How To Read A Crochet Pattern And Kitty Cat Applique Tutorial

Hello! I remember when I first started crocheting, about 4 years ago now, and I thought that I would NEVER learn how to read a crochet pattern. I would look at a pattern and think, "How does anyone read these?" They looked like they did not make any sense to me at all! But as time went on, I learned more about crochet and the patterns started to make sense. Now, I can speak fluently in the language of crochet patterns and I'm going to try my best to break it down and have it make sense for ya'll. For the video tutorial on How To Read A Crochet Pattern And Kitty Cat Applique Tutorial, click here.

Let's look at a pattern.

This is one of my patterns. It's my version of the very popular messy bun hat and I call it, The Bad Hair Day Messy Bun Hat. Click here for the free pattern.

Normally, there will be a title page first. Like this one. Then there might be another page or 2 of pictures.

This is the information section. On this page, or it may be multiple pages.. you will find everything you need to get started. This section will have everything that the pattern designer thinks that you need to know to crochet their pattern.

For this example, the pattern designer (me) included: materials

Gauge

Size

And Abbreviations. 

So for this pattern, you will need all that is listed under the materials section.

You can find the yarn weight and other useful information about the yarn that you are using on the label. For more information on yarn weights, click here to go to the article that the Craft Yarn Council has on their website.

This pattern has some optional things that are recommended but not necessary. 

The gauge for this pattern is: 6 stitches and 3.5 rows equal 2 inches. This means that 6 stitches should measure 2 inches, and 3.5 rows should measure 2 inches. Crocheting a gauge swatch is always a great idea to know if you have the correct gauge. If your gauge is not the same, you may want to adjust your tension or try a smaller/larger hook to get the gauge right. Having the gauge right is very important because if your gauge is not correct, then your project may not come out the right size.

For this pattern, the size of the hat should fit a small adult or anyone that has a head circumference between 20 and 22 inches.

These are all of the abbreviations that are used in this pattern.

Here is a list of common abbreviations and what they mean. For more abbreviations, click here to go to the Craft Yarn Council's list of abbreviations.

 After this section, there may be a section on special stitches, instructions or tips. This pattern does not have one. After the information section, is the pattern. It looks kind of like a different language doesn't it? Well, patterns are made up of abbreviations and instructions. Once you learn the basic abbreviations, it starts to make sense. All patterns will have an abbreviation section to explain the abbreviations that they have used.

Let's look at another pattern: This one is for my pokeball inspired hat, click here for the free pattern.

This is the information section. It has: Materials, gauge, size, and abbreviations and some special instructions. It's always a good idea to read all of the informational section.

Now for the pattern. Let's break down a couple of rows.

This pattern makes sure to tell you to start with red, or your main color.

Round 1 starts by telling you that you need to make a loose slip knot or a magic circle or however you want to start.

Now you need to chain 2

The pattern then tells you that the chain 2 does not count as a double crochet here and throughout the rest of the pattern.

Now you can put 12 double crochets into the loose slip knot.

Now you can slip stitch to the first double crochet of the round. Remember that the chain 2 does not count as a double crochet, so do not slip stitch to the chain 2.

This round should equal 12 stitches. It's always a great idea to count and make sure that you have the correct number of stitches.

Round 2 starts by telling you to chain 2.

Now you can put 2 double crochets into the same stitch as the chain 2 and in each stitch around.

Now you can slip stitch to the first double crochet of this round. Remember that the chain 2 does not count as a double crochet.

Round 2 should equal 24 stitches. Remember that it is a great idea to count and make sure you have the right number!

Now let's try an exercise. If you would like to follow along with the video, click here and skip to 6 minutes and 21 seconds. This is my Kitty Cat Applique and it's a free pattern. Click here for the pattern.

This is the information section.

These are all of the materials that you should need for this pattern.

This pattern does not specify hook size or yarn, but it does tell you that the size depends on the size hook and yarn that you use. If you use Caron Simply Soft yarn and a size G (4.00 mm) crochet hook, the applique should measure 2.5 inches tall and 2.25 inches at the widest point. You can play around with hooks and yarn to get the size applique that you desire.

These are all of the abbreviations used in this pattern.

Now the pattern.

Round 1 says to start by making a loose slip knot. Make sure to keep it loose because you will be working into it later.

Now you can chain 12.

Now you can put a triple crochet into the 5th chain from the hook. If you need help with any crochet stitches, check out my how to videos. Click here for the playlist.

Now you can put a triple crochet into the next chain.

Now you can put a double crochet into the next 2 chains.

Now you can put a half double crochet into the next 2 chains.

Now you can put a single crochet into the next 2 chains.

Now you can put 2 single crochets into the loose slip knot.

chain 3

Now you can put 2 single crochets into the loose slip knot.

Chain 3

Now you can put 2 single crochets into the loose slip knot.

And slip stitch to the first chain.

Pull on the tail ends to close the hole.

Cut the yarn and weave in all of the ends.

Now for the kitty cat tail. Round 1 says to make a slip knot and chain 20. Most patterns do not tell you to make the slip knot, it will be implied.

Now you can slip stitch to the bottom of the cat body.

Cut the yarn, but leave the tail long enough to sew the body and the tail to whatever you would like to add your applique to.

Sew the applique to whatever material that you would like by sewing around the body first and then position the tail and sew it as you position it.

The End!

I hope this blog helps. For more information, click here to go to the Craft Yarn Council's article on How To Read A Crochet Pattern. If you have any questions or comments, you can comment below, on the video tutorial or you can email me at: withalexofficial@gmail.com I really hope this was helpful and if I get enough questions or comments, I may make another video to answer questions.

Soft hugs and