Once you take interest in the craft of crocheting and learn the basic crochet stitches, you’ll want to start your first project. For this, you need a crochet hook that you are comfortable with, yarn and a crochet pattern. The choice of a single-ended crochet hook or the special Tunisian crochet hook or even a set depends on you. There are hundreds of beautiful patterns available for you to make, from simple scarves to other projects. For a beginner crocheter, a pattern may look confusing because they are written in what looks almost like a foreign language.

Crochet patterns, in fact almost all patterns are written using abbreviations and terms, which save space and make them easier to read. So, the first step is to understand them and know how to do them. So, here is everything you need to know to read a crochet pattern.

The About Section

Start with reading the about section of the crochet pattern. The most common patterns are in US and UK terms and have major differences between them. So know which terminology you’re used to. If you have worked on US patterns before and want to try UK patterns then you need to have a quick sheet to translate the terms.

Basic Stitch Abbreviations

Yarn, Materials and Notions

Every pattern has instructions on yarn, materials and even accessories. Make sure you have the right crochet hook and yarn. If you want to experiment with either, you also get information to make changes.

Gauge and Tension

When making a scarf or blanket you might not be asked to crochet a gauge swatch. But, for other projects always make a gauge swatch before you begin your project. You can also refer to our blog on why a gauge swatch is important. A pattern will say something like 14 sts = 10 cm (4″); 7 rows = 10 cm (4″) in double crochet using a size G hook (4mm). This means to make a gauge swatch, use your G hook and yarn. Chain your first row, making a few more chains than listed. Here the pattern requires 14 stitches, but make around 20 and work at least 10 rows of double crochet.

You now have a swatch but you need to check. Check how many stitches across fit into 4″ (you should have 14 as the pattern says so). Then, check how many rows fit into 4″ (this should be 7 according to pattern). If you have the correct numbers, you have the correct gauge.

If your gauge is off, you can fix it in two ways. If you have more stitches and rows than the gauge, go up a hook size and if you have fewer stitches, go down a hook size.

With these, details you are all ready to start with your crochet project. Follow the pattern and you will create wonders!

Source by- https://anotepad.com/notes/3dwd534k