Q&A for How to Invent a Crochet Pattern

With the right side of the project facing you, you need to create your popcorns according to the chart from right to left, not left to right. Example: If the word is Bride, start the popcorns from the bottom right of the graph, working to the left. If you're doing reverse popcorns, work from the wrong side of the fabric, then work left to right but always starting on the bottom.

I assume you want to make a stitch chart for your crochet pattern. There are a few sites out there that can do this free for a filet crochet pattern, such as Stitch Fiddle. This can be used for cross stitch, intarsia knit or fair isle knitting. However, there are a limited number of apps and programs that can create real crochet charts. CrochetCharts is a free program from Stitchworks Software for Windows and Linux.

Do a search by image of either crochet blankets or crochet stitches.

Why design a pattern when there are millions of them available for free or for purchase online? I think this article was intended to help those who are trying to move from using printed patterns to creating their own.

It depends on what you are making and how the pattern is designed. For a sweater made in pieces (front, back, sleeves) where you are crocheting in rows from top to bottom, you'd make the foundation chain longer on each of the pieces until you've added the amount of inch/c that you need. You might also need to make those pieces longer. I personally prefer to find patterns made for my size and just make those.

The only Silver Fern crochet pattern I found is not a free one, but you can find it at WEBS.

It depends entirely on what you wish to do with the 12-point motifs. If you want to put two of them together to make a ball, you will not need fillers. However, if you are wanting to create something larger, such as an afghan, you will likely need to fill some areas with triangle or diamond motifs of similar size. This is especially true if you want straight edges.

Start by looking at a pattern you're familiar with and tweaking it a little bit. Make the foundation chain longer or shorter, change stitches, or try out a fancy stitch. Keep making changes until you find a style or pattern you like. Then write it down so you don't forget it. As you become more practiced at doing this, you'll soon be able to create a pattern from scratch and create your own amazing things!

You could use Word, Pages, or other word processing programs, or you could use a fancier crochet pattern creator to write up your design instructions. If you want to include images, most of these programs can handle that too, just follow the Help instructions accompanying your chosen program.

I am assuming you're talking about a classic, round, domed bird cage. If that is that case, I know of no such pattern. However, if you know how to do a basic hat then you know how to make a basic crown circle. Once you have made one wide enough to fit, just crochet down the sides until it's long enough.