"Create Crochet Patterns" by Sara Duggan Book Review

On Cute Crochet Chat, we were first introduced to Sara Duggan when she wrote a 

GUEST BLOG POST  

for me entitled "Designing Crochet Patterns Doesn't Have to Be Hard". It has proven to be a very popular blog post!

 

Sara Duggan has also written a book,

"Create Crochet Patterns: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners"

and it is well thought out and informative for those who wish to pursue crochet pattern design!

It is obvious that Sara put a lot of thought and planning into this guide. This resource guide is written clearly and is very easy to understand.

Create Crochet Patterns includes 10 well-written chapters, which contain lots of charts and worksheets, including common measurements, sample note taking template for your design, a pattern template (which could be used to submit to magazine) and a sample pattern tester contract.

Sara has included a wonderful Foreward by Kristine Mullen, pattern designer and tech editor from Ambassador Crochet, which will inspire you to feel confident about the 'journey' you are about to take!

It is indeed written for the beginner and has everything a budding crochet designer will need to get started.
But Sara does not stop there! She also gives you wonderful tips for marketing your designs for sale. She has included great resources as well.

The Guest Writers that Sara has included include Lisa Auch, 'e' Lee, Patrice Walker, Susan Dougill and they all give great information. There is also a guest interview with Joanne Scrace.

What are some of the questions that a new crochet designer might have that will be answered with this guide?

"What should I include in my pattern? What are the standard measurements used in crochet patterns? How many sizes should I include? Where do I find pattern testers? How do I take photos that will sell my pattern?"

If you are a budding crochet pattern designer, then this resource guide is a MUST HAVE for your crochet library!

Create Crochet Patterns is available for your E-Reader on Amazon for a modest price! Click the book icon below to purchase this booklet!

You can learn more ABOUT SARA on her website Crochet Business.





This blog contains affiliate links.

Designing Crochet Patterns Doesn’t Have To Be Hard by Sara Duggan

Today at Cute Crochet Chat, we are fortunate to have a Guest Blogger,  

Sara Duggan, 

who is going to get you started on how to design your first crochet pattern! 

Sara is a crochet designer and business writer at Crochet Business. You can find her helpful blog HERE. 

Would you like to design your own crochet patterns?

In this article, you’ll learn how to make your first design. You need a few tools:

Yarn, Hook, Pencil, Note Paper, Stitch Dictionary, and Ruler

1. Your Idea

You get this from things that inspire you. It can be nature on your morning walk, your child, your love of math, or simply a color combination.

Example: Moss on a Tree Trunk

2. Choose a Stitch or Combination of Stitches

With your stitch dictionary in hand, or your laptop ready, search for a stitch you want to include in your design.

Example: Moss Stitch

3. Choose Your Yarn and Make a Swatch

With your selected yarn, make a swatch in the stitch you chose. This is the gauge swatch. It’s important to note this so others following your pattern will get a similar result.

Example: Moss Stitch with Cascade Cotton Fixation Yarn 5800

4. Make Your Design
 

With your pencil and note paper, make your design. Mark down how many chains to start, how many rows, and anything else you did to get your design.

Example: Dishcloth - 28 stitches across and 28 rows in moss stitch

http://www.mooglyblog.com/granite-stitch-moss-stitch/

5. Write Your Final Copy

Write the final pattern. Include all materials used, hook used, gauge and final measurements.

6. Edit and Test

Send the pattern to your testers and/or Tech editor.

7. Photo and Publish 

Take a lovely photo of your finished piece. Make a final draft of your pattern, convert it to PDF, and publish it.

And now, I’d like to share more tips for designing your own patterns, plus a video on How to Add Creative Commons Copyright to Your Crochet Patterns. 

Sign up for Create Crochet Patterns Updates. 

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