With yarn companies that produce patterns, there is usually a pattern skill level bar or description of beginner, easy, intermediate and experienced.
Many crocheters use this bar as an indicator right off the bat to determine if they can do the pattern without actually reading it. Though I must admit, I have missed out on crocheting some great projects because I was afraid I couldn't do something.
What Does Frogging Mean?
In the world of crochet, you will see some of us saying we are frogging our work. It means we are ripping out our stitches. So the frog goes Ribbit Ribbit, but we crocheters go rip it rip it... To rip out our stitches. Get it!?
More Tips
- How to Figure out the Multiples of a Crochet Pattern + Tutorial
- Learn How To Read Crochet Patterns + Tutorial
- Free Crochet Workshop for Beginners + Tutorial
- Crochet Sky Watch Blanket + Free Downloadable Worksheet
Sometimes we want something simple, even though we could do something more challenging. Each of these increments has a meaning that is used to determine the skill level. Though I must admit, I have seen patterns marked easily, and I have had a conniption trying to figure it out. I have added in my own words what the levels mean to me.
Pattern Levels
As described by the Yarn Craft Council of America.
Beginner, 1 Increment Filled In
- Projects intended for first-time crocheters using basic stitches and minimal shaping.
- In my own words, these are simple afghans and dishcloths. Most likely not changing colours or doing anything fancy.
- An excellent pattern for new crocheters to build their skills. Practice makes perfect.
- For experienced crocheters, you can probably watch TV and crochet at the same time without missing a stitch. A non-brainer, as your hands will do the work without much thought.
Easy, 2 Increments Filled In
- Projects using basic stitches, repetitive stitches, colour changes and simple shaping and finishing.
- In my own words, afghans, or projects with repeating stitches that create stitch-based textures, have a unique look. There's not a lot of complex shaping or anything that requires you to throw your hook across the room in frustration.
- Experienced crocheters glance up and down from the TV but have to concentrate once in a while. You don't have to obsessively count, but your family members may see you mumble and ask you to repeat.
Intermediate, 3 Increments Filled In
- Projects using a variety of different stitches or techniques, such as basic lace patterns or colour patterns with mid-level shaping and finishing.
- In my own words, Afghan or projects where you are playing with multiple stitches to create interesting stitch effects. Shaping requires closer attention, such as clothing and more.
- Better know how to count in your head, and hopefully not get tired of counting to the same number.
- If the project is too big, you might get tired of it, depending on how badly you want to finish it.
Experienced, 4 Increments Filled In
- Projects with intricate stitch patterns, techniques, and dimensions, such as non-repeating patterns, multi-colour techniques, threads, small hooks, detailed shapes and fine attention to finishing.
- In my own words, the hook has the potential to fly across the room if you are not paying attention to the pattern. The pattern will require much more concentration and much less conversation.
- Your tongue may hang out of your mouth as you crochet, as you are concentrating so hard. You may have sudden fits of rage if something interrupts; it's better to warn anyone around you first.
- You are better off crocheting on your own, and no one gets hurt.
Sarah Schweikert says
These descriptions are perfect. Thank you.
SAZ says
Thank you for this very informative post, and for all of your other posts & patterns. I recently tried crocheting sweaters and I do not agree with the skill level ratings on these particular patterns. For example, a sweater I'm working on right now is mostly SC. So for that reason it seems to be an easy level. However, piecing together the different parts of the sweater and shaping the armholes and neck hole is definitely not easy. Trying to make sense of the illustrations of the different components can be frustrating. There are a lot of assumptions built in to the written pattern. I wanted to give up many times, but I'm trying not to think about it too much and just take it row by row. In my opinion, this is intermediate at least. Many thanks and blessings!
Jenny says
I'm an experienced crocheter embarking on pattern writing for the first time, and I just loved these descriptions! Thank you and well done 🙂 Stay safe and happy!
Patricia Stenzel says
Explain how you crochet the increments by 6 or by 4, etc. Because when I look at the hat it doesn't look like anything is skipped or increased. Am I reading this wrong.
Marina King says
I'm not entirely sure what you're asking? In a hat, you start with x amount of stitches, whatever the pattern calls for, the second round you usually increase every stitch, then after that, the increases happen differently, (depending on the round of course) you would do 4 stitches then 2 stitches in one stitch from the previous round repeat till the end, the next round you would do 5 of the stitch than in increase and repeat. because it's worked evenly around in the hat you won't see the increases, there shouldn't typically be decreases in a hat. hope this helps. If it's still not 100% clear I would suggest maybe watch some of Mikey's hat video's on Youtube
Dianna says
How many do I crochet to fit a 12 year old. The pattern is for a 6 year old& chain 84. How many do I chain for 12 year old?
Marina King says
Without knowing what pattern you are referring to it's really hard to give you help.
Sandie says
Yes I think you did a great job and knowing our feelings when things get rough!!
Karen says
Love it! That sounds exactly right!
JKLMomof3 says
LOL, this is awesome. 😀 Thanks for the giggles Mikey. You are awesome. 😀
rebecca says
i love it especially the very last one where i was laughing and picturing the whole scene of some one doing the experiencing section