6 tips when using Ravelry

How much/often do you use the website Ravelry to search for crochet patterns? I've been a member since 2019 but only recently began using it regularly. The various features are amazing! I'll attempt to walk through some of them here...

1) Search CROCHET Patterns - 

Looking for shawl ideas? Type in shawl to search...

2) Filter you search ... looking for "free" patterns today? Check the box!

3) I'm so bad about buying yarn without a project in mind, or I change my mind once home with 1,800 yards of yarn! 

So, I filter further... 

4) My yarn recommends size 5.5 hook size, so I will search for patterns with the same suggestion...

Now I have 8 matches in the "Free" pattern category to select from!

NOTE/RECOMMENDATION:

Under the "Filter your Search" on the left side, there is "Language" and I highly recommend checking English. BUT, read the pattern carefully to see if it's US or UK English! 

In the US we have a single crochet (sc) but in the UK the same stitch is called double crochet (dc). Very Confusing!!! 

5) Add to Favorites:

When you find something you like, click on the thumbnail, then check "add to favorites" so you'll have it in your notebook for future reference! Oh my! I have over 154 "favorites" already! It's like Pinterest!

You'll sometimes see a flat out "free" pattern, but many times, the designer offers an ad-free pattern for a minimal fee. To get the "free" one, you'll visit their website. For example:

This pattern is available for $3.99 USD
buy it now or visit pattern website

A free version is also available.

That's okay because I usually find so many other fabulous ideas or information I wouldn't normally have found had I not gone to their website! 

6) THEN PLEASE... when you use a pattern found on Ravelry... don't forget to go back and share your finished item and rate the pattern! This not only helps the designer, but folks that come after you to use the pattern!

Hope this helps!

Mainstream Patterns

Have you noticed the price of patterns lately? Talk about inflation! My goodness! I don’t buy mainstream patterns anymore unless they are on sale for a dollar or I have a half price coupon in my purse and I really need the pattern! I think it’s time for me to get over mainstream patterns and look elsewhere.

I admit, over the years I’ve primarily used Simplicity patterns for the basis of my designs. From aprons to doll clothes, they are easily changed and/or modified to create the design I’ve envisioned. Second in line are the McCall’s, but I’ve become very disillusioned with McCall’s lately when I discovered many of the individual pattern pieces are NOT marked with the pattern’s name, number, view, or size. This means I must stop what I’m doing (planning to cut out and sew) and write down everything on the piece before using it. Like I really have the time to do their job! Then, you’ll find less than a handful of Butterick and Vogue in my stash.

It’s exciting how many patterns are coming out from independent designers!

At the new website SewSet – an online sewing directory – you will find amazing pattern offerings from independent designers – and some are free! It’s easy to sign up and it’s free. Once you’ve signed in and click on one of their categories (Children, Women, Men, Home Décor, By Designer, Recently Added), you then decide and click on either: 

“All Patterns”

“Free Patterns & Tutorials Only”

“Patterns for Sale”

Find something Free that interests you, and click on the picture. Once there, you click the “for Free” button on the right, and it takes you to the person’s website or blog! Oh my goodness… how you’ll find so much more from these talented folks than just a free pattern/tutorial for that one initial thing! Try it, you’ll love it!

I’ve used a Liberty Jane Patterns before, the Dress Form for AG Doll Clothes, and found it very easy to read/follow and all the pieces needed were included – always a good thing! Will be buying more, and using a few of their “free” patterns, too!

If you’re interested in fun, whimsical primitive looking creatures, try out Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns! I have, and love them! And, she lives in Texas!

Do you know of an independent pattern designer/producer? I’m searching for more, American made!