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Step 1
Many crochet pattern stitches are very versatile. But you must follow four basic guidelines to begin the design process.
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Step 2
Determine the multiple. Crochet stitches (not patterns, have whats called a multiple. It should be written with the stitch instructions. The multiple indicates the number of chains required to form one full repeat of the pattern stitch. For example: A multiple of 2 + 5 chains means that the beginning chain requires any number divisible by 2, lets use 42 as an example. Then you would add 5 more chains for a total of 47 chains.
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Step 3
Make a swatch. Once you have a pattern stitch in mind, choose a hook and yarn that you'd like to use. Make a beginning chain long enough to make a 4" or larger swatch using the correct multiple for the beginning chain. Crochet in this pattern until you have a square swatch.
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Step 4
Measure the gauge. If you like your swatch, you need to measure the gauge to determine the number of chains needed to design your project. Lay the swatch, right side up, on a flat surface. Measure the width of two full repeats of the multiple. Example: Two repeats measure 1 inch. Now do the math. If two repeats measure 1 inch and there are two chains in one multiple, you know it takes four chains to equal 1 inch.
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Step 5
Plan the project. Decide what finished measurement you'd like. Figure out how many chains are needed for the beginning chain. Example: Using the 2 + 5 multiple again, if you're making a scarf with a finished measurement of 8" wide and your gauge is 2 repeats of the multiple per inch, multiply 2(repeats of the multiple) x 2(stitches in one multiple) for a total of 4 chains. Then multiply 4(chains) x 8(width of project) for a total of 32 chains. You would then add 5 chains to that to equal 37, giving you a multiple of 2 + 5. Work the pattern stitch to the desired length, just be sure to finish the row repeat.
