When it comes to crochet pattern writing, I’m obsessed! I love to write patterns and I love a well-written pattern! Pattern writing is truly my wheelhouse! When I’m not tech editing patterns, I’m writing them! I write patterns for my own designs as well as other designers. My passion for well-written patterns led me to choose crochet tech editing as a service I provide for designers. I also love to teach designers HOW to write great patterns!

With my experience as a pattern writer and tech editor, I want to share with you three main sections that need be included in any crochet pattern! Let’s fly right into the first section!

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Title Page

I know! You probably already know that a title page is a necessary section that every pattern needs. But not many new designers know what to include on their title page. The purpose of a title page is to give the maker all the necessary information to identify the contents of the pattern. The title page of a crochet pattern usually includes five small parts. The title, subtitle, photo of the design, author’s name, and pattern romance. You’ll want to keep things really simple on your title page.

• The TITLE should make sense to the design and not be difficult to pronounce. When you have a catchy title that’s easy to read, the chances of capturing a maker’s attention are greater. Some designers will name all their patterns after bodies of water, or cities, or birds. Get creative but don’t go crazy!
• The SUBTITLE is simply a one-liner about your pattern. Don’t overcomplicate this. The subtitle’s purpose is giving your pattern a little more context. A bit more of information. Is a subtitle absolutely necessary? Not at all! However, there may be times when you just need an extra ‘oomph’ to compliment your title.
• The PHOTO you use on your title page should make your design practically come to life! Having a great photo on the first page should reflect all the hard work you put into designing and writing the pattern! This photo should be front and center! Here’s a few helpful tips for taking good quality photos of your design:
  • • Make sure your crochet design is set against a backdrop that won’t take away from the design. No clutter. No clashing colors. No household messes. Less is more when it comes to taking photos of your design. If you want a flat lay shot and don’t have a great backdrop to use, a poster board or butcher paper is a great alternative. You can use a few super simple decorations but make your main focal point your design.
    • If your design is something that is worn, I recommend getting shots of a model wearing the item. The model can be you or a friend. Keep in mind that the true model is your crochet design and not the person!

  
  
  
  

  • Try to use natural lighting. Take your photos by a well-lit window or outside. If you take shots outside, try to get shots early in morning or in the late afternoon when the sun isn’t at its brightest or right overhead. This will help avoid shadows, squinting, and washed-out pictures. They say the golden hours to take outdoors photos are before 10 am and after 2pm.
  • Use a photo editing tool to help enhance the photo. Don’t overdo the editing. Editing should be used for simple edits, not to overcorrect items in your photo. If you have to create a bunch of edit for your shot, then you should probably re-do the shot. The photo should be able to speak for itself without edits. Here’s something to keep in mind: Sometimes, you’ll take such great pics that they won’t need editing!
• Your NAME definitely needs to be on the Title page. Not just your business name. Your real name. Believe it or not, people want to know the real name behind the designer. Your business name is important, but you as a person is more important. If people only know your business name and not your actual name, you become less human. I’ve been to several websites of small handmade businesses and searched their website for their name and it was nowhere to be found. If I don’t know a real person is behind the business name, I won’t buy from them. Get personal. Let people know who you are!
• Do you know what a PATTERN ROMANCE is? This is part of the title page where you romance the maker into having a relationship with your design. A pattern romance is a short paragraph written to share the inspiration behind your pattern, maybe intrigue the maker about the stitch patterns you used or share with them how your pattern will solve a particular problem they have! (you can read more about problem solving designs HERE). The main point with your pattern romance is to write about your pattern hoping the maker will fall in love with the pattern before they begin to make it!

Pattern Notes Page

Next to the instructions on how to make your design pattern, the pattern notes page is very important. This is the page where your customer, the maker, will find everything they need to complete the project. On this page you’ll list the project level, all the materials, the gauge, finished measurements, the abbreviations you used in the pattern, any important notes that will help them complete your design.

Do you want a FREE pattern writing template with details on how to write the various sections of your pattern? I’ve got you covered like a momma bird would her chick! Click HERE to get your FREE pattern template!

Pattern Instructions Page

Here comes the nitty gritty of the actual pattern! The PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS are the meat and potatoes of your design. This the place where makers will spend the most time in your pattern! You want this section of your pattern to be as near perfect as possible! Here’s a few great tips when writing pattern instructions:

• Make sure your instructions are clear and concise. Your goal is to use the least amount of words while delivering the most instruction. Don’t write out your instructions in full sentences. This is where abbreviations are going to help tremendously!

Download the FREE ABBREVIATIONS LIST based on industry standards.

• • Use pictures that are helpful to complete the pattern. Yes, you’ve probably taken a thousand progress photos of your design along the way. That doesn’t mean they need to be included in your pattern. If a section of your instruction is easier to understand by adding a photo, then do it. However, don’t include a photo just because it’s a great shot. The purpose of pictures is to help the maker make the thing! *side note: If your pattern needs to include pictures to show instruction, use a “Photo Page” where all your photos be placed on one page. Label each photo so you can refer to them in your instructions. Having a photo page will help cut down on cost when your customer wants to print your pattern. They have the option not to print the “Photo Page”.

• Use graphs, charts, and stitch diagrams when necessary. These are great tools to include in your pattern for those makers who are more visual makers. You won’t believe how many crocheters I run into that find it easier to follow a stitch diagram or chart than the written instructions. You can learn how to make your own charts, graph and stitch diagrams with these TOOLS I wrote about in a recent article.

In just a few months, I’ll be launching a Learn to Write Perfect Crochet Patterns Course where I’ll teach you everything you need to know about pattern writing! More details about this course will be coming soon. In the meantime, go ahead and sign up to be on the waiting list! Those who sign up will be the first one notified when the doors of the course open! GET ON THE WAITING LIST NOW!