Short reads to help you get more out of every pattern.
Patterns use abbreviations, such as sc for single crochet. Learn the short list at the top first.
Asterisks (*) mark a group to repeat. Parentheses show stitches worked in the same place. A number in brackets at the end of a round is your stitch count to check against.
Read the whole pattern once before starting, and tick each step off as you go.
Pick a smooth, light-colored worsted yarn. Dark or fuzzy yarn hides stitches and makes mistakes hard to see.
Buy a little more than the pattern asks for, from the same dye lot.
Avoid very thin or textured yarns until you feel confident.
If your piece gets wider or narrower, recount your stitches at the end of each row.
To fix an error a few rows back, pull the loop off the hook and unravel gently, then pick up the last loop.
Keep a stitch marker in the first stitch of each row.
Check the yarn label for washing guidance. Cotton usually tolerates warm washing; acrylic prefers cool.
Lay flat to dry and shape gently with your hands (blocking).
Store wool and cotton in a dry place away from direct sun.