The field notes
Understand the numbers.
Enjoy the making.
From choosing your first project to finishing a blanket: 16 practical guides with worked examples, useful checks and links to the matching tools.
Getting started
Getting started
How to read a crochet pattern before you start
Decode repeats, stitch counts and turning instructions with a small worked example and a pre-project reading routine.
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Getting started
How to choose a first crochet project you can finish
Compare simple project types by counting, shaping, finishing and measurement demands before choosing a pattern.
Read the field note ↗Getting started
How to choose a crochet hook size for your project
Use metric size, a small comparison swatch and fabric feel to choose a hook without relying on the label alone.
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How to read a yarn label and keep a useful project record
Separate thickness, ball mass, length, colour identifiers and care instructions before comparing yarns or quantities.
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Getting started
Blocking crochet: measure the change before scaling up
Use a care-compatible sample to compare before-and-after dimensions and avoid planning from unfinished fabric.
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Why are my crochet edges uneven? A counting-first checklist
Separate changing stitch counts from gauge drift and edge conventions before changing your hook or adding a border.
Read the field note ↗Gauge & sizing
Gauge & sizing
How to measure a crochet gauge swatch
Measure stitches and rows accurately, keep units consistent and use your sample to plan a project that fits.
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Crochet stitch multiples, explained with examples
Understand repeats plus edge stitches, choose a valid stitch count and avoid confusing working stitches with foundation chains.
Read the field note ↗Yarn & materials
Yarn & materials
How much yarn do you need for a crochet blanket?
Use the area and weight of a real swatch to estimate blanket yarn, then account for joins, borders and whole balls.
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Yarn weight vs ball weight: read the label correctly
Separate yarn thickness, grams and metres so you can compare labels and plan quantities without mixing units.
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How to compare a yarn substitute before buying
Compare total length, gauge, fabric and care requirements instead of swapping yarn ball for ball.
Read the field note ↗Layout & colour
Layout & colour
How many granny squares make a blanket?
Calculate rows and columns from finished square size, with worked examples for joins and borders.
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Allowing for crochet borders and joins
Calculate the size added by a border and measure joins before finalising a blanket layout or yarn estimate.
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Plan a crochet blanket colour palette
Try a simple visual layout, count motifs by colour and turn a screen palette into a usable yarn plan.
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