Hot Topic: What does skill level really mean?

Whenever I’m shopping for my next crochet project, while skimming pattern listings for things like yarn, construction, and sizing, I also check out a project’s recommended skill level. As an experienced crocheter, I know that I can handle complex stitch patterns, but I don’t always want that kind of project. Sometimes I want something straightforward and uncomplicated – a project I can work on while watching TV. When I was first starting out and still learning the basics of crochet, these ratings helped me find patterns I could accomplish with what I already knew or patterns that would inspire me to learn new skills and take my crochet to the next level.

Looking to the pattern’s skill level before beginning a project can give you an idea of how difficult the project may be, but the rating alone can fall short of conveying whether or not a project is a good fit for your skill set, mood, or intentions. In this short article, we’ll explore the standard skill levels set by the industry and how designers and publishers are working to create ratings that better reflect experience levels and make it easier for crocheters to choose their next project.

The Craft Yarn Council, which provides the industry standard in the US for yarn weights, hook sizes, chart symbols, sizing, etc., provides this general guideline for Basic, Easy, Intermediate, or Complex project levels.

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.

Complex: Projects may include complex stitch patterns, color work, and or/shaping using a variety of techniques and stitches simultaneously.

While these standardized ratings provide a good framework, the descriptions lack details that would make them less subjective. I’ve often heard crocheters ask about descriptions like this, What constitutes a basic stitch versus an involved one? Without defining what basic, involved, and complex mean, how can we know what to expect from a pattern?

Another consideration is that we all approach complexity in different ways. What one person thinks of as difficult might be easy for another. Likewise, you may consider yourself to be an experienced crocheter, but if an intermediate pattern includes techniques you’ve never used before, there may be a bit of a learning curve you didn’t expect. Not to mention, when shopping for our next project, we all are looking for different experiences. Some may be looking for a pattern that completely matches their current experience level, while others may be looking to expand their skills.

In working with various publishers over the years, I’ve noticed how the industry is shifting to meet the varied needs of crafters. For instance, the now defunct Interweave Crochet chose to abandon skill levels entirely and used the following concentration ratings instead.

LITTLE CONCENTRATION REQUIRED. Straightforward stitching means your hands can work on autopilot.

SOME CONCENTRATION REQUIRED. Easily memorized stitch patterns and minimal shaping might require some focus and counting.

FAIR AMOUNT OF FOCUS REQUIRED. Involved stitch patterns, shaping, or assembly require fairly constant concentration.

EXTREME FOCUS REQUIRED. Unusual techniques or complex stitch patterns and shaping require constant focus.

What I love about using a concentration-based rating system is that it speaks to the everyday reality of crocheting. It helps answer questions like, Can I crochet this while watching TV or will I need to follow the pattern closely to get it right? However, the drawback is that listing the concentration level alone doesn’t quite give you a true sense of a pattern’s difficulty.

When you’re a beginner, every project – at least when you’re first starting it – requires considerable focus. This list seems to assume a certain level of prior experience, which I suppose makes sense given that Interweave Crochet was known for publishing complex patterns and innovative designs. Perhaps this system reflects their readership more than anything.

Whatever system you use, difficulty ratings are bound to be subjective. So I wonder, should we just list the stitches and techniques used in the project?

Seeing an actual list of all the stitches and techniques used to create the item will show makers at a glance whether or not the project includes stitches and skills they’re familiar with or if it’s an opportunity to learn something new.

In talking to other crocheters and designers, I’ve learned that we’re all basically in agreement with what we want to know in advance about a pattern – we want to know what’s involved so we can decide for ourselves whether the project matches our experience level, mood, and aspirations.

Helping You Choose Your Next Project Through Detailed Pattern Listings

Over the holiday break, I updated all my pattern listings on Etsy to provide as much information as possible to help you determine whether the pattern is a good fit.

In addition to the typical skill levels I’ve been using for years, I now include a detailed description of the concentration level to help you determine whether the project fits your mood and mental bandwidth. Then, I list the stitches and techniques used in the pattern to help you easily see if the project uses stitches you’re familiar with, avoid stitches you don’t favor, or choose projects that will help you grow your skills.

Instead of using skill levels, Ravelry allows designers to choose from a list of techniques and attributes used in a particular pattern to add tags to the listing. You can add tags for everything from crochet techniques like granny square or filet crochet to fabric characteristics like cables or mesh, as well as construction, shapes, and colorwork. This system makes great sense for Ravelry’s database, allowing users to customize their searches to find patterns that use the skills and techniques they’re looking for.

For this reason, I’ve been slow to update the pattern descriptions on Ravelry, but I do plan to update them in the coming weeks.

I strongly believe in empowering makers to grow and develop their crafts, and I’m hoping that the combination of ratings, stitches, and techniques will help you assess whether a pattern is a good fit for you.

If you’re ever unsure about a pattern’s suitability, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help and would love the opportunity to answer your questions.

I’d love to hear from you!

You’ve made it to the end. Thanks so much for reading! Did you find this article useful?

I’d love to hear what you think about crochet pattern skill ratings. Reply to this email to join the conversation.

This time next week, I’ll have a brand-new pattern for you. Get ready for the Cozy Calico Blanket!

Until then, happy stitching,

Jennifer