Bruce the Chef

By: Charles Cox

The basic element in studying crochet patterns and instruction is
learning to understand the style of writing and interpreting crochet
abbreviations. However, just remember that you don’t have to learn and
memorize the symbols and abbreviations immediately because you can
always refer to your list when needed.

Crocheting directions generally make liberal use of parentheses ( ) and
asterisks (*) to show pattern repetitions. For instance, when the
pattern instructs you to “repeat from *” you need to examine and look
back at the instruction of the row that you currently are working on
and then locate the asterisk (*). Crochet the instruction instantly
following that asterisk (*).

Generally only one asterisk (*) in a row is found and the “repeats”
will bring you to the row ending so that there is no supplementary
instruction required for where you should end the repeats.

There are a few patterns that uses a “single asterisk (*)”at the start
and at the end of “the repeat”. So that when you arrive to the
succeeding “single asterisk (*), you are aware that it is the spot
where that “repeat” will be stopped.

At certain times patterns uses “single asterisk (*) and a “double
asterisk (**), where the “double asterisk (**)” is normally used to
indicate where you need to end the repeat; for instance, a pattern
instructs you to “repeat from * to **”. You need to search for, going
backwards in the instructions of the round which you are working on and
locate the asterisk (*). Then you need to crochet the instructions at
once succeeding that asterisk (*) and then continue till such time you
arrive to the double asterisk (**), then you need to stop and begin to
crochet once more at the course where you stop or left off before
making the repeat.

Here are things to keep in mind when looking at a crochet pattern:

1. Crocheting patterns and instructions are worked usually in rounds or
rows. Every pattern will spell out if you are doing or working in
rounds, rows or mixture of both.

2. Almost all crochet patterns and instructions are generally ranked
according to difficulty level such as advanced, intermediate, easy or
beginner. Select a pattern with a difficulty level that suits your
abilities, to avoid frustration when trying to finish a pattern that
has advanced level. As you continue on working and increase your
crochet experience, then you can work on to the next difficulty level.

3. It is important to count the stitches you have made as you go on
with your work so will be able to keep track of how many more are
needed on each round or row as required by the pattern.

4. You will need to verify your gauge. To do so, crochet a sample of
about 4 X 4 inches size in the pattern that is used your crochet
instructions. When your gauge turned out to be larger than that
indicated by the pattern, then use a smaller hook; when your gauge
turned out to be smaller, then try using a much larger hook.

5. Enrolling in a crochet class can be very helpful when you are beginning to learn crochet.

When just starting out, never be discouraged for not being able to
understand each pattern and its abbreviations. Reading and
understanding crochet patterns will take constant practice.

About the Author:

C.S.Cox published the acclaimed instructional book, "Crocheting Made
Simple" which has taught numerous people how to crochet. Find out how
to sign up for the FREE Crocheting Made Simple Newsletter at www.crochetmadesimple.com

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