At first glance, crochet patterns look like a foreign language. They use a lot of abbreviations and symbols, but once you get used to decoding them, they actually make it easier to read a pattern.

Before diving into a pattern, check to see if it’s written in US or UK terminology. The same stitches are named differently based on the country. All the patterns in The Woobles crochet kits are written in US terminology. Here’s a list of all the abbreviations used in the Woobles crochet kits, plus their UK equivalent:

How to count stitches when working in chains

When you have to count your chain first, make sure that you are on the front side. Then count every “V” in your chain; each V is a stitch. If you have problems identify the stitches or the “V’s”, here is an image showing you every countable stitch.

There are plenty of different ways you could hold a crochet hook and yarn, but most of the time, crocheters fall into either of two groups: the pencil grippers and the knife grippers. If you're right-handed, hold the hook in your right hand and yarn in the other. If you're left-handed, switch sides.