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For designers

How to write a crochet pattern

A good pattern lets someone who has never seen your piece make it the same way. It says what to buy, how big it comes out, what every abbreviation means, and exactly what to do in each row or round, with a count to check at the end.

What goes in

The parts of a pattern

  1. Name and skill level. What it is, and whether a beginner can make it.
  2. Materials. Yarn weight, fiber and how much, the hook size, and notions like a yarn needle or stitch markers.
  3. Gauge and finished size. Stitches and rows to 4 in (10 cm) in the main stitch, and the size the piece comes out at that gauge.
  4. Terms and abbreviations. Say whether the pattern is in US or UK terms, list every abbreviation, and explain any special stitch.
  5. Notes. Whether to turn, whether the starting chain counts as a stitch, and anything a maker should know before starting.
  6. The instructions. One row or round at a time, in order, ending with how to finish.

Rows and rounds

Writing each row or round

Start with the start

Begin each row or round with its turning or starting chain, and say whether it counts as a stitch.

Say where

Name where every stitch goes: in the next stitch, in the same stitch, in the next space, around the post.

Group the repeats

Use * and [ ] for repeats, and say how many times or "across" or "around". See crochet abbreviations.

End with a count

Finish each row or round with its stitch count in parentheses, like (24 dc), so makers can check before going on.

Test it

Check every count, then make it

Count each row or round on paper: what it works into and what it makes. Repeats should come out even, and the count at the end should match. A single missed increase can make a circle cup or a square lean.

Then make it from your own words, or ask a tester to. A tech editor checks the counts, the wording and the terms. A chart beside the written pattern helps makers who read symbols; see how to read crochet charts.

Example

One pattern, written once

In Krowshea a pattern is written once, in a small crochet language. The Studio checks its counts and writes it out in US or UK terms, with the chart drawn from the same source. Here are rounds 3 and 4 of our crochet circle:

    ROUND 3:
        CH 3 AS DC, 2 DC IN NEXT, *DC, 2 DC IN NEXT* 11 TIMES
        JOIN, EXPECT 36 DC
    ROUND 4:
        CH 3 AS DC, 2 DC IN NEXT, *DC 2, 2 DC IN NEXT* 11 TIMES, DC
        JOIN, EXPECT 48 DC
  1. 3

    Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 2 dc in next st, [dc in next st, 2 dc in next st] 11 times, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.

    36 dc
  2. 4

    Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 2 dc in next st, [dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st] 11 times, dc in next st, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.

    48 dc

The EXPECT line is the count. If the stitches in a round don't make it, Krowshea says so before anyone picks up a hook. More on the code.

More crochet guides

All crochet resources

Krowshea is in beta

Write it with Krowshea

Build your pattern in the Krowshea Studio and it writes the pattern for you. Members will be able to:

  • Build rounds and rows with stitch groups, no code needed
  • Get the written pattern in US or UK terms, with abbreviations and materials
  • Have every count checked as you go
  • Print it with the chart and its key
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