Comments on: Let’s Modify Crochet Patterns!

By: vona

vona — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:34:48 +0000

I was taught to crochet by my Grandmother and she could not read a pattern, show her the pic, and no problem, she did thread almost exclusively, so to me it was so hard. I knitted for years before I realized the same yarn I used for knitting could be used to make crochet patterns too. Now I use the thread also. The only time I make the same pattern more than once is because someone orders it. Changing something or seeing a pic and trying to make it is part of the fun in life.

By: always-yarning

always-yarning — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:24:15 +0000

I don’t think I have ever followed a pattern completely. I’ve definitely taken bits and pieces of patterns or used them to figure out gauge and created my own size and style. Most times I just create from a picture and figure out everything myself. I also do not EVER use the yarn suggested since it’s just that, a suggestion. I must say I love you your blog and come here often for inspiration!

By: Becky

Becky — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:37:12 +0000

I was taught to crochet by my great-aunt more years ago than I’ll admit, and she never used a printed pattern. I’m lucky that I can read and understand any pattern printed, but that means to me that I know where to make my changes .Somewhere-somehow in everything I make is a change. It might be as simple as different yarn or hook size or as unique as using the
pattern for a different use. I love the freedom crochet gives me.

By: Marny CA

Marny CA — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 03:43:31 +0000

Misteaks? We’re supposed to make mistakes? Nahhhh, don’t believe it.

However, I am very familiar with all the frog stitches while doing many different types of needle crafts.

By: Susan

Susan — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 22:09:43 +0000

I taught myself how to crochet a few years ago, I certainly made my share of mistakes. The joy of crocheting was the ability to correct those mistakes without a lot of fuss. I am also a knitter and have knitted for 50 plus years, following a pattern in knitting is essential for the most part however, I do tend to change things up a bit.
I have found that there are really no set rules for following patterns in crochet and I always tend to change the pattern to suite myself. If it doesn’t work, (one usually can tell after a few rounds) it is easy to undo what you have done and start again. That is the beauty of crochet.
I feel that it is essential to make a pattern your own, go ahead and mix it up and have fun.

By: BekkaPoo

BekkaPoo — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:41:03 +0000

I think if you want to come up with your own designs (which I certainly do) the best way to learn is by reworking existing patterns — especially ones with lots of mistakes in them!

By: Caissa

Caissa — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:20:05 +0000

Oooo! Nice challenge. I am sure someone will take you up on it!

By: Bethintx1

Bethintx1 — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:03:12 +0000

Fudging patterns is my specialty!

My latest item is made from a pattern for a crochet sea turtle rug. I used a larger hook & acrylic yarn. I eliminated the head tail & fins. I made a fantastic circular wheelchair lap blanket! It has no corners to drag on the ground or get caught up in the wheels!

It is on my Ravelry Pattern page as Pink Tortoise shell lap blanket.

I challenge everyone to take one design & fudge it to make something else!

By: Caissa

Caissa — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:56:54 +0000

Looks like I’m mostly “preaching to the choir” here. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy crochet, so I’m glad that people love their work, whether they choose to modify or not. There is certainly nothing wrong with crocheting to look just like the picture, either, but I wanted people to know it’s okay to modify. (Apparently most of you got that memo!) There is no limit to what we can do with crochet!

By: Nita Owenby

Nita Owenby — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:47:21 +0000

Cheers to Gloria’s comment, and most of the other comments. I never follow a pattern. I am a doll collector and crochet many of their outfits. Many times, I will just pick out a color and size of yarn I like, get an appropriate needle and start crocheting. I look at the doll size and shape, then create something that will “flatter” the entire doll; from dresses, to pantaloons, skips, sleepers, shorts, hats and bonnets, there is no limit. When I finish, I have an original! I have fun! Using two different colors of yarn and creating stripes adds even more fun than just using solids.