One of the things I am most passionate about in my work is helping people get the skills they need to crochet the things they want to make. Continually, I hear from crocheters online or in classes is how frustrating they find pattern reading. I find my self nodding my head in agreement. It can be very confusing and does take time.

When I wrote about this issue a LONG time ago, Stacy Trock of Fresh Stitches suggested writing a pattern that explained what the normal pattern directions meant, as she had done with her fantastic free beginner's guide to amigurumi. Well, its only taken almost a year, but today I bring you Lake's Edge.  Its a free pattern, full of tutorials for making some of my most-used stitches and with a handy "how to read the pattern" guide. 

The pattern itself is a fun wee make, sized from baby to adult.  Its great for using up bits of yarn and works up very quickly.  The samples are made out of my beloved Libby Summers' Fine Aran, which is a great yarn if you haven't tried it with a beautiful colour palette. 

You can download the UK pattern here and the US version here.

Materials 

• 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2) x 50g balls of Libby Summers’ Fine Aran in Larama (MC)

• 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2) x 50g balls of Libby Summers’ Fine Aran in Azul (CC)

• 5mm/ H8 Hook

• Tapestry Needle

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Tension: Work 13dc and 9.5 rows in Ric Rac pattern (see special stitches) to measure 10x10cm or 4x4in using 5mm/ H8 hook, or size required to obtain tension.