Crochet Pattern Template

Learning to create your own crochet patterns can be a difficult journey. One of the biggest steps is learning how to actually write your pattern down in a way others can understand. Below is a template I personally use when writing patterns. Feel free to copy your own pattern in or change this template to better suit your needs!!

1. Project Name

Something short and sweet that will easily grab a reader's attention. (Ex. "Baby Lamb Amigurumi" or "Checkered Winter Hat". Be sure to include a picture of the design either above or below the project name.

2. Introduction

In this section you should briefly introduce this project to the reader. You can include the inspiration for this project, how long it took you to create it, and who this project would be perfect for. If there is a video tutorial for this project, here would be an ideal place to link it.

3. Difficulty Level 

Here you can tell the reader how difficult they can expect the project to be. The most common levels are easy/beginner, medium/intermediate, and difficult/expert.

4. Materials

This section will show all the materials used in making this project. This includes the hook size, yarn (weight, color, and brand if applicable), tapestry needles, and any accessories used.

5. Glossary/Abbreviations

For this section, be sure to state the stitches used and any shorthand you'll be writing. An example of this would be

"Stitches = sts

Single Crochet = sc

Double Crochet = dc

(___)x = repeat whatever is within the parenthesis for the indicated number of times"

6. Gauge

When making any type of clothing or wearable, this section is especially important as it will tell the reader how to appropriately size everything. An easy way to create a gauge is to stitch up a 4x4 inch square using the same yarn and hook you used in the project and write how many stitches it takes. An example below would be:

"# sts/ # rows= 4 inch square"

When it comes to amigurumi, a gauge is not necessarily important. What is important is that appropriate tension is held so no stitches are too wide. When making a pattern for amigurumi, in this section I choose to write the size of the overall project instead.

7. Sizing Information

This section is needed only when creating wearables. If you are creating something that comes in multiple sizes, such as hats or sweaters, its important to tell the reader how to adjust their stitches in order to appropriately size the project. A way to do this is the following:

"S(M,L,XL,2XL)"

With this example, throughout the project you will write the correct number of stitches needed for each size respectively.

8. Pattern

This section will hold the actual pattern itself. To make it easy to read regardless of skill level, I suggest writing row numbers and final number of stitches in each row. An example of this would be:

"Row 1: magic ring with 6 sc   (6 sts)

Row 2: inc x6    (12 sts)

Row 3: (1 sc, inc) x6   (18 sts)"

Be sure to write all project components separately (ex. legs, arm, body, ect.). If assembly is required, place that beneath the pattern itself.

9. Designer Information and Credit

In this section be sure to state yourself as the creator, link to any website or store you own, as well as offer thanks to anyone who helped with the project such as a pattern editor.

10. Copyright Information

In this section be sure to state that you and your business are the creator of this pattern. If you have any stipulations about this project, here would be the place to state it. I choose to write the following: 

"2022 Pattern created by Honey Strands Crochet. Pattern is for personal use only. Makers may sell creations from this pattern, but please credit and link to this pattern."