Beginner-Friendly…Or Is It?
As an instructor who teaches a lot of beginners, I receive a lot of questions from students regarding pattern instructions that they don’t understand.
One example being, “The pattern just says ‘change colors.’ How do I do that?”
Of course, I will explain what the pattern is saying. Then, I receive the same follow-up questions.
“I thought this pattern was beginner-friendly! How was I supposed to know that? Shouldn’t that info be included?”
Well…not necessarily. Over the recent years, there has been a lot of confusion over what “beginner-friendly” means. Here’s the truth about patterns.
Often, designers will write their patterns in a way that assumes the makers already have knowledge of basic techniques and pattern reading skills. They may choose to omit bits that seem “obvious.” This is not a bad thing. This is a common practice dating back decades at a time when patterns could only be accessed in print. Concise pattern instructions were preferred as a cost saving measure. There was no room on the page or in the budget to include photos for each step and extra detailed instructions.
In today’s digital world, there is less need to worry about space & cost saving when writing patterns. So, if we don’t have to worry about printing costs like we used to, why not be as detailed as possible when writing the pattern? This is because some people simply do not need or want that additional detail.
Designers cater their patterns to their audience. Some people appreciate being provided with as much information as possible. Others prefer something that is more concise and less cluttered with tutorials. Both styles have their place. Lots of detail is great for beginners, while assumed knowledge allows the maker to think and make adjustments to the pattern as they see fit.
Common practice is to include a skill level (Basic, Easy, Intermediate, or Advanced) to label the intended audience.
The Craft Yarn Council has listed distinct project skill levels to classify patterns to make it easier for makers to choose a project that meets their abilities. These project levels do their best to look at patterns objectively and pick out specific techniques and construction to define each skill level.
Basic - “Projects using basic stitches. May include basic increases and decreases.”
Easy - “Projects may include simple stitch patterns, color-work, and/or shaping.”
Intermediate - “Projects may include involved stitch patterns, color work, and/or shaping.”
Advanced - “Projects may include complex stitch patterns, color work, and/or shaping using a variety of techniques and stitches simultaneously.”
The problem is these definitions are pretty vague and in some ways very similar (particularly Basic and Easy) As a result, many confuse when to use each. Designers will then naturally turn to their own experiences as a reference point to label patterns with a skill level.
Designers, don’t come at me.
It is easy for those who have been crocheting for a long time to feel that a traditional granny square is a simple, basic project that is absolutely beginner-friendly.
But is it? Let’s break down the granny square. In most cases, a granny square is made using a series of chains, double crochets, and slip stitches. All of these are basic stitches. But what other skills are needed to complete the granny square? The maker will need to work in the round. Working into spaces rather than stitches, increases and corners (yes, this counts as shaping), possibly color changes as well. And don’t forget seaming!
Those of us who have been crocheting for years and have a clear understanding of these techniques may feel that making a granny square is second nature, therefore, it’s easy.
Those who are new to these techniques and are still working at grasping the concepts may struggle.
So how would you classify a pattern for a granny square: Basic or Easy?
This comes down to the wording used in the instructions. My rule of thumb:
If your pattern is written in a way that breaks down every individual technique, includes lots of photos, provides video tutorials, this is basic and beginner-friendly. You may also want to include a note along the lines of, “This pattern is perfect for those who are new to granny squares.”
If your pattern includes “less” information in a sense of assuming that the crocheter already knows the techniques required, it would be classified as easy, not basic.
My challenge for designers:
When deciding whether or not to label your next pattern as beginner-friendly, think back to when you were a baby knitter/crocheter. Would you feel comfortable following the pattern if you still didn’t understand what it means when the beginning ch 2 counts as a stitch? If it feels easy to you right now, is it because it is something that a true beginner could follow, or is it because you have been doing this craft for years and is therefore easy?
My challenge for makers:
If you find a pattern that you want to make, but you feel that there are not enough explanations, pictures, videos, etc. don’t dismiss it! This is a great opportunity to learn and expand your understanding of the craft. Ask questions! Consult sources outside of the pattern. You can always use your newly learned skills in future projects.
References: Craft Yarn Council (https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/project-levels)
