Tips For Beginning Crocheter -- How To Read And Follow Written Crochet Instructions

Crochet Pattern Instructions are usually made up of series or string of instructions within a single sentence and the best way to understand and follow it is to read and do one string of instruction at a time.  The string of instructions are usually separated by comas or semicolon and end in period at the end of the sentence.  Begin by reading and doing from coma to coma or from coma to semicolon or to period.  This action is similar to taking small bite of food so that it can easily be chewed.

Reading a Crochet Pattern Instructions alone does not make sense.  It is hard to understand crochet commands or instructions unless they are followed word for word in proper sequence within the string of commands.

Skipping one or two commands or instructions is a common mistake because they are so similar and hard to distinguish from one to another.  It is easy to get lost within the series of instructions.  The way I minimize error due to this fact is to use lead pencils or see through labels which I use as markers for current string of command I'm currently doing.  I move the label to the next string or if using pencil I check mark the end of the string I completed, before I start the next string of command.
See photo below.

On Round 1 of this pattern, there are 4 strings of commands indicated by red numbers and brackets.
The strings are separated by comas, and period.  The commands must be followed word for word from 1 to 4 in sequence.  Note the yellow transparent label that I placed over string of command #1 to indicate the current command or instruction that I'm doing.    I don't worry about the next command until the current one is done.

Crochet Pattern Instructions is either for projects that are made up of crocheted rows or the project is crocheted in the rounds.

Crocheted rows require turning the work right side up then wrong side up alternately.
Crocheted rounds start at one point and ends in the same point.  A marker is usually used to mark the beginning/ending point.

This is all for now.  I hope this post is of some help.  Thank you for stopping by.

My next post will be "How To Understand The Language Of Crochet."

Tips For Beginning Crocheter -- Choosing The Right Project And The Right Pattern For Beginning Crocheter

Let's get ready for the cooler weather!  Make something that will keep us warm.  Make a hat, a mitten or a scarf.  There are lots of written patterns and video tutorials available on the internet.  One only has to decide what to make and what pattern to use.  It's hard to make a choice because of the abundance of wonderful projects to make, abundance of patterns and also abundance of different yarns available in the yarn market.

If we don't watch we will be spending most of our time browsing the internet to help us make decision but getting distracted because of so many things that we see.  So how does a crocheter (crocheter, not an official word according to the autocorrect), make a decision without getting distracted?

My suggestions are:  1) Decide on what you want to make without relying on the internet.  Once you decide this then 2) look for the best pattern that you like using the internet, such as Ravelry, Craftsy, Etsy and many other sites.  Be mindful of time spent browsing, otherwise you waste so much of it because there are so many pretty patterns on the internet that it is hard to choose.  You can use written patterns on Crochet Magazines or Crochet Booklets available at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michael's and other craft or yarn store,s in your area.  Video tutorials are also great.  I watch and follow tutorials on YouTube! 3)  Decide on the type of yarn based on what the choosen pattern requires and make sure to buy enough yarn.  It is better to have extra yarn than to run out of it before the project is finished.  It is hard to match color.  To match the exact color in yarn, you have to go by "dye lot" number.  4)Finally, buy the crochet hook called upon by the pattern.

Gauge VS size of Crochet Hook:  It is important to follow gauge in order to achieve the correct sizing of the project.  Obtaining the specified size, specially for fitted garment is complicated in crochet because the size of individual stitches is affected by how tight or loose each crocheter crochets  therefore I would not suggest to beginners to make garments or fashion accessories that has to fit exactly.  Another fact is that individual stitch is also affected by the crocheter's mood.  For example, if the crocheter is tense, he or she would crochet tightly and when relaxed, he/she would crochet loosely so that in order to keep stitches the same size, you have to maintain the same focus and attention to your stitches all through the project and checking your stitches for uniformity until project is completed.

Loose fitting scarves, cowls, handbags or purses; small dish towels or hand towels are appropriate for beginning crochet projects.

In selecting the pattern, keep in mind the stitches that you already know and choose a pattern that uses stitches that you are familiar with.  Everyone enjoys challenge most of the times but when the challenge is too much, it is easy to get overwhelmed.  It is better to do a simple project that you know you can finish than choose a complicated one because the joy comes mostly in having completed a project.

Free Pattern for the Hat is available at my other crochet site City Girl Crochet.

Thank you for stopping by.

My next post will be The importance of Swatching.  First of all, what is "swatching"?  Please find out on my next post.

Desert Rose Scarf/Neck Warmer -- Crochet Pattern

Tools And Materials:

Yarn, medium weight (4), I Love this Yarn, Metallic or plain, one color of your choice; for small size -  1 skein; for medium to large - 2 skeins.  Each skein has 252 yds/230 m.  Crochet Hook - 4.25 mm; Yarn Needle.

Crochet Terms, Abbreviation And Meaning:

Sp = Space - It refers to space created by series of chains, example: Ch-3 space, ch-5 space,

ch-7 space. Note: Ch-3 loop, or ch-5 loop etc. , may be used instead.

Lp = Loop - It refers to the series of chains. It also refers to part of any stitch such as the back
or front loop (strand of yarn) in a single crochet or other stitch.

Sk = Skip - means skip a stitch or space etc.

Tog = Together - refers to stitches that are joined into a single stitch. example dc3tog, means,

make three double crochet together. This stitch is used in creating clusters or pointed
petals.

Ch = Chain

Slst = Slip Stitch

Dc = Double Crochet

Tr = Triple Crochet

* * = Asterisk - Refers to the instructions between these.

( ) = Parenthesis - Instructions inside ( ) must be repeated as many times as indicated by the

number that follows it.

[ ] = Bracket - Instructions inside it will be mentioned and/or repeated.

>> = Points to the beginning of instructions to be followed.

R = Round or Row

O = Old - Refers to the first (old) motif done.

N = New - Refers to the new or current motif that is being completed.

Yo = Yarn over - refers to the yarn being coiled or wrap around the crochet hook to make a stitch.

The yarn is wrap around the hook counter clockwise.

(B)sc = Beginning Single Crochet - Refers to the first single crochet (sc) made at the beginning

of round or row. In this crochet pattern which works in Rounds (B) next to a stitch designates that stitch to be the beginning stitch to which or part of which, the slip stitch that will be done at the end of the round must be attached.

The Pattern:

Ch5, slst on 5th ch from hook to form a ring.

R1: Ch4, sc over ring. (Ch4, sc over ring)7x. 8 total ch-4 loops made.

R2: (B)sc on next ch-4 sp. Ch1, 4dc on same sp, ch1, sc on same sp. (Sc on next ch-4 sp, ch1, 4dc on same sp, ch1, sc on same sp)8x. Eight Rose Petals made. Slst on (B)sc.

R3: Ch1, [with your thumb, mark the space between 2nd and 3rd dc of next petal, insert hook from back (wrong side) to front (right side) of this petal into the marked space, over the previous Ch-4 loop of R1 and back to the wrong side and make a sc]. (Video Tutorial available soon).

(Ch5, [ ])8x. Slst on the beginning sc of this round.

R4: (B)sc on next ch-5 sp, ch1, 6dc on same sp, ch1, sc on same sp. (Sc on next ch-5 space, ch1, 6dc on same sp, ch1, sc on same sp)7x. Slst on (B)sc.

R5: Ch3, [ with thumb, mark the space between 3rd and 4th dc of next petal, insert hook from back (wrong side) to front (right side) of this petal into the marked space, over the previous ch-5 of R3 and back to the wrong side and make a sc]. (Ch5, do [ ])8x. Slst on beginning sc of this round.

R6: Note: If this is the second or subsequent motif, follow instructions on "How To Join Two Motifs On R6", given below. Slst on next 3 stitches, sc on same st, Ch4, this counts as 1tr. (B)Tr2tog on same stitch, one leaf made. Ch9, tr3tog on same stitch, one corner pair of leaves made. >> (Ch7, sc on next ch-5 loop, ch7, tr3tog on the 3rd ch of next ch-5 loop, ch9, tr3tog on same stitch)3x. Slst on tip of first petal made ((B)tr2tog). Rose Motif made. Fasten off, leaving a 6 to 7 inch yarn tail.

How To Join Two Motifs on R6: Slst on next 3 sts. Ch4, count this as 1 tr. (B)tr2tog on same st.

ch4, join as follows,with right sides of O and N facing outward, [ sc on ch-9 corner sp of O, ch4, tr3tog on same st of N. Ch-9 corner loops are joined. (Ch3, sc on ch-7 loop of O; ch3 , sc on ch-7 7 loop of N, ch3, sc on ch-7 loop of O; ch3, tr3tog on 3rd ch of next ch-5 loop of N, ch4, sc on next ch-9 loop of O, ch4, tr3tog on same st of N. Finish N by following R6 instructions starting at >>.

Making Adjustable tie:

Flower Tie Button B : Ch8, slst on 8th chain to make a ring. Sc on next 8 stitches. slst next st, flip work up to start working on beginning ch-8 loop, ( sc on next st)8x. slst on beginning sc. (Ch2, skip 2 sc, sc on next st) 4x. (Sc on next ch-2 sp, ch1, 4dc on same sp, ch1, sc on same sp)4x. Slst on any stitch to go back to the other side of the work. * (Sc on next sc)8x. Slst next st*. Repeat * * 1 time. Turn work wrong side out. Pull 5 yards of yarn through flower. * (Insert hook on back loop of next st, yo and draw up a loop)4x, yo once and draw up this loop through all loops on hook .* Repeat * * 1 more time. One flower button made. Measure the length of the finish scarf and make as many chains that would equal this measurement. Ch4, insert hook on 4th ch from hook to make a ring. (Sc over ring) 9x. Slst on next sc. (Ch1, sc on next sc.)40x.
Ch3, skip 2 sts, sc on next st)3x. (Sc on next st, ch1, 5dc on same sp, ch1, sc on same st)3x. Slst on next sc, ch1 then pull yarn tight. Fasten off. Flower Button E made. Hide yarn tail inside the flower. See Instructions on Hiding yarn tail.

Join 6 to 8 flowers together for small size, 10 flowers for medium size and 12 flowers for large size.  

Other Options:  Longer  and wider scarf may be made if desired using the following data to calculate how much yarn needed for specific length and width:

1 Flower motif = 24 yds of medium weight (4) yarn.  Extra yards should be added for allowance.

What Does One Do When Waking Up At 2:30 Am And Can't Go Back To Sleep?

It happened again!  I woke up at 2:30 AM and can't go back to sleep, so I checked all the wonderful work of my creative peers whom I'm following on Blogger.  I'm amazed at their work and creativity!  Where do they get all their creative energy and inspirations to finish their craft (crochet/knit) projects?  My creative energy is very sporadic and most of the times runs out before I can finish, my work.  How do you all stay inspired?

Recently, I started teaching a crochet class at a Senior Center nearby and this helps me some to focus on crochet.  Still I feel I'm lacking focus, motivation and energy to finish projects quickly.  After this post if I can't go back to sleep, I'll just get up and  do crochet.

I recently learned how to connect granny squares continuously without breaking the yarn until all the squares are all connected together.  This is a very cool technique because it saves one lots of time since there are not very many tails to hide.  I give credit to these two web sites where I learned the technique:
Please click here and here.

Below, are photos of my practice squares.  This crochet scheme is good for using leftover yarn since the middle squares are small and does not use a whole lot of yarn.