Formatting
In crochet, formatting a pattern means presenting the instructions in a clear, organized, and standardized way so that other crocheters can easily understand and follow them to create the same finished item.
Key elements of a well-formatted crochet pattern:
A brief description of the pattern and what the finished object will be.
Pattern Title
Section titled “Pattern Title”- Use Title Case (e.g., “Sunrise Mosaic Shawl”).
- Keep it descriptive and memorable.
Difficulty level
Section titled “Difficulty level”Indicating the skill level required to complete the pattern.
Materials list
Section titled “Materials list”A detailed list of all necessary items, including yarn specifications (type, weight, color, yardage), hook size, and any other notions.
The stitch and row count within a specific measurement, crucial for achieving the correct size.
Pattern sizes
Section titled “Pattern sizes”For patterns that come in multiple sizes, clearly outlining the dimensions for each size variation.
Stitches and abbreviations
Section titled “Stitches and abbreviations”Providing a clear list of all stitches used in the pattern along with their abbreviations, adhering to industry standards like those of the Craft Yarn Council.
Including important information or tips for working the pattern.
Written pattern
Section titled “Written pattern”The step-by-step instructions for creating the project, usually organized by row or round.
Photos and visuals
Section titled “Photos and visuals”Including clear images of the finished project and potentially progress photos or diagrams to illustrate techniques.
Copyright information
Section titled “Copyright information”Stating how the pattern can and cannot be used.
Example: See this crochet template.