We firmly believe that you can knit and crochet anything with patience and perseverance, but it is best to embark on a project when we know how time-consuming or challenging a pattern will be for us. Each pattern is rated from ★ to ★★★★★ to help you choose the right project for your current skills. Here is how we rate the difficulty of our patterns: 

1 – BEGINNER (★) 

The patterns in this category have been written for first-time crocheters and those starting the journey of learning how to crochet. These patterns focus on building confidence through clear, guided instructions. Language is kept beginner-friendly, with minimal abbreviations and step-by-step support. 

You will meet the following stitches and techniques in the beginner category: the foundation chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, working in rows or simple rounds, turning chains, basic increases and decreases, fastening off, weaving in ends, and simple color changes. Patterns may also introduce basic seaming or assembly. 

2 – ADVANCED BEGINNER (★★) 

The patterns in this category are achievable for beginners who have worked on their first projects and are willing to learn a new skill. These patterns use abbreviations and further skills and techniques, which are all explained in detail in the pattern. These patterns include videos that help you learn the new techniques or stitches used in them. 

You will meet the following stitches and techniques, in addition to the one in the beginner category: working in the round, magic ring, basic front loop and back loop stitches, more frequent increases and decreases, simple texture stitches, basic colorwork, working into chain spaces, changing colors within a row or round, simple granny-style motifs, basic joining, and straightforward assembly. Patterns may also introduce reading simple stitch charts. 

3 – INTERMEDIATE (★★★) 

The patterns in this category are for those who have experience using the basic crochet techniques and feel confident following instructions to learn new skills and stitches, as the patterns contain more advanced techniques. There will be videos that help you learn the skills needed to follow the pattern. 

You will meet the following stitches and techniques, in addition to the ones in the previous categories: post stitches, cables, bobbles and other textured stitches, more intricate increases and decreases, shaping garments or three-dimensional pieces, working complex motifs, joining motifs, colorwork, tapestry crochet, surface crochet, more advanced chart reading, and working different stitch patterns within the same project. Patterns may also require blocking and more involved assembly. 

4 – ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE (★★★★) 

The patterns in this category are aimed at those who have experience knitting and can keep track of multiple elements at the same time. There will be videos that help you learn the skills needed to follow the pattern. 

You will meet the following stitches and techniques, in addition to the ones in the previous categories: intricate cables, lacework, complex colorwork, overlay crochet, detailed shaping, advanced garment construction, working motifs in unusual directions, three-dimensional construction, complex stitch combinations, advanced chart reading, seamless joining, and more involved finishing techniques. Patterns may also require working simultaneously with multiple sections or keeping track of several stitch counts. 

5 – ADVANCED (★★★★★) 

The patterns in this category are for seasoned knitters seeking intricate, entertaining projects. These patterns assume a high level of confidence and independence. You’ll be expected to navigate managing charts and work shaping based on the instructions given in the pattern. There will be videos that help you learn the skills needed to follow the pattern. 

You will meet the following stitches and techniques, in addition to the ones in the previous categories: highly complex cables, complex three-dimensional structures, short-row shaping, seamless or unusual joins, and combinations of several advanced techniques within a single project. Patterns at this level may also introduce specialized or uncommon techniques that require additional research or practice. 

We also have a Knitting Pattern Difficulty Guide, which you can access here.