I want to crochet a beanie but I don't know how to read the patterns?

Answer 1

Actually, you're quite good at reading patterns -- only you don't know that yet as you just need practice. :)

I always suggest to my crochet students just starting out to try reading a pattern before ever picking up a hook. There will be a lot of abbreviations. If they cannot recall what the abbreviations stand for, I suggest they write the pattern out in long hand. After about the fifth pattern being written out in long hand, you'll see that you're catching on!

Why do the abbreviations exist? Because back in the day before the typewriter, publishing patterns was very expensive. To save space, thus reducing production costs, they came up with a way to abbreviate stitch names, repeats, and so on. Today the abbreviations still exist for the exact same reason -- to save on production costs.

To find out what the abbreviations mean, most books and magazines have a "key" either in the front or the back of the publication. If not, then visit my webpage here: http://hometown.aol.com/crochetwithdee/Rules.html

Remember, it just takes practice! :)
Good luck, and happy stitches,
~Dee Stanziano
CYCA Certified Crochet Teacher

Answer 2

This sites might be of help to you.
http://learntocrochet.lionbrand.com
http://www.nezumiworld.com/crochet_001.htm
http://crochetmore.com/123basics.hlm
This site offers a complete course ( video ) to show you the basic stitched. Maybe this is where you should start. When you get to the site, search for " crochet instructions ".
http://www.expertvillage.com