Learn how to write a crochet pattern using this free tutorial! Learn the basics of writing your own crochet pattern to sell online or give to friends.
CHECK OUT PART 2 – HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CROCHET PDF PATTERNS
Have you ever thought about writing your own crochet patterns? If that answer is a YES than you’ve come to the right place.
When I first started crocheting, I thought it would be so neat to create my own patterns. At the time, I would buy tons of other makers patterns and just have fun creating them.
As we all know, crochet can be very meditating. As I was making these patterns, I would also look at the layout of how the patterns were created. A couple of hours later, you realize that a lot of the patterns have the same construction.
You’re basically explaining to someone how you created that crochet item. For example, it’s like explaining to someone over the phone how to make bread. You need water, yeast, some flour and then you mix!
Of course you’re going to need more ingredients to make bread, but you catch my drift?! Your job is to explain to the person buying your pattern or if it’s a gift how to make that crochet item.
Now that we’ve got that part out of the way, let’s talk about some beginner tips on how to write your own crochet pattern!
TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR OWN CROCHET PATTERN
- Have confidence in yourself and say “I can totally do this!”
- Gather all your notes throughout the process of creating your crochet item and have them ready to use.
- Pull out that gauge swatch that I know you made earlier (right?!) and get ready to measure it.
- Grab a tape measurer ready to use if needed.
- Grab the yarn and the hooks used for the project.
And you’re ready to go! Grab a fresh piece of paper and a pencil with an eraser!
HOT TIP: I like to write my pattern out on paper first and then head to the computer to write it in a word document. I like doing it this way because I’m basically double checking myself on my pattern! It’s easier to catch mistakes as well.
WHAT DOES AN OUTLINE OF A CROCHET PATTERN LOOK LIKE?
Let’s take a look at what an outline of a crochet pattern looks like or what do I need to include when writing a crochet pattern.
- Title
- Photos
- Difficulty Level
- Materials
- Gauge
- Finished Size
- Abbreviations
- Stitch Explanations
- Pattern Notes
LET’S DIVE A LITTLE BIT DEEPER INTO THOSE 9 DETAILS
Title – Every great crochet pattern needs a great title! Now you can either make up your own name, like I did with my Highlands Crochet Scarf or you can say something like “Simple Triangle Scarf.” Personally, I think it’s better to come up with a unique name because it tells the buyer that there is a story behind the name. It makes your audience (buyer) wonder and it’s memorable!
Photos – Photos are so important! And this is one that I’m still even working on. Photos tell the audience a story. A good photo can make a big difference. That’s why its so important to include a good photo in your pattern. Take the photo from all angles and see which one shows of your crochet project the best.
HOT TIP: This can make a real difference if you want to sell your patterns.
Difficulty Level – It’s important to write the difficulty level in your pattern. It lets the buyer know whether it’s a beginner, intermediate, or advanced pattern.
Materials – You need to include all the materials that you used in creating your crochet creation. So things like: what type of yarn, the weight of yarn, how many skeins, the hook size, any stitch markers, a darning needle, or any embellishments.
Gauge – Make sure you include the gauge in every crochet project. Even though some projects don’t require a gauge swatch, I like to include it just in case. Plus, I think it shows professionalism as well to the person buying your pattern!
Finished Size – It’s important to include the finished size of your crochet project. However, it might not always be necessary. It will depend heavily on what you’re designing.
Abbreviations – You need to make sure that you include all the stitches that you used to create your project. This lets the buyer know which stitches they need to know to create your project.
Stitch Explanations – If you have any stitches that aren’t the basic stitches, I like to include an explanation on how to make that specific stitch.
Pattern Notes – You need to include any pattern notes that would help in creating your pattern. Since we all crochet a bit differently, it’s important to write anything down that might help the person make the pattern.
FINAL TIPS ON WRITING YOUR OWN CROCHET PATTERN
When you’re writing your own crochet pattern, I think its important to put your own spin on it! So what do I mean by that?!
After you’ve written out your pattern, take a look at the fonts and see if you can change the font title or maybe change the color of the title. I’ve even changed the background from white to light pink. I think this adds a perfect little touch to your designs.
Make it your own!
The way I like to think about it is when someone sees your pattern, can they tell that its your pattern without seeing your name?! If so that’s called BRANDING and branding is so important.
It’s what sets you apart from other designers. So what i’m trying to convey is, “when writing your own crochet pattern, make sure you add your own touch to it.”
Finally, I hope this post helped you a bit in understanding how to write a crochet pattern. And just remember, it’s ok if your first pattern isn’t the best (mine definitely wasn’t) but just keep practicing! Over time, you’ll get better and better at it.
Leave a comment below if you have any more questions on how to write a crochet pattern?
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