So, you’ve decided to write your first crochet pattern. First of all, congratulations! You’re about to enter a world where yarn maths is scarier than actual maths (well sometimes). But fear not! I’m here to tell you how to write your first crochet pattern using my 10 essential steps.

1. Start with something simple (obvious I know!)

Before you start typing in a crochet design frenzy, take a moment to think about your design. Is it a scarf? A cosy blanket? A tiny crochet cactus that no one needs but everyone wants? Is it for a beginner? Someone more experienced? Can you write this crochet pattern with confidence that your audience will understand it and more importantly, make it too? Trust me, starting with a simple design and concept will not cause you sleepless nights or have you asking yourself, “why did I start this project?”.

2. Choose the right yarn (not just what you find in the bargain basket!)

We’ve all been tempted by that yarn sale, but if your “super fuzzy metallic ribbon yarn” doesn’t quite suit the pattern, step away. Choose a yarn that’s practical for your design—unless, of course, your design is a fuzzy metallic extravaganza. However as the first point I made, keep it simple. Choosing a beautiful hand-dyed yarn from the outer Hebrides might make your project look absolutely stunning but is this accessible for everyone? Also, be specific about the number of skeins needed – no one likes running out of yarn mid project! Read my blog post 5 Expert Tips for Picking the Perfect Yarn for your Crochet Projects.

3. Create a swatch and calculate the tension / gauge (no, you can’t skip this)

I know, I know—swatching feels like the equivalent of reading the instructions for assembling furniture. But unless you want to end up with a beanie the size of a sleeping bag, you’ll need to swatch – yes, even for amigurumi. Take a deep breath, make that little square, and measure your tension like a pro. You’ve got this. It’s only a 10cm x 10cm square, not a finished blanket!

4. The art of using abbreviations (breaking the code!)

A friend of mine (who is not a crocheter) said that my crochet pattern was like a secret code. I suppose when you look at a written crochet or knit pattern for the first time, it must seem like you’ve entered into a secret society. These little shorthand gems will save you (and your readers) from writing out “double crochet” 257 times, but remember, not everyone is fluent in crochet code just yet. If you’re throwing abbreviations around like confetti, make sure you include a list of abbreviations and a special stitches guide. Otherwise, your pattern might read like a cryptic message from an ancient crochet civilisation. So keep it simple, consistent and explain those abbreviations somewhere near the beginning of the pattern.

5. Write out the instructions step by step

The goal here is clarity. Be specific. Think of your pattern as a treasure map, not a cryptic puzzle that sends crocheters into a yarn-induced rage. Write down every step, from chaining to that magical moment when they weave in their ends (may there be few as possible!) and say, “I made this!” Create a style of format for your pattern and keep it the same throughout. It will be much easier for your audience to read.

6. Offer multiple sizes (because not everyone is a size small / medium)

If you are creating a garment for your very first crochet pattern, then you are a braver person than me. But who I am to judge? Designing a wearable is maybe not as straight forward as say a scarf but good on you for doing this! Now, unless you’re designing a one-size-fits-all tent like sweater, you’ll want to offer multiple sizes. It’s so important to be size inclusive and your audience will love you for it.

7. Use consistent formatting (it’s so important, I mention it twice)

You wouldn’t write a novel with 12 different fonts, right? The same applies here. Keep it neat, tidy and readable. Bold headings are your friend. Fonts, like yarn colours, should work in harmony—not battle it out on the page. Those cool and fancy scripts look beautiful but I find myself screwing up my eyes to decipher the text. Remember: don’t over design your crochet pattern, keep that for the actual project. You might find my How to Create Your Own Crochet Pattern Style Guide useful so signup to my mailing list and download it for free. From this document you can create your very own crochet pattern template.

8. Include clear, high-quality photos (think about being the David Bailey of the crochet world)

Pictures are worth a thousand stitches. Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of a good photo. Show off your finished project like it’s auditioning for the cover of a crochet magazine. And yes, we want those up-close shots of that gorgeous stitch detail. Use natural light where possible and use free editing apps like Snapseed to edit your photos to perfection.

9. Test your pattern (because nobody’s perfect)

Here’s the penultimate point: you need crochet pattern testers. Even crochet geniuses (looking at you!) sometimes miss things – yes even for the smallest of projects. Getting others to test your pattern is like having someone proofread your novel before you publish it. You need to know that your crochet pattern can be made by others and that they understand your instructions. Trust me, you’ll be glad they found that one sneaky mistake before it went live.

10. Hire a tech editor (that’s me by the way!)

Finally, do yourself a favour and hire a crochet tech editor. I know it’s a bit like handing your first born over on their first day of nursery but we’re the people who will fix your maths (and save you a bad review). We’ll make sure your pattern makes sense, the numbers add up and everything is consistent. It’s the secret sauce to going from “I wrote a crochet pattern” to “I wrote a great crochet pattern.”

Final thoughts (and a high five)

Writing your first crochet pattern can seem like you’re climbing Everest. It’s challenging, fun and yes, sometimes exhausting. But stick with it, follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a pattern you can be proud of—and that other crocheters will actually enjoy making. Who knows, you might just go viral on Ravelry or Etsy!

Happy crochet designing and may your yarn never tangle!