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 knitters and those starting the journey of learning how to knit. 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:
Cast on, knit, purl, knit through the back loop, bind off, decrease, increase, yarn over, checking gauge, weaving in ends, basic pattern reading, basic blocking 

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: Pattern abbreviations, ribbing and simple texture patterns, basic garment construction, basic increases and decreases (K2tog, SSK, M1L, M1R, YO, Etc.), picking up and knitting stitches, knitting together a folded edge, buttonholes, basic chart reading, circumference knitting in the round, changing to DPNS, working with yarns held double, understanding of RS/WS, ability to execute uncommon single stitch maneuvers (Slip stitches, Twisted stitches, Knit through the back loop, Etc.) 

3 – INTERMEDIATE (★★★) 

The patterns in this category are for those who have experience using the basic knitting 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: Reading simple charts, Italian cast on, Italian bind off, Judy’s Magic Cast On, i-cord, simple double knitting, double knitting for Italian bind off, German Short Rows, Kitchener stitches, texture patterns, simple finishing techniques, embroidery on knitting, knitting with more than one color at a time, cables, lace repeats and basic seaming. 

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: advanced texture patterns (e.g. brioche, cables), working a chartered pattern alongside shaping, finishing techniques (e.g. zippers, structured edges) and double knitting. 

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: advanced colorwork and/or lace, complex shaping integrated in the pattern (decreases/increases), advanced finishing and construction, collars and buttonholes, short rows worked in a texture pattern and other advanced techniques. 

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