Reading Charts

Have you ever gotten a pattern that came with a chart? Maybe the pattern was only a chart. The first time I saw one of these, I thought, "And how am I supposed to crochet from this?" Since then, I've learned some of the symbols and gotten a chance to practice reading charts that had written versions as well. If you've never used a chart before, I highly recommend that approach. To get you started, I present to you this lovely graphic of symbols thanks to the Craft Yarn Council. There's actually all kinds of useful information on their website, for both knit and crochet.

There's a downloadable pdf available on their website.

And for fun, I wanted to share with you this video put together by The Crochet Crowd.

 

Crochet Crowd Symbols Quiz

Reading a chart can sometimes be frustrating. Sometimes they aren't done very well, or you really need a note of clarification on which direction to go when. If there's a curve to the work, it can take some practice to know where to put your stitch. Working in rows is much easier to understand; the stitches tend to line up. Like always, be sure to read any special stitches, tips, or extra directions given with the pattern.

In this chart, the clusters of dc go into the chain space (except for the center dc and the first and last stitches of a row). via Lion Brand's Reading Charts page

via Smart Knitting-Crocheting (Pattern 4) The dc clusters go in the chain space. The sc goes in the stitch directly below it.

Maybe one of these days I'll make a pattern that'll be well suited to charting. There's computer programs to help make them, but until I'm making them regularly, I think I'll wait on that.
Happy chart reading!

The Basic Circle

I did not come up with this pattern, but I've noticed it's reappearance in many circular patterns I've used. Want to make a coaster or a trivet? This is the place to start. Also good for a circular dish towel, the base to a mug cozy, or even the bottom of a stuffed toy! I've included two variations.

Abbreviations:
sc = single crochet
ch = chain
slst = slip stitch

With slipstitch rounds and chains to go up: can leave a visable line (spiraling out from center) at row joinings, especially on the back of the work.
Do 1A or 1B.
1A. Start a magic ring with 6 sc, slst closed
  Photo tutorial available here.
  Video available here.
1B. ch 6, slst to form ring, ch 1, sc 6 into ring, slst closed
2. ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc total), slst
3. ch 1, *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next sc* repeat around ring (18 sc), sl st
4. ch 1, *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc* repeat around ring (24 sc), sl st
5. ch 1, *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 3 sc* repeat around ring (30 sc), sl st
6. ch 1, *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 4 sc* repeat around ring (36 sc), sl st
Continue adding 1 sc to each repeat until the circle is as large as you'd like.


Working in a spiral: eliminates spiral line, requires a bit more counting and paying attention.

Do 1A or 1B.
1A. Start a magic ring with 6 sc
  Photo tutorial available here.
  Video available here.
1B. ch 6, slst to form ring, ch 1, sc 6 into ring
2. 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc total)
3. *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next sc* repeat 5 more times (18 sc)
4. *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc* repeat 5 more times (24 sc)
5. *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 3 sc* repeat 5 more times (30 sc)
6. *2 sc in 1st sc, 1 sc in next 4 sc* repeat 5 more times (36 sc)
Continue adding 1 sc to each repeat until the circle is as large as you'd like.


Here is a sampling of things I've made recently which incorporated the Basic Circle. The captions are links to the patterns, all free!

Lop Bunny

Froggie Coaster

Tribble Coasters