First Time: From Japanese Diagram to Written Pattern

I want to learn how to read a Japanese pattern or diagram so I will make this my first time risk of trying to read one.

I will just start on a simple motif pattern and then maybe in time will move on to a bigger pattern like a flower or a doily. The pattern I will use is from issuu.com. This website has a lot of publications on crochet diagrams written on Japanese and to be honest, I had a pattern overload just looking at all the pictures. But now I will make something out of that overload and will try to convince my self that I can translate crochet diagrams.

So let's start.....

So usually motifs starts with a ring. It could be a chain ring (which is a very good way to start as a beginner), a sliding loop, or a slip knot. I'll talk about these on other posts in the future. For now lets start with a sliding loop. The reason for this is because most of the diagrams do not show (or if they do, I wont be able to know since the diagram words are written in Japanese) how many chains you would do for the chain ring.

This is the pattern::

As you can see, this pattern uses the following symbols to indicate crochet stitches::

chain (ch)

double crochet (dc)

half double crochet (hdc)

 treble crochet (tr)

slip stitch (slip st)

single crochet (sc)



Here are pictures on how to make the sliding loop::

At #3 picture, work the required number of starting chains for the round shown in the diagram. At this time, its 5.

At #4 picture, work the required number of stitches for the round as shown in the diagram.At this time round 1 would be::

Round 1 chain 5 (counts as 1st dc and ch-2), *dc on loop, chain 2*, repeat *to* 10 times, dc on loop, join with hdc to 3rd chain of ch-5.

Now we are done in round 1, we now proceed to the other rounds.....

Round 2 chain 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc on space made by the joined hdc, *3 dc on next 2-ch space, repeat * 11 times, dc on space hdc, slip st on top of ch-3.

Round 3 chain 4 (counts as 1st dc), treble in next dc, *ch 4, make 1 treble in each next 3 dc*, repeat from * to * 11 times, make 1 treble in each of next 3 dc, ch 4, treble in next dc, slip st on top of ch-4.

Round 4 chain 1, *sc on ch-4 space, make hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc on same space*, repeat * to * on next 10 ch-4 space, sc on ch-4 space, make hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc on same space, slip st on ch-1. Fasten off.

As you  noticed, there's no symbol for slip st on the end of the pattern, I just added it so as to indicate how to end the last round. But of course, as a crocheter, even without indications in the pattern you already know that almost all patterns ends with a slip stitch and fastening off.

So, that's how I read diagrams. Its a little difficult at start but with more practice, I think I was able to pull it off..... It would be grand if I'd be able to translate a whole diagram of a hat or bag. Hopefully.....one day.... :)

I'll try to post more translations in the future...

Relief Stitches/Post Stitches

I was working on a new diagram when on the 8th row I realized that I wasn't doing it right.....I looked closely again at the diagram I am following and noticed that there are symbols used which are totally new to me::

So I consulted the table from the MyPicot website to know what it means...

The stitches are called Relief Stitches. According to the table, these stitches are worked by taking the hook around the stem (or post) of a stitch.

There are 2 types of relief stitch: the relief front stitch and the relief back stitch.

The relief stitch is also commonly called as post stitch. On patterns they are usually referred to as fpdc (front post double crochet) and bpdc (back post double crochet). I think double crochets are usually used for this type of stitches.

My work actually came out flat::

 

But in the diagram I'm following I noticed that the ones with the relief stitches look like they are on the front of the other (and vice versa).....Obviously, mine isn't...

The idea of the pattern is to create horizontal waves which will be evident only if one will use the relief stitches....

The table I'm using and the pattern and diagram are all from the MyPicot website. It's a very good site for learning stitches at the same time learning how to read crochet diagrams and symbols. You can access the table here....

Well I guess I need to unravel my work and start again....

♥♥♥♥♥

Organizing Rooms

I was searching for more crochet patterns and ideas today. It finally dawned on me what I would be concentrating for my future projects:: openwork and laces. Although there are a lot of projects already created for this on the internet, it still caught my interest and imaginative mind. The MyPicot website offers a lot of free patterns that I know can help me accomplish what I have in mind.

For openwork and laces one can create different styles and patterns from home decor to fashion. I think I'd concentrate more on creating scarfs and accessories. I did a little research on where to buy components for creating accessories and found a place near my area. I'm also planning to create these projects using thread yarns. Most of the patterns that I see always uses the usual yarn for crocheting or knitting. I will try to experiment using thread yarn for my projects.

I'm now on the stage of organizing my backpack for the journey in Crochet World since it's now getting heavier and heavier as I discover more about it. Having the knowledge to what kind of project I would specifically want to create also gave me the knowledge on what kind of materials and tools I will be using. Right now I'm using Monaco yarn thread or crochet thread and a steel hook.

 

image from:: www.monaco.com.ph

image from:: needlepointjoint.com

I learned that yarn hooks are different from steel hooks. The steel hooks or thread hooks are the ones used for crocheting yarn threads. Yarn hooks are designed for yarns. Vogueknitting provides the detailed knowledge about hooks and sizes.

Yarns have their own story. I might fill an entire blog talking only about yarns. There are so much to learn about yarns. The experience would be like stepping into a botanical garden, filled with colors and vibrant. For kids, it would be like entering a room filled with different kind of candies and chocolates! There are different fiber types but usually they are classified by their weights. Vogueknitting provides more detailed information about yarns.

Learning how to the read a pattern or a chart is I think one of the most challenging phase in my journey. I was hesitant and a little intimidated at first. To be able to read a pattern you must first to learn the basics. (Of course!) When you already know the basic stitches next thing is you have to learn the abbreviations and terms. Most patterns use crochet abbreviations so educating yourself about it is relevant. There are usually two kinds of crochet terms used by crocheters: the British term and the American term. I usually check this first when I read a pattern. The term used determines what type of stitch you are going to use. Mypicot provides a clear explanation about this topic.

Here is an example of a simple pattern from Favecrafts:: Baby Blue Hat

Materials:

• Lion Brand Cotton Ease, 50% cotton, 50% acrylic, 1 skein (207 yards/188 m), Lake#110 or a medium-weight (no.4) worsted-weight yarn
• Size of hook: G/6/4.0mm crochet hook

Gauge: 1 inch = about 4 sts and 3 rnds; finished hat measures about 17 1/2 inches in circumference.

Instructions:
Body of Hat:
Rnd 1 (RS): Ch3, 10hdcs in 3rd chain from hook, join, do not turn.
Rnd 2: Ch2, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next st] 5 times, join to top of 1st hdc (15 sts).
Rnd 3: Ch2, 1 hdc in same st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts] 5 times, join to top of 1st hdc (21 sts).
.....and so on....(read the entire pattern here).

Materials:

• Lion Brand Cotton Ease, 50% cotton, 50% acrylic yarn, 1 skein (207 yds/188 m)
  (shown here, Lake # 110) or a medium-weight (no. 4) worsted-weight yarn
• Size G/6/4.0mm crochet hook

GAUGE: 1 inch = about 4 sts and 3 rnds; finished hat measures about 17 1/2 inches in circumference.

Instructions:
BODY OF HAT:
Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 3, 10 hdcs in 3rd ch from hook, join, do not turn.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next st] 5 times, join to top of 1st hdc (15sts).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, 1 hdc in same st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts] 5 times, join to top of 1st hdc (21 sts).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, 2 hdcs in same st, 1 hdc in next st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next st] 9 times, 2 hdcs in last st, join to top of 1st hdc (32 sts).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, 2 hdcs in same st, 1 hdc in next st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts], 10 times, join to top of 1st hdc (44 sts).
Rnd 6: Ch 2, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 3 sts] 11 times, join to top of 1st hdc (55 sts).
Rnd 7: Ch 2, 1 hdc in next st and each st around, join to top of 1st hdc (55 sts).
Rnds 8 and 9: Repeat rnd 7.
Rnd 10: Ch 2, 1 hdc in next st and each st around, skip last st, join to top of 1st hdc (54 sts).
Rnds 11 through 14: Repeat rnd 10.
EDGING:
Rnd 1: [Ch 2, 1 dc and 1 sc in next st, sl st into next st] all the way around (27 "spikes" around), fasten off.

Read more at http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Baby/Baby-Blue-Hat/ct/1#UkLzq1GQ5zJvTHjM.99

Materials:

• Lion Brand Cotton Ease, 50% cotton, 50% acrylic yarn, 1 skein (207 yds/188 m)
  (shown here, Lake # 110) or a medium-weight (no. 4) worsted-weight yarn
• Size G/6/4.0mm crochet hook

GAUGE: 1 inch = about 4 sts and 3 rnds; finished hat measures about 17 1/2 inches in circumference.

Instructions:
BODY OF HAT:
Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 3, 10 hdcs in 3rd ch from hook, join, do not turn.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next st] 5 times, join to top of 1st hdc (15sts).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, 1 hdc in same st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts] 5 times, join to top of 1st hdc (21 sts).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, 2 hdcs in same st, 1 hdc in next st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next st] 9 times, 2 hdcs in last st, join to top of 1st hdc (32 sts).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, 2 hdcs in same st, 1 hdc in next st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts], 10 times, join to top of 1st hdc (44 sts).
Rnd 6: Ch 2, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 3 sts] 11 times, join to top of 1st hdc (55 sts).
Rnd 7: Ch 2, 1 hdc in next st and each st around, join to top of 1st hdc (55 sts).
Rnds 8 and 9: Repeat rnd 7.
Rnd 10: Ch 2, 1 hdc in next st and each st around, skip last st, join to top of 1st hdc (54 sts).
Rnds 11 through 14: Repeat rnd 10.
EDGING:
Rnd 1: [Ch 2, 1 dc and 1 sc in next st, sl st into next st] all the way around (27 "spikes" around), fasten off.

Read more at http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Baby/Baby-Blue-Hat/ct/1#UkLzq1GQ5zJvTHjM.99

Another challenging phase in crocheting is the reading of a diagram or a chart. The rate on my knowledge about this is 4. I still have a lot to learn. A chart for a certain motif or a simple and textured pattern is easier to read. One time I tested my knowledge by reading a chart on a simple hat pattern. From there I learned the basics. I kind of freak out once I see charts for tops like bolero or lace jacket. There are also other charts that uses hard-won and elaborate symbols. I will learn all of these as I continue my journey on crocheting. You can learn about crochet symbols and how to follow a diagram via the Mypicot website. The website provides a clear and understandable guide on how to make stitches while familiarizing yourself with the terms and symbols. There are also other blogs and websites that show images and pictures on how to do the stitches. Youtube is also a very good resource to learn the basics of crocheting. You can also check the Lionbrand website for tutorials. They provide videos and illustrated instructions that are easier to follow and understand.

Here is an example of a granny square chart/diagram:

 

                                                  image from:: www.thehookandi.com

Another important thing to consider is the tension. This is one of my struggles while learning how to crochet. It's so hard to make even stitches! I thought that maybe I was pulling the yarn too tight or I'm not holding the hook correctly. I was relieved when I learned that I am not alone (sigh). I learned that it's a common problem of all crochet beginners.This blog post informed me a lot about tension.

image from:: fatcatcrochetcorner.blogspot.com

Another thing that I think I should be reading more about is gauge. Every time that I encounter the word 'gauge' or even seeing it in a pattern, panic starts to boil inside me. A post from Crochet With Passion pointed out that gauging is very important and shouldn't be overlooked by anyone who is learning to crochet. And so my next challenge is to educate my self more about gauging.

It didn't took me an overnight to learn all of these things. They said that practice makes perfect. Well, I guess that if you are following a perfect system then the result of your practice will be perfect. But a baby didn't started from running too. First he has to learn to stand up by himself and have the courage to take that first step.

So.....Now that my baggage is organized I guess I have more room for new discoveries.....
♥♥♥♥♥