What’s in a *Good* Crochet Clothing Pattern?
Crochet pattern-writing has been around for centuries, but they weren’t always like what we purchase and/or make now. The oldest record of pattern writing began in 1823, in a Dutch Magazine known as Penelope. The first of its kind, the pattern did not rely on accuracy, but more on appearance. This means that instead of following patterns step-by-step, crocheters had no choice but to use pictures and similar written examples in order to execute the final design they wanted. *Note the irony that copying someone’s design was actually flattering and used as a means to help other women recreate designs!
With the advancement of digital technology, patterns have transformed into a variety of direct instructions used to recreate artists’ most favorite looks. In the 21st century, crocheters want to be able to support artists, recreate looks, and follow instructions that allow them to understand crochet from all angles, but what does that look like? Below are my top 5 key elements that should make a crocheter want to purchase pattern after pattern from a designer.
1. Organization/Depth
Believe it or not, when words are just thrown on a paper with a lack of color-coding, italics, bold letters, spacing, bullets, or numbering, for many creators, it can seem overwhelming and like a project that would be too loaded to take on. Work to create patterns that follow an outline and show your readers what to follow step-by-step, or section-by-section. This could look like adding captions for each section. This could also look like color-coding important information you feel your client should pay special attention to in order to successfully complete the pattern. Lastly, simple spacing helps readers know where the instructions, or a specific section, begins and ends.
Usually, a pattern that has failed to account for the aforementioned is a low-level pattern and discourages future purchasing from that designer. As a crocheter, whenever possible, purchase patterns that employ the tips above. Unfortunately, many times crocheters are left to purchase at least one pattern from an author to determine if the structure is one that appeals to them. Again, modern-day crocheters want patterns that won’t cause them to read between the lines in order to create the piece, unlike traditional crochet patterns, today referred to as “vintage patterns.”
2. Graphics/Images
This is the part of pattern-reading that is the best for me! There is nothing like purchasing a pattern, skimming each page, and seeing a picture for every step or every other! Think about when you were a student in school and you (or another student) would ask the teacher, “Am I doing this right?” Most have no desire to ask that question in the middle of a project, yet not be able to receive an answer immediately! Graphics or images offer immediate feedback for your client. Integrating real-time examples of the images, taken with your phone or camera go a very long way towards reassuring the creator that they are on track. Another option is the use of diagrams or graphics that provide a visual for the shapes you are creating and how they will mesh together to form one piece. One pattern writer that does a great job of this is @JocelynRenePatterns on IG. While her IG appears to have gone since the draft of this offering, in my first year of crocheting clothes, I purchased a shirt and shorts pattern from her and was impressed by the colorful images placed throughout the pattern. Not only did Jocelyn have diagrams of the shapes of the patterns but many pictures in color. It was obvious that she had taken her time designing the pattern and it made me trust that any pattern she writes in the future will be just as great. Although taking pictures of the important steps seems a bit extra and tedious in the beginning, it is worth it when aiming to please a customer and to have them return for your next pattern!
3. Simplified Instructions
Simplified instructions sound like common sense and a “duh” to pattern-writing, but it is a skill that should always be at the forefront and never considered insignificant. Oftentimes, when giving written instructions, how someone else reads, perceives, or processes those instructions should be considered as well. When each step is written, it should be read back to determine if the instructions are clear and can produce precise results. Pattern instructions should have no gaps that leave the crocheter wondering what to do next. This means that one section should flow seamlessly into the next, without any space or portion the crocheter is intended to “know” without being told. One pattern writer that does a great job of this is @Yana.ICrochet. I purchased a ski mask from her at the beginning of my crochet journey and it was the fastest I was able to finish a project, not simply because it’s a small project, but also because the directions were well-written, short, and easy to understand.
4. Hyperlinks!!!
Hyperlinks are the best and can step a pattern up to what I consider a high-level pattern. A hyperlink is when a website or video link is embedded in a word, phrase, and/or image. In a pattern, hyperlinks are perfect for embedding measuring charts, video instructions, or links to other websites to catch up with readers who may be behind on a stitch. Hyperlinks allow you to bury vast amounts of information in small spaces. A great example of this can be seen with @PoshPanacheCrochet. Upon seeing her designs, I thought they looked so intricate and impossible to even attempt, but after purchasing a pattern and seeing how much work went into it and how they came out perfectly shaped to my measurements, I was SOLD! One day, I went back to look at those same patterns to purchase and after downloading, I looked at the details. These patterns had everything discussed in this article but it was the hyperlinks that I truly found impressive. These patterns are front-loaded with significant information upfront, then layered with hyperlinks for access to the patterns and other features. Highly impressive! Hyperlinks can enhance your pattern by helping you embed everything that is needed in order for your client to be successful in creating your pattern. It can also provide much needed aid to visual learners and/or those portions of construction that are strengthened by having it modeled via video. This also means that other factors will automatically be included: organization and simplified instructions.
5. Communication
Finally, a major aspect of pattern writing that seems to be displayed, but not exercised is communication beyond the pattern. For many designers, design credit is wanted, but communication is limited. This could be the reason why many crocheters won’t refer or give credit. Crocheters like to feel like they should be able to reach out and get help if needed (oftentimes, the patterns that meet these requirements won’t leave loopholes). Frequently asked questions should be displayed prior to pattern purchase or designers should have an avenue for communicating with their clients via email, text, or social media. Simply stated, patterns should be simplified enough where questions will be assumed and answered during the writing/testing phase of the pattern. However, in the instance where that has not occurred or a crocheter needs to reach out, the pattern should include, prominently, how to reach out. Pattern writers should answer clients within 24-48 hours, & shorter whenever possible! The momentum, adrenaline, & excitement of creating a piece can be severely & negatively impacted by having to stop OR being left to “figure it out” on one’s own.
I don’t state any of the above to dictate how to run your business, but instead as a gift on how to make your business run for you. If the heavy work is done on the front end, less work is required in the end. Overall, there are a variety of factors that influence the making of a great pattern, & far more than we’ve covered above. However, coming from a frequent pattern purchaser, these are foundational pieces that can level up any basic/low-level crochet pattern.
References:
Hardy, J. (2014, August 29). A History of Crochet Patterns. CreativeArts.
https://historycooperative.org/a-history-of-crochet-patterns/
