Crochet Tips

Margaret's Handy Hints on reading crochet patterns

• Read each row before starting it.
• Read the whole pattern before starting, if you are unsure of any part of the pattern have a practice before starting the article. It would be silly to start a pattern that you don't understand.
• The chain on the hook is never counted as a stitch
• Use a marker to mark each row as you work, this way you won't lose you place
• Always insert the hook from front to back unless the pattern states otherwise
• Always insert hook under the top two loops unless the pattern states otherwise.
• There should be only one loop left on the hook at the completion of each stitch or sequence
• Always work into the turning chain unless the pattern states otherwise.
• Asterisks * this means to work the instructions following the * as many times as specified.
• Parenthesis ( ) brackets, means to work in the brackets as many times as specified.
• rep..repeat, this means to work the instructions the number of times specified, Example.....If the pattern states "rep 5 times" this means to do 6 times one for the original and 5 for the repeats, remember you can't repeat something till you have already done it.. If the pattern states work " 5 times " this means only do 5 times.
• Rows: Rows are usually for straight crochet without curves, turn work at end of each row unless the pattern states otherwise.
• Rounds: Rounds are used in doilies and anywhere that needs circular or curved work, most join with a sl.st. where stated in the pattern, do not turn work unless the pattern states otherwise.
• Clusters...These are usually a series of stitches worked either in the same place or over a number of stitches and worked off together, the instructions for clusters vary from pattern to pattern. The abbreviation and instruction for each cluster should be in the abbreviation section of the pattern book or at the beginning of the pattern. Beginning cluster...This will be the cluster made at the beginning of a row or round, and will have one less loop on than the other clusters in the pattern, because the chain made at the beginning of the row will be the first stitch of the cluster.
• Turning chains...These will be the chain made at the beginning or end of row . If made at the beginning of a row they will be the first stitch, unless the pattern states otherwise. If made at the end of a row they will be the first stitch of the next row after you turn your work, unless the pattern states otherwise Turning chains should be worked into ...example.. if the pattern says ..1tr in turning ch, it means work a treble in the last chain made of the turning chain.
• Crochet hooks: Hook sizes quoted are a guide only, you should use the hook required to achieve the best results, and where a tension is quoted use the hook required to achieve tension stated
• Crochet cotton: Crochet cotton varies from brand to brand, Quantities quoted are a guide only and may vary depending on the cotton used, also from crocheter to crocheter.
• Tension: Everyone crochets differently even when using the same yarn hook and pattern.Some will have a different size to others. If it is important to have the article you are making the exact size as the pattern states, then you should do a tension check, keep changing the hook size till your sample is the same size the tension states. This may mean using a hook two or more sizes smaller or larger than the pattern states. Hook sizes are given as a guide only, you should use the hook to give the stated tension.

Very importantly there are some differences in the terminology used for crochet in various countries, the following is a guide to the major ones. All my books are written using the Australian/European terminology.