If you ever think about starting a crochet business, then learning how to write a crochet pattern is something you need to pick up early. Assuming you wish to sell crochet patterns.
However, even if you are not plannin on selling any of the crochet patterns, learning how to write a crochet pattern is a good skill considering it will help you remake something you make a few years ago without any problems.
How to write a crochet pattern
A great crochet pattern must comprise of a title, picture of the finished project, guage, item measurements, materials, sizes available, amaount of yarn, pattern construction,level of difficulty, terminology, abbreviation/stitch library, the pattern, notes.
so, before we go deep into learning how to write a crochet pattern, you want to be sure to FULLY understand crochet patterns yourself so you know how frustrating it is to see something that does not make sense at all!!!
Not every crochet pattern has to be sold, you may want to write a pattern for future references or in case you want to share the pattern with a friend.
However, you want to write a pattern that will be well understood, if you pick it up five years down the line you want to make the exact same thing you made in the beginning.
So these are just a few tips that i picked up over the years when it comes to writing patterns that i sell and write on my blog.
However, before writing the actual printable pattern, you want to follow the steps below to make the pattern as accurate as possible
Learning how to write a crochet pattern
STEP 1: Grab a Pen
STEP 2: Take Pictures
STEP 3: Write Everything
STEP 4: Pattern Testers
Step 1: Grab a pen
grab a pen and notebook as you crochet. And you want to make sure you write every single step. If you chained 100 with a 10 mm crochet hook using red heart super saver then, write chain 100 with a 10 mm crochet hook with red heart super saver yarn,
if your pattern is measurement based, then write down how many inches the foundation chain has to be. You want to be as specific as you can be. Every single step and detail has to be recorded
Step 2: Take pictures
Take pictures as you crochet. You can use your phone if its close by. Some stitches are hard to explain verbally so a graphic explanation tends to save the day. You want to make sure you are doing this in great light so it is clearly seen.
Step 3: Write every detail
You need to write down the stitch details, for example, if you are increasing, be sure to specify how many stitches you are increasing with. I personally like to increase with two, others increase with 3, if you want your reader to have your outcome, you want to keep things as clear as possible.
Step 4: Pattern Testers
Give the pattern to a friend to try it out, or if you have time, you can remake your project to see if it is clearly written. There are pattern testers you can always give to assist you with the pattern assuming you wish to turn the pattern writing into a business.
So now that we know the few easy steps on how to write the pattern there are a few things EVERY written pattern must have
What every Crochet Pattern must have
1. Title
I am sure you have seen some cardigans with titles other than crochet cardigan, “The Sunshine Cardigan”, “The fall cardigan”, for example. You can name the project based on your inspiration, it can be named after a loved one or season, go crazy with the names, its yours!
2. Pictures
It is best to present a clear picture on the cover of your pattern assuming you wish to print it or sell it. Whatever the situation, a picture it convenient because you want your outcome to match the picture LOL
3. Sizes
If the pattern can be made in different sizes, be sure to specify the sizes the pattern explains. This is done using XXS, XS, S, M, L. XL. 2XL. 3XL..etc
4. Materials
Here you list everything you used to achieve the finished work i.e the size hooks, the yarn, measuring tape, stitch markers etc
5. Amount of yarn needed and type
For every size, explain the amount of yarn required to achieve the project.
6. Pattern Construction
Here you give a little trailer of the entire project just to have the reader familiarised with the pattern. If you will begin by working the collar, you explain here. For example “this pattern is worked from the top going down, we will begin with the neck ribbing followed by the shoulder portion then we will separate the arms from the body” from this explanation the reader will know what they’re doing in every step.
7. Pattern Difficulty
If the pattern is beginner friendly, this is where you specify , if it is intermediate or advanced, you make it clear here to attract the right audience. If you know the pattern is for beginners, you want to add as much pictures as possible in the pattern because when you are new to crochet, nothing makes sense and it becomes frustrating
8. Finished Measurements
Measure you work height, width, arm length to give the reader an idea of the finished outcome.
9. Stitch Library
This is where you explain the meaning of Ch-Chain, Dc-Double crochet, sc- Single crochet and the rest of the family so the reader does not wonder what language you are speaking LOL
10. Abbreviation
This can be combined with step 6, it is all up to you
11. Notes
Here you explain anything special about the pattern. For example, you can state that the pattern will only be worked in the back loop throughout, or that the chaining of 2 does not count as a stitch.
12. Pattern
Now this is where the pattern begins. You explain how the project will be brought to life including all the pictures you took.
13. Finishing
This step requires more pictures of the pattern finished and on a model if it is a garment. If the pattern was published on a website or a printable PDF for sale, be sure to notify the reader that they can contact you for any questions in case something did not make sense. You can leave links to your social media accounts for easy access.
Just like that, you have written a pattern!!!
Mistakes are innevitable, they will happen from time to time, especially considering the pattern involves a lot of numbers and stittch count. This is more likely if your pattern involves multiple sizes i.e Size XS-7XL. You will get confused. But not to worry. It is best to keep one pattern that was very accurate close by so you can know how best to size diffferent garments.
Other peole sweat by measurement based patterns, which is great, unless your pattern is number specific which tends to confuse things a little bit.
I do hope this post was helpful to you, if not please be sure to comment below and let us know what needs improvement, adding or even subtraction. Leave a comment and share the post to those wanting to learn crochet pattern writing!!!!!!
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