I was working on a pattern, he asked me if it was a letter from an alien species.
The first thing to remember is that while crochet patterns LOOK complicated, they really are not. They are written in a step by step manner, and all you need to do is follow the pattern and do exactly what it tells you in the correct order. I find it has been easier to read patterns if I do not look too far ahead. What makes them look complicated is all the abbreviations. Once you learn the basic abbreviations and various instructions, following a pattern is easy.
Crochet patterns are usually rated for beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Please be sure to choose a pattern that fits your level of expertise, that way you will not get so frustrated. As you build confidence and experience, then you can challenge yourself with a harder pattern.
Crochet patterns are written in either rows or rounds, depending on the type of item you are making. Be sure to count your stitches and your rows. While many patterns ask you to work in a certain “gauge” I have found that in some instances it is not necessary unless you are making something that just HAS to be the size the pattern calls for. For example: If you are crocheting a sweater, and the pattern for large is a certain gauge, crocheting outside that gauge, either smaller or larger, will affect the size of the sweater. If crocheting an afghan, it may not matter if the item is larger or smaller, and if a different size hook gives you a different effect that you like, go ahead and use it!
How to figure the gauge: typically the pattern will advice a hook size and then a gauge, since everyone crochets slightly differently, the gauge is a great way to make sure you stay within the sizes of the pattern. The gauge is usually a sample swatch made with your desired yarn and hook and the given number of rows and stitches must be the same size as the measurement they give.
Rows or rounds? Crochet patterns are given in rows, or rounds. Rounds are worked continuously, going around and around the item without stopping, except to perhaps change color. Rows are worked in 2 ways. One way rows are worked is right to left, end the yarn off, then go back and attach the yarn on the right side and go right to left again. The other way is right to left, at the end of the row you turn the item around and go right to left again (but it is really left to right now). Some patterns have a right and wrong side and some do not.
Here is a short list of some of the most common abbreviations:
beg=beginning
CC=contrasting color
ch=chain stitch
ch sp=chain space
cl=cluster
dc=double crochet
dec=decrease
hdc=half double crochet
inc=increase
lp=loop
pc=popcorn stitch
rep=repeat
rnd=round
sc=single crochet
sk=skip
sl st=slip stitch (also ss)
sp=space
st=stitch
tog=together
tr=treble crochet
yo=yarn over
There are some symbols commonly used in patterns also, these are usually in the form of brackets and asterisks, these symbols are used to group instructions together or give a point from which to repeat a set of instructions. Brackets are used to group instructions together, ( ), [ ], { }, where as the asterisk * is used for a repeat point.
The best advice I can give you is to be patient, to practice, and most importantly to HAVE FUN! Remember, you can always pull it apart and try again!
