Crochet - visual learner, written patterns, or diagrams? What do you prefer?

[HootyMcBooby76]

Been crocheting for about 4 years.
For most of that time I have been a visual learner, watching online tutorials and copying the tutor. I have managed to make a lot of very nice items this way, but the last few months I have been doing amigurumi and have been learning to read written patterns, which I have started to understand.

But for the LIFE of me I cannot understand or follow those circular diagrams with all the symbols on them, it just looks like absolute nonsense to me and I started to try but gave up very quickly.

What do you all prefer?
Do any of you prefer the diagrams? Do you think you can be a good crocheter and stick to written patterns?

Sometimes the chart is easier than the instructions as you can see where a stitch is meant to go.

I used to think they were complete gibberish but made the effort to overcome my "fear" and learn how to read them. It was worthwhile and they make complete sense now. It does take practice though - I suppose the same as decoding written instructions does.

I prefer written, I can follow the charts but find written easier. The one thing I can't do is follow videos though, absolutely impossible for me.

I much prefer charts but I like to have written instructions too so that I can double-check anything that's a bit unclear on the chart. I find it hard to work just from written instructions, so much so that if it's something at all complicated I won't buy the pattern unless there is a chart, preferably a colour-coded chart.

Diagrams are the easiest for me to understand nowadays. I've been crocheting for over 50 years!

I need both!

Can't read patterns - it's like code! Usually have a go a few times, get angry and ask a friend. Love a YouTube video if I can get one.

I've yet to find a video of a 'modern' crocheter who holds a hook the same way that I do!

They all hold it in ways I would find very strange and uncomfortable!

I like simple written instructions, I don’t have a clue how to read a chart and videos are impossible!

I learned to crochet about three years ago from YouTube. I found that by far the best way for me to learn. I often write down the instructions in a way I can follow so I then have a pattern to go back to.
Never worked out those diagrams though.

I've only ever used written patterns for crochet, but I'm more of a knitter than a crocheter. I found charts for knitting baffling at first, but, like @SoupDragon I conquered my fear and they are fine now.

I've recently learnt to crochet but been knitting for a few years. When I knit, I use written patterns but can also follow charts for colourwork. With crochet, so far all I use is youtube videos. Written patterns look really confusing!

That's funny because I was thinking exactly the same. It's hard enough to remember what each is, along with the US/UK confusion, let alone all the abbreviations... I have zero clue what the charts mean! 😬

*each stitch!

Once you recognise the symbols you can see the finished pattern in a chart. It's the same as copying a piece of crochet that you have in front of you or from a photo.

you also need to remember that they work in the same way that you crochet so, if you're doing rows, you have to read one row left to right and the next one right to left.

It is definitely a skill worth learning as it can be useful with complicated patterns if the written instructions aren't quite clear.

I love the diagram/charts! By far the easiest way to follow a complicated pattern for me.

I like when there is a diagram and written instructions. One advantage of using diagrams is that you can use patterns in other languages. And of course you don’t have to check if it’s UK or US terms. I’m another who finds video patterns impossible. The only way I can use them is by writing out the instructions and then following those. I’d have thought diagrams would suit visual people because they’re so representative of what the stitch pattern/motif looks like (once you’re familiar with the symbols).

I absolutely think you can be a good crocheter and not use charts/diagrams, it just restricts the patterns you can use. But if they don’t work for you, you’re not going to run out of written patterns to use instead.

I use the chart once I've got the hang of what I'm doing but prefer a written pattern to start with. Actually what I really like is a combo of video tutorial, chart and pattern. Once I'm up and running the chart is the best option as a reminder of what I'm doing.