I hope the summer so far has been kind to you (even if the weather hasn’t!). I’ve been really busy with both massage and tech editing clients as well as doing more design work myself.
This week was a little unusual because I was approached by a lovely designer who had 3 amigurumi patterns she wanted to release but wanted me to write the patterns as well as tech edit them. After a few emails back and forth I received some pattern notes and photos of the products and began to write up the patterns. So it got me thinking it would be good to post a little reminder of some of the important elements to writing a great crochet pattern.
1. Who is the pattern aimed at – what is their level of experience? It will set the tone for your pattern. These were beginner level so it meant I had to include some instructions that were quite basic but important to a newbie. Therefore not assuming the reader has a certain level of knowledge.
2. How do you want your pattern to look? It is important to consider your layout, font, headings, title page, disclaimer, page numbers – all the things we don’t necessarily notice when we’re reading a pattern but it is important to consider whatever layout you choose it is CONSISTENT throughout the pattern. It looks more professional.
3. Pictures It is always helpful to include some photos that show the finished product (in different angles ideally) because the crocheter needs to see what they should end up with. Many designers like to include working photos of certain steps of the pattern; maybe to help explain a particularly tricky stitch or stitch placement. BUT the key is that they are good quality photos, good lighting, plain backgrounds, in focus and make them look CONSISTENT! (Sorry to use that word again but it is so important).
4. US or UK Terms? Have this in bold somewhere at the beginning of the pattern. The amount of patterns I have downloaded that do not mention their terms and the only way I can work it out is looking at the abbreviations section – if I see a ‘sc – single crochet’, then I know I’m looking at US terms. Don’t make your crocheter work hard at reading your pattern; let’s make life as easy as possible!
This was just a snap shot at some of the things I think are essential to include when writing up a pattern. The list does go on but there is also an element of what the designer wants and doesn’t want that us tech editors have to be mindful of. It comes down to having an open discussion throughout the process!
If you’d like me to write a crochet pattern for you – I’d be happy to take a look – send me an email or pop a message in on my contact page