Crocheting graphs is something that took some practice when I first started trying to crochet them, even though I was an experienced crocheter. The graph pictured here is a design of my own making. I use a website called stitchfiddle.com for all my graphs. They have a free and paid version. I use the paid version because it offers a lot more usable features like converting a graph into multiple types of written instructions and more editing options. But, the free version is just fine for playing around with making your own graphs and getting started.
The age old question when it comes to graphs is, how do I carry my yarn? You have at least 3 options. It's up to you and what you are using the piece for, to decide which one you want to use. I use all the methods, sometimes all in the same piece!
There is the float method, where you "float" the non-working yarn along the backside of your work. I use this if there are only a couple stitches between color changes. I don't like having long floats in the back because it can sometimes pull the whole piece toward the center if the strand doesn't have enough slack or it sags if there is too much slack. I'd say if there are more than 5 stitches between color changes, don't float.
Next you have the carrying method, where you crochet over the non-working yarn. This is my least favorite technique, but I do use this method sometimes. There are times when it works just fine and if it won't be noticeable in the finished piece, I will carry the non-working yarn under the stitches. Let's say however that you have a white heart in the center with a red background. If you try to carry that red under the white stitches across that heart to the other side... It's going to be very noticeable.
Which leads me to my favorite method, which is using bobbins. What does this mean? It means that I will make multiple balls of the same color to use on opposite sides of my work where there are long stretches between colors. When it's time to change colors, you just drop the non-working yarn and pick it up again when you get back to that side of the work. Let me use the white heart with a red background example again... I will make one bobbin of red to use on one side of the heart and one bobbin of red to use on the other side of the heart. Maybe I'll even add a third bobbin of red when the center of the heart starts to form. It really all depends on the size of the piece. The more color changes you have the more bobbins you use. Does this get a little complicated trying to keep them all from getting tangled? Yes. There are methods that people use to keep from tangling, but I'm not one of those people so unfortunately I can't give any guidance on that. Mostly I make small graphs, so by the time I'm tangled, I'm almost done anyway.
As I mentioned above, I use all of these methods and often together. When I can carry under my work without it showing... I do. When I only have a couple stitches between color changes, I float to the back. With the main colors of the piece, I make bobbins for the largest sections. Deciding which of these methods to use, really depends on how big a piece you are making, how many colors you are using, what you are doing with the piece, and will the back be visible. All factors that you need to figure out in advance.
Another thing to keep in mind with graphs is the tighter your stitches, the better the image will look, but too tight and it will warp. So you want a smaller hook, but not too small. Consistency of yarn is a factor as well. Using yarns with the same thickness throughout the project is key. But, all yarns are not created equal and even different colors of the same weight and brand will sometimes have varying thicknesses. You may need to adjust your tension accordingly to prevent warping the piece. Warping in a graph can look like everything is being pulled to the center of a piece or it can look like the center is bulging. Blocking can help, but sometimes over-blocking can quickly ruin all your hard work. I only ever recommend gentle blocking, meaning stretching only the minimum amount to shape the piece.
When you first venture into crocheting graphs, it's probably best to start with some small practice pieces to at least get a feel for it. Once you get the hang of it, there are so many ways that you can incorporate crochet graphs into your work. Wall-hangings, coasters, pockets, cardigans, purses, sensory books, etc....There are so many things you can use a crochet graph for.
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