What do you LOVE in a crochet pattern?

[Former_Member]

There isn't one standard way to write up crochet patterns.

I was wondering what sort of elements make you enjoy following a pattern if they're included. Things like process photos, instructions for special stitches, tips within the pattern, or anything fun or creative that makes you enjoy working on a pattern more.

If online reference material is available for the pattern, do you use it?

How likely are you to share photos of your creations in a community of others who are also making the same thing?

What would make a pattern so much fun to use that you would look for excuses to make multiples?

Any input on any of these areas is most welcome :)

[Former_Member]

What I love:
♥ Photos of the finished product
♥ Yarn category, weight, and yardage
♥ Instructions for special stitches
♥ Abbreviations

♥ I don't usually use reference material unless I'm stuck or need extra information

♥ I share pictures on my blog and on Ravelry, when I remember.

♥ For me the end result is what makes a pattern fun. If I love the finished product, then I'll make the pattern again and again. :-)

Fun post!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for your feedback! I have all of these patterns written up, but because so far I'm the only one who uses them and I know my materials and supplies like the back of my hand, I'm trying to make sure that in re-writing them for others I cover all of the important bases.

[Former_Member]

I look for patterns that have been tested thoroughly and follow the Yarn Council Standards.

I want to see the information about the yarn used (weight, yardage, etc) and not just the brand name.

I want to see an accurate pattern gauge and not simply the gauge from the ball of yarn.

I really don't worry about detailed photos but I do like to see at least one good photo of the finished product.

[Former_Member]

I know for some first starting out, notes and/or pics on special stitches are appreciated (someone in a group I'm in on FB was just talking about liking this, as she's new to crochet lol).

Yarn weight/size is important for me. There's times I specifically go through my patterns to see what I can make with a certain weight yarn--without having to go through all the calculations to convert another weight lol.

I think as far as photo's: If you're looking to gear patterns toward beginners, the more the better. More advanced crocheters probably don't need as many.

I always share photos of what I'm working on/completed. Even if someone else is doing the same pattern, I'll most likely have different yarn selections/colorways so each one still looks unique. :)

[Nothingbutstring]

Personally I prefer graphs vs the written pattern. I'm a very visual learn and it's just easier for me to see the pattern than have to read line after line.

[Former_Member]

I like it when the project has several pictures from different angles, to give me a full idea of what it actually consists of. I also like it when the patterns are thorough, I hate it when designers write the pattern in their crochet slang and then I don't know what they're talking about. If it's too difficult for me to get through the first few rows easily because I can't translate it quickly, I usually move on to something else.

[Former_Member]

The thing I like most is a chart, I can read patterns in words and such but I much prefer a pattern I can follow on a chart without having to read anything, but maybe that's just me.

[Former_Member]

Yeah I prefer charted patterns. Mostly though I just look up stitch patterns & modify them myself into an original work.