Well I know it has been awhile since I have blogged. I had quite a few adventures happen including septic tank issues. If you know…. You know. Now that I can do laundry and shower in my house again I think I can begin focusing more on Magical Lemonzs Blog and YouTube Channel.
I am looking forward to getting into a routine of posting more regularly both here and on my YouTube Channel. While I have your attention be sure to subscribe to my channel at this link below
Let’s talk about crochet patterns!
Crochet Patterns can be complex to read if you do not know what you are looking at. Let me give you a comparison of how a crochet pattern works.
Have you EVER…
Cooked from a Recipe?
Done Algebra?
Learned another language???
It is like these things. HOWEVER, very DIFFERENT.
Crochet has its own Language. In order to read a pattern first you need to speak the language. For example if I said… SC in ea. St. for the next 4 inches. Sk the first st as Turning Ch counts as a St.
Most people who have never read a pattern would be very confused. In plain English this is what it says:
Single Crochet in Each Stitch for the Next 4 inches. Keep working the Single Crochet on every row and in every stitch until it measures 4 inches in height. Making sure to Skip the first Stitch of each row because the Turning chain counts as a stitch.
Does this make more sense now?
Here is the kicker… EVERY PATTERN is different. There is no universal language for crochet unfortunately. I wish every pattern had the same structure of language. For example some stitches have multiple names. The suzette is also called the Crunch stitch. Which means it's abbreviated differently and you just got to know the stitch and its many names.
It’s frustrating, I know!
However, I hope just a few steps will help clarify how to decipher your pattern. So that you can create whatever you wish!
Let's get started!
Like a cooking recipe the details matter!
Read through the WHOLE pattern.
The reason for this is sometimes patterns put notes on the last page or toward the end of the blog post. Sometimes hidden later there is actually a link to the video tutorial! Video Tutorials are always helpful! Always read!
You don't want to get to the end of the pattern to realize the turning chain actually counted as a stitch and you never counted it. This would end up throwing off the whole size of your project.
2. PRINT!
I cannot tell you how many times I have had to make changes to a pattern OR I decided to do my own thing! Print the pattern so you can make notes and check rows off that you have completed.
3. WRITE YOUR Language
Write your own language. If the way the designer has phrased something is confusing to you, get you a sticky note and make a note. This is why I print patterns.
4. Keep a notepad or notebook handy!
Sometimes patterns will say to repeat rows 1 thru 5 until the scarf measures 27 inches. Well If I ever stop mid project to take a break I want to know which row I left off on and what hook I ended up using. Not every row will the same stitch or at times even use the same hook. So take notes!
5. If you don't know, look it up!
If you do not know a term such as Double Treble which is the United Kingdom term for a Treble crochet stitch in United States terminology. Make you a note and look up the term via a search engine or YouTube.
Oh yes did I forget to mention that there is a UK terminology and a US terminology. Keep a note of which stitch is what in each terminology.
Because stitches can have different names if you do not recognize the name that doesn't mean you do not know how to do the stitch just look it up in your pattern.
6. Just because you think you know doesn't mean you do… FOR THAT PATTERN.
Funny story… I was working on a pattern and right now I do not remember which one it was but it had to do with a bobble stitch. A bobble stitch I found out was worked differently in the pattern than how a traditional bobble stitch is worked. It completely threw off my entire project.
A bobble stitch is a little puff in the project. It adds texture and resembles almost a polka-dot effect.
So if the pattern has a description on how to do a certain specialty stitch, as it is commonly referred to, then make sure you work the stitch in that manner. It will save you a lot of time down the road.
7. EVERY Pattern is different!
Like I said earlier, there is no standard for writing a crochet pattern. No special formula. So pay attention to YOUR pattern. Only the pattern you are working with should matter. Don't pay attention to other patterns you have seen or completed and even stitches you may know that are specialty. Specialty is really any stitch that combines other stitches.
8. Give yourself TIME.
Learning a pattern can be frustrating even for experienced crocheters. I still have trouble and I have been doing this a long time. Give yourself room to grow.
Thanks so much for reading. If you have questions regarding your pattern feel free to reach out via email or leave me a comment.
Have a Magical Evening!
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