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Crochet/Non Pattern Reader Needing To Make Baby Gift!

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Expert: - 8/20/2010


Question

Bib
I've been crocheting and knitting for about 5 years (self taught) and have never attempted anything more than scarves, blankets, etc. because patterns confuse me to no end!  My dear friend is having a baby boy in a month and they are doing a *monkey* theme for him.  I would LOVE to be able to do something spectacular like a crocheted stuffed monkey, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that, lol.  Seeing as how patterns make me feel like I'm not only dyslexic, but reading Japanese as well, what do you suggest so I can make *something* for my friend's son.

I am a very visual person, but there's no one around to "show me".  I've tried an assortment of books and online videos to no avail.  

Can you help?  Included is a pic of the path I had in mind.

Thanks in advance!

Answer
Amanda:

Thanks for the question.

I understand about pattern being a bit confusing and overwhelming. The situation here is that in order to make something special, the pattern will be the best path to take. Here are some assistance in this.

Now I am assuming that you know your basic stitches: Double Crochet (DC), half double crochet (HDC), Single Crochet (SC), Chains (CH) etc etc.

This is how I teach people to read patterns. Once you get the language and how its put together, it will become very easy.

If you noticed, I wrote the name of the stitch and its abbreviation after it. So when you see the row of instructions, you read it with the abbreviation stated as the full name ( DC in 3rd ch from hook = Double crochet in the third chain from the hook) and then you perform the instruction. Some people will re-write the row instructions, to get used to it, and after a while, you will be able to read it in your mind, without having to re-write it.

I also make sure that they have a sheet with the abbreviations and what some of the legends means ( when you see a *( ), you will read later on that you will repeat from *( so many times, so you kind of go back and forth a bit. If you write it out, its lengthy, but will make more sense to you, till you feel comfortable.

Here are some links:

http://www.crochetnmore.com/123basics.htm
I like this one because it explains the stitch

http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/info/crochet-pattern-abbreviations.html
I like this one because its just the abbreviation and the name of the stitch.

here is a pattern for a full monkey.
http://quesera.ojaru.jp/osaru-pattern-b.html

The pattern for the picture you provided is a very nice and not too hard. There is a lot of color changes, but if you just write it out where it will make sense to you, you should be fine with it.

I can help you with as much as I can. If you have MSN chat, we can do a real time chat, and I can guide you. I suggest to take a very simple pattern and re write it where the instructions make sense to you, and do the pattern. This will give you the ease and comfort to begin the other one.

I also suggest to look for the stitches on youtube so you can get a visual of what they mean.

You can do it, once you get the language down, when you the see the row instructions, you can translate it in your head and go for it.

I am here to help. Should you need any assistance, please let me know.

Happy Hooking

Ed

Ed Matos

Expertise

I am able to assist with reading patterns, in any format. I been crocheting for about 18 years. Specialty in intricate pattern, adding bead, sequence, etc.

Experience

Crochet, all type patterns

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