If you’ve been crocheting for a while, coming up with your own designs, and you are ready to share your work with the world by writing patterns others can enjoy — and maybe earn a little extra income — you might be wondering: where do you start? How do you write your first crochet pattern?
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the entire process of writing a crochet pattern for beginners, step by step. From jotting down notes during the design phase to creating a polished, professional-looking PDF that’s ready to share or sell.
Related: Handy Crochet Tutorials
Before We Get Started On Crochet Pattern Writing
I just want to say thank you so much for stopping by The Crochet Village! This is my little corner where we can share the joy of crochet and create something truly special together. I’d really appreciate it if you could share this post—it helps me keep creating more free patterns for you!
And guess what? There are even more free patterns coming your way soon! Be sure to sign up for my emails so you don’t miss a thing.
Choose a simple project to practice Pattern Writing
If you’re writing your first crochet pattern, start with a simple project, like a washcloth, baby blanket, or basic scarf. Pick something that doesn’t need shaping or tricky math. These easy projects are great for learning how to write clear instructions without getting overwhelmed.
It also helps to make a basic crochet pattern template you can reuse for future designs. We’ll talk more about that later in the blog. Having a go-to PDF template will save time, keep you organized, and help your patterns look consistent. I wish someone had told me that when I started!
The goal is to get comfortable with writing patterns and to build a template you can tweak as you grow. A good start now makes everything easier later. So choose a simple crochet project, and let’s write the pattern for it!
Take a look at some simple (and free!) crochet patterns: Lucia’s Pot Holder and the Fairmount Blanket.
Take Notes While You Crochet
Start your project and take notes right away! I know it’s tempting to just jump in and think, “I’ll remember this later,” but trust me—you probably won’t 🙂. It’s so much easier to write things down as you go than to try to figure it all out afterward.
Don’t worry about making your notes perfect. You can always clean them up later. The goal is just to capture all the important details while they’re still fresh in your mind.
Take notes in whatever way works best for you—use a notebook, a notes app on your phone, or even Ravelry (it’s a great place to create a project page and update your progress).
I like to type directly into my crochet pattern template (we’ll make one later in this post). It keeps everything in one place and makes writing the final pattern so much easier.
✽ Things to write down while you work:
- Name your pattern – Unnamed notes can easily get lost or mixed up. Give it a name, even if it’s just a working title.
- Yarn details – Write down the yarn brand, weight, and color name.
- Hook size – Jot down all the hook sizes you use during the project.
- Foundation chain count – Note the exact number of starting chains.
- Row-by-row instructions – Write down what you do in each row or round, exactly how you do it. Example: Row 2: 3 sc in first st, sk next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk next st, 3 sc in last st.
- Side notes – Like “ch 3 doesn’t count as a stitch” or “switched to a smaller hook here.”
- Track changes – If you make any changes as you go, write them down right away so you don’t forget.
- Stitch counts – Double-check and record the total stitch count at the end of each row or round.
Then, when you’re finished, you’re happy with your project and you know you won’t be making any more changes, write your final notes.
✽ Things to write down when your project is finished:
- Total amount of yarn used – If you didn’t track it as you worked, you can weigh your final piece with a kitchen scale and estimate how much yarn you used based on the yarn label.
- Gauge – Use a gauge checker tool to measure your gauge swatch and write it down. Example: “Gauge: 14 dc and 8 rows = 4″ x 4″ using a 5.0 mm hook”. Need help with gauge swatching? Find out more here.
- Construction notes – Example: “Worked in rows, top-down.”
- Tips for adjustments – Example: “To adjust the width, chain a multiple of 2, then repeat Row 2 until your desired length is reached.”
Now that you’ve finished your project and have all your notes ready, let’s write the pattern. I like to take a photo at this point—even just a quick, temporary one—to drop into the template. It helps me visualize the final layout. So go ahead and snap a quick photo to use. And if you’d like some tips, feel free to check out my guide on how to photograph your crochet like a pro!
How to Create a Crochet Pattern Template
Creating a pattern template doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy. The easiest (and free!) way is to use Google Docs. You can use something else if you’re more comfortable with it, but Google Docs works great and is super simple to start with.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to docs.google.com and start a Blank Document.
- Click to generate a document.
- Describe the document you want to create: write a crochet pattern with the name of the pattern, name of the designer, business logo, featured photo, social media, and copyright.
- Click Create — this will generate a basic cover page template for you.
1- Customize the cover page
✽ Things to add to the cover page:
- Your pattern name
- A photo of the finished item
- Your name and/or brand name
- A copyright notice and terms of use (let people know they can sell finished items, but not copy or share the pattern itself)
- Your social media accounts (great for promoting your work)
✽ Feel free to change the layout, fonts, and colors, but keep these tips in mind:
- Keep the layout clean and simple
- Use a printer-friendly design (avoid heavy backgrounds or fancy colors)
- Choose a readable font—something clear like Arial, Calibri, or Georgia
- Organize everything in a logical order that’s easy to follow. It’s best to keep everything on one page if possible.
Once you’re done editing the cover page, let’s move on to the pattern details page.
2 – Create the pattern’s details page
This page is a continuation of the cover page and should include all the pattern details, such as:
- Materials List: Recommended yarn (brand, weight, colorway)
- Total yardage used
- Yarn substitutions (optional but helpful!)
- Crochet hook size
- Any other materials (tapestry needle, buttons, stitch markers, etc.)
- Gauge: Add your gauge info, including the stitch used. If the pattern calls for more than one hook size, mention the one you used to make the gauge swatch.
- Finished Measurements: (Include length, width, height — whatever applies.) If the measurements were taken after blocking, make sure you mention it.
- Stitches & Abbreviations: List all stitches used in the pattern along with their standard abbreviations. Example: sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, ch = chain. Here’s the list of standardized crochet abbreviations from the Craft Yarn Council’s official chart: 👉 Craft Yarn Council Crochet Abbreviations List
- How the item is constructed (e.g., in rows, in rounds, from the top down, etc.)
- Pattern Details: Skill level (beginner, intermediate, etc.), language (US or UK terms)
- Special Stitches and Techniques: If your pattern includes special stitches—like HDC in the 3rd loop or puff stitch—or techniques such as color changing, tapestry crochet, or surface slip stitches, include a brief explanation to help beginners, and add links to YouTube videos if necessary.
3- Pattern’s written instructions
- Keep your instructions clear and simple – Write in a way that’s easy for beginners to follow. Don’t assume the reader knows what you mean—explain things clearly.
- Use correct stitch abbreviations – Stick to standard crochet terms and abbreviations to avoid confusion.
- Break the pattern into step-by-step instructions – Present steps in the order they should be done.
Example: Step 1 – Crochet the panels. Step 2 – Assemble the panels. Step 3 – Add the border. - Introduce each step after the previous one is complete – This helps readers move through the project smoothly.
- Add helpful notes and reminders – Mention things like yarn changes, hook swaps, or notes like “starting chain counts as a stitch.”
- Include clear, close-up progress photos – Especially for parts that might be tricky or confusing.
- Add short demonstration videos if possible – A quick video can really help visual learners.
- Include pro tips – Suggest ways to adjust the width or length, and include stitch counts for repeats so readers can customize the project.
- Add the stitch counts at the end of each row – This helps users stay on track and spot mistakes early.
4- How to write the finishing section of a crochet pattern
- Be clear and specific – Explain exactly what to do to finish the project, like cutting the yarn, weaving in ends, seaming, or blocking.
- Include finishing variations – Share optional ideas like adding tassels, pom-poms, or fringe so makers can personalize their project.
- Thank the maker – Add a warm thank-you for using your pattern!
- Invite them to share – Encourage them to post their finished project on social media and tag you or use a special hashtag.
5- Preview the PDF template sample
Take a quick look at the PDF template sample to see what’s included. It’s designed to help you format your crochet pattern clearly and professionally, making it easy to create your own pattern PDF.
Access the PDF Template
I created a sample PDF template to help you visualize the layout, the sections needed, and how to organize them. I also added a short description of what to include in each section. You can view it here.
Review and Edit Your Pattern
Now that the pattern is written, it’s time to give it a final check. Here’s how to do it:
- Check the format – Make sure everything looks neat and lines up properly throughout the document.
- Proofread – Look for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and spacing issues. I recommend using the free version of Grammarly (or something similar) for quick and easy edits.
- Test your own pattern – Follow your pattern exactly as written to catch unclear steps or missing details.
Once your pattern is edited, if you haven’t already, add a final photo and add watermarks to every page to protect your work. Then, move on to group testing.
How to Get Your Pattern Tested
This step is super important—it helps catch any mistakes, make the instructions clearer, and make sure the pattern works well for different skill levels. Here’s what you need to do:
- Join crochet tester groups on Facebook
- Create a tester call post with key details: A clear photo of the finished project, test deadline, skill level required, yarn used, yardage…
- Set up an application form (Google Forms works well): Include pattern details, timeline, and expectations. Click here to view my application form.
- Collect testers’ contact info and social media links
- Review applications carefully: Check experience and past projects
- Choose the number of testers needed for the size range or complexity
- Create a group chat (Messenger, Instagram, etc.)
- Add selected testers to the chat and inform them they’ve been chosen
- Use the chat to: Send the PDF pattern, share updates, answer questions, track tester progress
- Stay available for questions and offer encouragement
- Be open to feedback and make changes as needed
- Provide a feedback form to collect suggestions. Here’s a test feedback template if you’d like to take a look.
- Thank testers for their time and support
- Update and finalize the pattern
Your Crochet Pattern Is Ready to Share!
Now your pattern is well written, thoroughly tested, and beautifully photographed—you’re officially ready to share it with the world! You’ve followed the essential steps to successfully write a crochet pattern and have a simple PDF template ready for future designs.
I hope this guide answered your questions and helps you feel confident as you continue your crochet design journey. If you have any questions, you can contact me through my social media page. I’m happy to help!🧶
