Hooked on Words: Crocheting without Visuals

Struggles of a Visual Learner 

Throughout the semester, I have primarily learned how to crochet by watching videos on YouTube and TikTok. In general, I learn better by observing first and then attempting it myself. More so, I tend to get confused when reading, or even listening to a set of instructions. Kind of like when someone is explaining the rules of a card game that you’ve never played before… I’ll probably understand better once I’ve played a couple of rounds. Despite my challenges, I decided to try to learn how to read a crochet pattern I found on this website. 

What I Liked

The PDF that I purchased from this creator’s website was visually pleasing and well-organized. The information in the PDF includes:

• materials needed
• how the pattern works
• sizing info
• abbreviations

The creator of this pattern also included adaptions you can make to the hat and a few pictures of how your work should look as you go along. I found the visuals to be the most helpful, otherwise, I would be totally lost.

What I Didn’t Like

Until now, I was not familiar with the abbreviations that are used in crocheting patterns. I was curious, so I looked up a guide on how to read crocheting patterns. With some practice, I’m sure one can begin to understand crochet patterns and abbreviations. However, I found it difficult for me to follow. Not only was I learning a new pattern I’d never tried, but now I had to try to remember multiple abbreviations. For example, Ch means chain, Dc means double crochet, Tr means triple crochet, (N) is the number of stitches in each row, and xN is the number of times to repeat the instructions inside the brackets. These are just 5 of the 9 abbreviations used in the crochet pattern I found. It sounds pretty straightforward, but I still struggled to understand the instructions because of the abbreviations.  While there were some visuals that were included, there was not enough for my preference. For me, it would be helpful to include an image with every step, although that might not be practical. After flipping back and forth between pages to try and recall the abbreviations, I gave up and started my bucket hat based on this YouTube video I found:

Update on my Learning Project

By now, I have learned the basic crocheting stitches necessary to complete the bucket hat I’ve been planning to make for my learning project. Before I start my final project, I am making a practice bucket hat from the blue yarn I bought at the beginning of the semester. I have completed the top of the hat using a double crochet stitch (see image on right). For my next blog, I hope to finish the side of the hat, and potentially the brim. Once I am comfortable with the practice hat, I’m going to buy this yarn so I can start my Shrek-inspired hat! I’m looking forward to continuing to build this skill and venture out into different projects.