Learn How To Read Patterns

Many crocheters struggle with the idea of reading crochet patterns. For some people, they catch on quick. For others, it's a bit of a journey. Mikey took a while to learn patterns and is still learning new things as he goes along. In this detailed and comprehensive video series, Mikey breaks down the barriers of crochet patterns by filling in the gaps with insider tips.

See all of the courses to date that are offered by clicking 'Read More' below. 

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Basic Introduction

I learned to crochet when I was 14 years old. I bought a book that had crochet diagrams and written instructions. From that moment on, I skipped over the written directions and just referred to the crochet diagrams. When I launched The 

Crochet Crowd back in 2008, I was still unable to read patterns but didn't think it was a big deal. I realized I was missing out on tens of thousands of free patterns available.

Viewers would email me their pattern questions and I kept ignoring them because I didn't know the answers. I finally hit a milestone where I realized if I don't start learning how to read patterns, I'm not going to be able to help anyone. Using viewers questions, I did research to find the answers and in this process, I began to understand how to read patterns. Please note, I receive a lot of email today with patterns being copied for me to decipher. I don't guarantee that I will answer back pattern questions because I am slammed with them every day. 

I will admit though, I still won't buy a crochet pattern book unless it has the diagrams in it. It's just a personal preference for me. 

Intro & Lesson 1 - Reading Yarn Labels

I welcomed you to the world of crochet patterns. I was honest that not everyone is meant to understand crochet patterns. Some people get it right off the bat and other people, like me, take time in getting to understand them. The best advice is to be patient with yourself. Challenge yourself but set realistic goals. 

Learn what the yarn manufacturers are trying to tell you.

To start off with, I decided to go through a yarn label first. Everyone buys yarn but do they understand what the yarn ball is telling them. I figured this is a great place to start as people tend to buy yarn before they will buy a pattern book or take a shelf tearaway to use. 

In this video, I referenced many different resources but I am going to give you the ones pertaining to the yarn balls. In future lessons, I will give you further links and discuss those in more depth. 

Materials referenced in this video are as follows:

1. Yarn Weight Symbols & Yarn Gauge Measurements
2. Yarn Care & Washing Symbols with their Meanings

Learning How To Read Pattern Keys - Lesson 2

 

Learning How To Read Crochet Diagrams - Lesson 3

 

How To Read Patterns Lesson 4 - Diagram Exercise 1

1. _{Ch 13}
2. _{2 DC fifth Chain from Hook, 2 HDC, 2 SC, 2 HDC, 1 DC}
3. _{CH 3, 2 TR, 1 HDC, 1 DC, 1 SC, 2 BPDC, 1 FPDC, 1 HDC}
4. _{CH 3, 3 BPDC, 1 TR, 1 HDC, 1 CH, 1 SC, 1 BPDC, 1 DC, fasten off and weave in ends.} 

How To Read Patterns Lesson 5 - Diagram Exercise 2

 

How To Read Patterns Lesson 6 - Diagram Exercise 3

How to Read Patterns: Lesson 7 - Diagram Exercise 4 Round

How To Read Crochet Patterns: Lesson 8 - Real Project To Test Your Diagram Skills