Here is a few tips to understanding how I write. The majority of my patterns are of an intermediate level. My style has changed slightly over the years and here I will explain more about how I now write. Earlier patterns may employ the use of * instead of brackets.

For help with how to use a colour block graph, (click here)

Brackets

I use several different brackets in my written patterns. These can mean a number of things. View the attached picture.

Other Tips:

  • If a pattern requires a starting chain, I suggest you can use a foundation row instead of this. It is expected that you know how to achieve this yourself.

  • I typically start row/rounds with a suggestion of how many chains required to make each stitch. I do usually use a standing stitch instead of these. It is always stated in the pattern notes that a standing stitch can be used to create a neater finish.

  • Pictures are typically taken with the right side of the work showing. I usually state if this is not the case.

  • Often patterns will have RS or WS at the beginning. This denotes that you are working on a right side row or a wrong side row.

  • If the row begins with a chain, I usually state what this chain represents in ( ) brackets.

  • When skipping multiple stitches, this will appear in most of my patterns written as Sk(Sc. Ch2) or Sk(Sc +Ch2).

    3Dc VS Dc3

    For this example I am talking US crochet terminology. For UK it would be 3Tr VS Tr3. Below is a row of written pattern and you will note the multiple brackets used. These have been explained above.

    Row 3: RS. [14a] Ch1 (counts as Sc), Sc. Ch2, Sk(Sc. Ch2, Sc), {Dc4. 3Dc into Ch2 Sp. Dc4. Ch3, Sk(Sc. Ch2, Sc), Sc. Ch3, Sk(Sc. Ch2, Sc)}x9. Dc3. 3Dc into Ch2 Sp. Dc3. Ch2, Sk(Sc. Ch2), Sc2. Turn. [13 Sc, 110 Dc, 2 Ch2 Sp, 18 Ch3 Sp, Total 181 Sts]

  • In this written row you will note that some of the numbering is before the stitch. Example: 3Dc. When a number appears before a stitch you are to work that amount of the stitch into the one space or stitch. In this case work 3 double crochet into the space or stitch stated.

  • When you have a number after a stitch. Example Dc3. You are to work a single double crochet into the next 3 stitches or space stated.