By Anna Chrostowska

In our difficult economical times, people get engaged in different types of activities. Crocheting is one of them. This needlework hobby has been around for the longest time. Crocheting is a great way to express your inner emotions and ideas as well. People, who love crocheting, do it for the creation of an item, which is beautiful and original. Hobbies are great ways to relax from everyday stressful life.

Our lives are dominated by our work. The beauty of this hobby is that you can take it with you, when you go on holiday. Maybe you are traveling to and from work for an hour on the train every day. Think about the possibilities this hobby brings to you. Meeting new groups of people with similar interest and exchanging knowledge and opinion on the subject.

If you are retired or a parent out of work, you can simply use this new skill to generate income. If you aren’t already familiar with crocheting, it is easy to learn. When learning crochet patterns, you need to read and understand abbreviations and symbols. Most patterns are rated according to level of difficulty. Choose the level most suited to your crochet abilities. The details in the instructions make them easy to follow. Reading crochet patterns takes practice. Follow simple step-by-step to help you learn new skills. You will be amazed, what you can achieve.

Crocheting lets you do a lot of things for yourself and your loved ones. You can create jackets and sweaters, hats galore or table runners. The colors and the fashions that you wear, can tell a lot about your personality. If you are interested in the vintage look you’d probably like the classic lovely patterns like lacy collars, coats and doilies. Collections of vintage patterns from the past give you pleasure when creating pieces for your baby such as bonnets, booties, hats, and more. Great hobby. Great pastime.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Chrostowska

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By Rhelena R.

After You have designed your new crochet pattern there are a few things which you need to go over to make sure that the pattern is the best that it can be, and that the users of the pattern will have no problems re-creating your design.

First a small list of questions to ask regarding the finished design itself:

1.) Does it look good? If you saw the finished item at a flea market, or craft shop, would you buy it?

2.) Is it something that you would make if someone else designed it?

3.) Do the stitches work together in harmony to form the desired shape and without bulkiness?

4.) If the finished item is supposed to lay flat, does it, or do the corner curl up?

5.) Does the finished item fit properly in all areas such as the shoulders, bust, and is the it the proper length?

If you cannot answer yes to all of the above, then you will need to make changes to the pattern.

Here is a list to follow to help you make sure the pattern is written at its best:

1.) Is the gauge correct? This is very important to those who will re-recreate your crochet pattern.

2.) Did you specify which yarn and hook size to use? This is also very important because all yarn is different and will result in a different outcome.

3.) Did you take measurements of the finished sizes and make record of them?

4.) Are there any spelling errors within the pattern?

5.) Are all crochet abbreviations correct? Having just one abbreviation mis-spelled could throw the whole pattern off.

6.) Did you provide step-by-step instructions? Are the instructions given in the order in which the pattern will be completed, and did you include drawings or picture illustrations on how to properly construct the finished item?

7.) Are the instructions clear and concise? Did you give clear instructions regarding color changes, when to turn the work, when to skip stitches and when to fasten off.

8.) Did you include instructions for any special stitches which the pattern may call for, like a V-Stitch, Bobble, Popcorn, or Shell Stitch?

9.) Did you let the new pattern sit for at least a day before testing it again? Allowing yourself to forget the pattern for a day or so, will help you to look at it again with a fresh eye.

10.) Has someone else read over your pattern, or better yet, tested it for you?

Answering the above questions will allow you to create new crochet patterns that people will love.

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http://hubpages.com/hub/10-Reasons-To-Design-Crochet-Patterns

Article Source: Rhelena R. — Checklist For a New Crochet Pattern