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Learn to Read Crochet Patterns: Lesson 1

December 12, 2012 by Michael Sellick 11 Comments

Michael Sellick, Mikey, Pattern ReadingLearning to read patterns for many new and experienced crocheters can be a daunting task. Speaking for myself, I learned how to crochet when I was 14 and went nearly 20 years before I could read a pattern. When I first started crocheting, I learned how to read crochet diagrams and relied heavily on them rather than on actual patterns.

As time has progressed, the creation of diagrams has dwindled as they are costly to make and most companies are opting not to produce them as much. This means that reading patterns became something I needed to learn.

I wouldn’t describe myself as an expert of reading patterns. Like many of you, I have to play with the wording and take my time when going through a pattern for the first time. Sometimes it’s trial and error. Sometimes a pattern is too difficult for me that I just sideline it and move onto another project.

Filmed Just for You

I receive a lot of email daily and I always receive several about how to read patterns. I decided to try and produce a video series that is educational, informative, and on point for teaching how to read patterns. I am going to attempt to answer as many questions by showing you inside tips and demonstrations through my mini series. I hope you will find this helpful.

Lesson 1 – Understanding Yarn Ball Labels

In Lesson 1, I began with the basics of reading patterns and symbols. It made sense for me to start off with an item that we all have and purchase before we even think about buying a pattern book. You got it… yarn ball labels.  I broke down the yarn ball label into sections for you to know exactly what the manufacturer is telling you. I also supply a list of resources which include a Yarn Weight Guide and Yarn Care & Washing Symbol Chart. The yarn is telling you a lot of information about what size hooks to use and what the gauge of the yarn should be. Links for the resources shown in the video can be found on my website.

In the next lesson, I will be covering the anatomy of a pattern and insider tips on deciding if the pattern is for you. See you next week!

Share with us! What did you start crocheting with–charts or patterns?

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Michael Sellick
Latest posts by Michael Sellick (see all)
  • Learn To Read Crochet Patterns: Lesson 8 - January 30, 2013
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  • Learn To Read Crochet Patterns: Lesson 6 - January 16, 2013

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Filed Under: News Tagged With: crochet, guest post, Michael Sellick, read crochet series, the crochet crowd, video tutorial

Comments

  1. Evelyn Wilson says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:50 am

    I’m so happy to see your crochet lesson I am so busy now, but when are the other lessons coming? Thank you. Evelyn

    Reply
  2. Melody Kostenuk says

    December 13, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Excellent info!! Can’t wait to see you video about reading patterns!!

    Reply
  3. Lois says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:41 am

    Was every good information, thank you.

    Reply
  4. Carmen Farnbach says

    February 8, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    I’ve crocheted for about 60 years. As a lefthanded grand daughter of a very talented grandmother who was righthanded I learned to crochet by sitting in front of her. Over the years, I learned to read patterns with help from 2 aunts.
    However, I’m working on one of your Baby Cocoon Patterns and I have instruction I’ve not seen.
    Cocoon…Round 1:
    “PM in center of sc of last 3sc”

    Please explain the “PM” ?????

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Free Crochet Patterns, Free Knitting Patterns, Video Tutorials and Giveaways from StitchAndUnwind.com says:
    December 19, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    […] Let’s continue our journey through reading crochet patterns as we move on to Lesson 2. (Be sure to check out Lesson 1!) […]

    Reply
  2. Free Crochet Patterns, Free Knitting Patterns, Video Tutorials and Giveaways from StitchAndUnwind.com says:
    December 26, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    […] the next lesson in the Learn to Read Crochet Pattern series, I’ve broken down crochet diagrams in order to explain them in detail. As time goes on, […]

    Reply
  3. Free Crochet Patterns, Free Knitting Patterns, Video Tutorials and Giveaways from StitchAndUnwind.com says:
    January 2, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    […] week, another crochet lesson! For the fourth post in the Learning to Read Crochet Pattern series, I’ve created a mini follow-along exercise for […]

    Reply
  4. Free Crochet Patterns, Free Knitting Patterns, Video Tutorials and Giveaways from StitchAndUnwind.com says:
    January 9, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    […] the next lesson in the Learning to Read Crochet Pattern Series, I’ve created a mini exercise for you to follow […]

    Reply
  5. Free Crochet Patterns, Free Knitting Patterns, Video Tutorials and Giveaways from StitchAndUnwind.com says:
    January 16, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    […] Pattern Series, I’ve created another mini exercise for you to follow along. You can review previous lessons here on Stitch & Unwind. Start from the beginning with Lesson 1 to learn about yarn ball labels […]

    Reply
  6. Free Crochet Patterns, Free Knitting Patterns, Video Tutorials and Giveaways from StitchAndUnwind.com says:
    January 23, 2013 at 10:01 am

    […] the next lesson in the Learning to Read Crochet Pattern Series, I’ve created a new and exciting exercise for you to follow […]

    Reply
  7. Free Crochet Patterns, Free Knitting Patterns, Video Tutorials and Giveaways from StitchAndUnwind.com says:
    January 30, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    […] a pillow or use it as a decorative table piece. The diagram and written instructions can be found here as well as on my own website. This pattern isn’t as complicated as it looks. You’ll be […]

    Reply

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