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Welcome to the Crochet Directory! When beginning crochet, I found it difficult to make sense of pattern reading and the idiosyncrasies of yarns, notions, and all the other random need-to-knows in the craft. I wanted to synthesize all this information in one, consolidated and organized place. It’s been helpful for me, so I decided to share it with others who are searching for a central reference guide.

I encourage all viewers to engage with the resources provided here to get more detailed information. Each tidbit has been pulled from the resources listed. Please reach out if you feel any corrections or changes are needed to this page.

The information here is based on US, basic crochet.

Info in orange blocks / italics is meant to be deleted once read.

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Pattern Reading

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I’ve included the basics of pattern reading here, but dive into the 🌐Resources section to learn more!

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🗒️ General Steps

1. skim through pattern and notes before starting and consider:
   1. if it’s US or UK
   2. it’s a diagram (uses symbols) or written (uses abbreviations)
   3. if it’s worked in rows or rounds
   4. whether it’s one piece, or needs seamed
2. get correct materials
   1. consider weight, gauge, and hook size
   2. acquire necessary notions
      1. hooks, yarn, needles, stitch markers, measuring tools
3. work one stitch and instruction at a time

💪🏻 Skill Level

beginner - basic stitches (single, double, treble crochet)

usually one color

easy - involve more xp than beginner patterns

involve shaping, color changes

intermediate - include more shaping, textures, color changes

variety of complicated stitches (puff stitches, bobbles, etc)

can use more difficult yarn (lace, fluffy, etc)

advanced/experienced - for experienced crocheters

involve complex techniques, stitches, varying color work, detailed shapes

⛓️ Turning Chains

turning chains - chain stitches made when beginning a new row on your work

should be height of following chain

counts as a stitch → crochet into second stitch from turning chain → crochet into turning chain of previous row

does not count as a stitch → crochet into the first stitch from turning chain → do not crochet into turning chain of previous row

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It is important to figure out or decide whether or not your turning chains will count as stitches in your row. The guide to the right and the Turning Chain property in are suggestions; it’s really up to personal preference or the pattern you’re working on.

Remember to count your stitches as you go along to make sure your work is not getting too narrow, as this usually happens by not crocheting into the turning chain from the previous row.

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🌐 Resources

How to Read Crochet Patterns for Beginners

Crochet Abbreviations Master List | Welcome to the Craft Yarn Council

Crochet Chart Symbols | Welcome to the Craft Yarn Council

Best Beginners Guide to Crochet Symbol Charts - JSPCREATE

Does The Turning Chain Count As A Stitch? | All Of Your Questions About Turning Chains- Answered

Crochet Turning Chain (Does It Count as a Stitch?) - Maisie and Ruth

Lesson 1 - Why Use Crochet Diagrams? How to Read Crochet Diagrams

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Video Tutorials

[embed a Youtube playlist of tutorials you’ve done or would like to do]

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✨ Inspiration

[embed a Pinterest board of inspiration]

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Project Tracking

Projects

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Pattern Decoding

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The database is a reference guide for pattern reading organized into Views based on how the terms are used: Stitches, Instructions, or Structure. Then, there are Gallery views of Examples (swatches of the stitch) and the Symbols used in some crochet patterns.

• The Term property includes how each term is colloquially referred to
• The Abbreviation property is how terms will be expressed in most crochet patterns
• The Type property clarifies what the Term refers to (stitch, instruction, or structure)
• The Steps/Info property walks you through how to complete the action or explains what is meant by it
• The Turning Chains property indicates how many chains are needed to complete a row using a certain stitch, and whether or not it counts as a stitch in that row
• The Symbol property indicates what symbol will be used in pattern diagrams
• The Example property shows swatches to visualize what is being referred to
• The Resource property offers more information on what each term entails </aside>

Crochet Terms

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Yarn

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Blocking

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Misc Tips

• [ ] buy supplies as you need them; don’t overspend on potential future projects
• [ ] use stitch markers to keep track while crocheting
• [ ] look out for differences in pattern writing, yarns, and other supplies between different countries (measurements and specifications differ based on location and type of crochet)
• [ ] always read the yarn label to make sure you’re using the right weight and supplies to get the desired size and lay of your project
• [ ] consider whether you’re crocheting in rows or in rounds
• [ ] make sure you’re inserting your hook in the right place
• [ ] keep your working yarn tension, but don’t crochet too tight
• [ ] count your stitches as you go along to avoid missing any
• [ ] don’t be afraid of frogging!
• [ ] consider making swatches to test out the gauge, dimensions, and after-care

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