Want to tackle a beautiful graphgan project but hate following crochet graphs? Word charts might be the answer for you! There are many graphs that also come with a corresponding crochet word chart for users to follow.
Color Reference Table:
Most word charts will have a color abbreviation table. Using the example below, the color table might look like; DB: Dark Blue, LB: Light Blue etc…. Some word charts number the colors, for example, 1: Dark Blue, 2: Light Blue etc… Personally, I prefer color abbreviations so I don’t have to double check which number is which color.
Rows:
The remainder of the word chart will be a written representation of the graph picture rows and their corresponding colors. TIP: Make sure you are using the correct word chart for the type of stitch you will be using. A C2C word chart will be written in the same order you ready the graph; bottom right corner to top left corner. A bobble stitch or linear stitch word chart will be written from the bottom up and right to left! Most word charts will include instructions on which stitch type it was written for.
Example C2C Word Chart:
Row 1: (1)DB (i.e. you would do one dark blue C2C Square and turn)
Row 2: (2)DB (i.e. 2 dark blue C2C squares and turn)
Row 3: (1)DB, (1)LB, (1)DB (i.e. 1 dark blue, 1 light blue, 1 dark blue C2C Squares and turn)
Row 4: (1)DB, (2)LB, (1) DB
Example Bobble Stitch Word Chart:
Row 1: (23)DB
Row 2: (1)DB, (21)LB, (1)DB
Row 3: (1)DB, (21)LB, (1)DB
Row 4: (1)DB, (7)LB, (7)R, (7)LB, (1)DB
While I personally, prefer to follow the graph itself, I have known many crocheters who prefer word charts; particularly for large or very complex graphgans. While there is still counting and row tracking involved it does involve less counting overall and may be an easier introduction to graphgans for beginners!
Have questions, comments or want to share your tips for following a word chart? Leave me a comment below. Don’t forget to check you my Graph Master posts on regular graphs, C2C graphs, and making your own graphs! Happy Hooking!
