Crochet chart or pattern?

Hi,

I have a question for everyone who enjoys crocheting.

Do you prefer working from a crochet chart, or do you prefer a traditional pattern (where the instructions for each row are written out in words)?
Personally, I prefer a crochet chart.

 

Whether I’m knitting or crocheting, I don’t really get much out of written patterns. I prefer working from charts.
I’m currently working on my first crochet design and definitely want to create a chart for it. I’m still figuring out the best way to do that. I’ve got knitting charts down pat, but crocheting is a little different. A new challenge for me ;-).

Best regards, Michaela

I, on the other hand, can’t make heads or tails of charts and prefer written
instructions—and especially photos :-)
When I started crocheting again years ago, I only had English-language patterns—
and charts aren’t nearly as popular in English as they are in German. I imagine many people feel the same way.
Depending on how you (re)start, you usually stick with that method, right?

Best regards, Marion

Hi... it just depends on what it is... for patterns, I prefer charts, but for amigurumi, written instructions are better... also, you have to keep in mind that not everyone can read charts, so I include both in my patterns.

It’s interesting how different people’s preferences are. I learned to crochet and knit from craft magazines, and they usually use charts—if only for space reasons.
When I first tried to follow a written pattern, I couldn’t figure it out at all. ;-)
My first English pattern was a disaster! *laughs*
Though I have to say that the British and Americans have much simpler and more logical abbreviations than we do. And if you don’t overthink it but just strictly follow what’s written, you’ll end up with something. Or a shawl, depending on the project. ;-)
I’m currently knitting socks from an English pattern and am getting along just fine with it now. But then again, I write my own patterns in English, so maybe that’s part of the reason.

For a while, I only used charts, but I’ve since gone back to including both versions in my patterns. I also include some photos here and there.

It depends on the project. I prefer to use crochet charts for doilies. For amigurumi or baby booties, I use written patterns.
I crocheted snowflakes, and for that I needed the crochet chart, the text, and the pictures to figure it out.
English isn’t a problem for me anymore. The English abbreviations are easy to understand. 

I prefer to work from text and pictures, and I include both in my patterns. I can’t really get the hang of crochet charts—or rather, I can sort of figure them out, but I prefer the other format. But that’s probably also because I didn’t learn in school; instead, I learned by copying others and through practical instruction.

I prefer written patterns and pictures.

Crochet charts aren’t impractical at all, but you just have to learn how to read them first.

You pick up the symbols pretty quickly, especially when you’re crocheting. I really like charts because they make it easier for me to visualize the pattern.

I prefer a crochet chart.

Thanks for your answers. I personally find a crochet chart much clearer, but of course it also depends on what you’re crocheting.

I prefer the crochet chart—not the written instructions

I offer both in my patterns. For flowers, leaves, or similar elements, I also like to include a crochet chart for clarity.

I like it best when both are provided.

Are there actually any programs you can use to create crochet charts?

Best regards