10 Basic Steps to Take When Designing Your Own Crochet Pattern

Crocheting has always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until recently that I actually learned how to design my own patterns. I still have a lot to learn about how the stitches work together to form the pattern but I’m slowly progressing. I’ll post some of my patterns as I finish them.

If you are familiar with crocheting you can design your own patterns as well by following these 10 steps.

1) Start out with very simple projects such as scrubbies and dishcloths, and gradually work your way up.

2) Always take measurements in order to know what size you want the finished product to be.

3) Work with a template. You can buy crochet templates, or you can use sewing patterns and use them as a guide. If you’re an artist you can even design your own.

4) When working with a large project, always do a gauge check, this will help you in shaping the pattern.

5) Always write down your pattern as you go, at every stitch change.

6) After the pattern is completed once, go back and crochet it once more, this time follow your pattern and correct any mistakes that you might have made.

7) If it’s a large project you want a second person to test your pattern for any mistakes that you might have overlooked.

8) When the pattern is finished to your satisfaction you should copyright it.

9) Now you’re ready to share your pattern with the world, either freely or you can sell it.

10) If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

It can be frustrating when you learn how to shape the pattern. But once you have the basic understanding as to how the stitches work it’s not hard. Just remember when you want the pattern to be wider you just add more stitches and vice versa if you want to narrow it.

I Designed My First Crochet Pattern…Now What?

There are many different routes to take after you have designed your crochet patterns. You can post it on your blog or you could make money by submitting it to magazines.

Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

1. If you make a lot of gifts, you could keep the pattern to yourself, to ensure that your gifts will always unique.

2. If you want to make some money, you could put your pattern into an e-book and sell it online.

• To create your e-book you’ll need a program that allows you to export your files in PDF format. Open Office is a free software program which allows you to do just that.

• Once the e-book is complete you are ready to list your book on places like eCrater, and Etsy, plus many more.

3. There are many magazines or websites where you can submit your designs, here are a few to get you started.

• http://www.interweavecrochet.com

• http://www.crochetmagazine.com

• http://www.knittingpatternaday.com

• http://www.crochetdesigns.com

If you can't decide what method is right for you, start by posting your patterns on your blog; if you get positive feedback then you know that you're ready to start submitting and earning money from your designs.

Quote: There is no failure in pleasure. If what you're doing is all in fun, no matter what the end results may be, you know you didn't fail.

For more information and ideas on what to do with your finished patterns click here.

There is a new site online for all crocheters. Here you can submit your favorite crochet website links. These include links back to your site or blog.

Also if you have created a crochet pattern you may submit it here. You will not get paid for your submission, but your name will appear along with 2 links of your choice back to any of your sites or blogs. These sites or blogs can be a store or other promotional site which do or do not contain any free crochet patterns.

When you submit your patterns they will be approved manually, so please be patient as this could take a few days.

The site I'm talking about is freecrochetpatterns.weebly.com.

Doily Dish Cloth

Material: Bernat Handicrafter 100% Cotton