Why You Should Try Advanced Crochet Patterns (Even If They Look Intimidating)
Hello my adventurous crocheter! Have you mastered the basics? A little bored of the same beginner projects again and again? Intermediate or next-level crochet patterns might be the thing for you! I can’t speak for any crochet other than Amigurumi, so that’s what I’ll focus on in this post. TLDR: Complex Amigurumi designs aren’t as scary as they look, and you’ve got this 💪
If that doesn’t inspire you, read on!
What Counts as an Advanced Crochet Pattern?
The term “advanced” can make it sound like a secret club, but in reality, challenging crochet projects usually build on the basics you’ve already learned. All designers will have their own answer regarding their patterns…for me, I’m thinking about the following:
- Intricate shaping or assembly
- Colour changes or textured details
- Larger projects with more pieces
- Tiny projects with tight rounds
- How much the crocheter needs to “trust the process” while working on the piece, usually as a mixture of all of the above.
All of these points can be tackled with the right amount of patience and a willingness to learn after you’ve mastered the basics (crocheting in the round, sc, invisible decrease, increase, tight gauge, counting). Some designers might consider their pattern to be advanced if they don’t hand-hold through it…but I reckon any designer worth their salt should be writing their patterns with an abundance of clear, easy-to-follow instructions. All of my patterns include plenty of step-by-step photos, but I’m starting to include videos for the tricky bits, which should help a lot too!
The Benefits of Tackling Advanced Amigurumi Patterns
A super cool and fancy crochet toy at the end isn’t enough? Here’s what else you could gain along the way:
You’ll Grow Your Skills
Come across something in the pattern you don’t understand? Youtube has plenty of tutorials for different stitches, and the pattern designer can usually be contacted for a little extra guidance as well (or if not, crocheter communities are a great resource to ask questions…just make sure you care for the designers’ copyright and don’t paste a big chunk of the pattern when asking your question!). Each new skill you learn means future patterns will be even easier!
A Boost of Confidence
You can do it!! Anything you put your mind to can be accomplished step by step. Coming out the other side of a pattern that pushed your skills can give you a massive sense of accomplishment and ready you for tackling the next challenge.
More Room for Creativity
With your skills growing, pattern options do too. Now nothing can stand in your way of completing that momentous bucket-list pattern! Another door that opens is the possibility of writing your own patterns which is where the fun really starts. My suggestion would be to start with modifying other patterns (as long as you still credit the original pattern writer and don’t publish the modification without their permission!), as that can give you a good feel for how the shapes work before jumping off the deep end.
Satisfaction in the Finished Piece
Complex crochet projects often result in heirloom-quality items, the kinds of pieces you want to display, gift, or treasure for years. The journey may take longer, but the results are always worth it.
Slowing Down in a Fast World
A difficult pattern isn’t usually planned for speed in mind, like a market make might be. It requires concentration and slow, consistent work – the perfect balm for a busy mind. It keeps you in the present, and once you’re comfortable pairs perfectly with an audiobook!
How to Approach Advanced Crochet Without Fear
If you’ve ever looked at a pattern and felt overwhelmed, here are some simple strategies that make it easier to start and stick with it:
- Take it step by step. Break the pattern into small sections and work on one piece at a time.
- Use tools that help. Stitch markers are your friends. If you can help it, don’t put the work down in between rounds. When following a digital pattern, I like to use software that lets me annotate/write on it as I go, so I never lose my place.
- Practice patience. Advanced patterns usually take longer, but that’s part of the joy. Slow down, enjoy the process, and don’t rush to the finish line.
- Give yourself permission to learn. Mistakes are part of crochet. Each one teaches you something new and if you don’t get the pattern right the first time, I think you’ll surprise yourself with the jump in skill the second time through.
Remember, at one point you couldn’t crochet at all! This is just another step in your journey.
Final Thoughts: Are Advanced Crochet Patterns Worth It?
Yes! They may look intimidating, but they’re really just opportunities waiting to grow your skills, spark creativity, and bring you the joy of accomplishment. If you ever have any questions about any of my patterns I’m more than happy to help, but I think you’ll be surprised about just how much you’re able to make by building on the skills you already have.
If you’re ready to give one a try, take a look at my advanced Amigurumi crochet patterns in the shop where you can filter by difficulty, or jump into my Patreon where all my new patterns land for the first year (including some pretty cool advanced patterns if I do say so myself!). No matter what, I hope this post has given you the confidence to make the first step ❤️ I can’t wait to see what you create!
Happy crocheting!
Sage