Translating Knitting and Crochet Patterns

By / Crochet, Knitting / / 9 Comments

Dutch, UK English, US English and German patterns
Here at Home of Yarns, every pattern is available in four languages: US English, UK English, Dutch and German. I write and translate all the patterns myself. And I translate for other designers too.

In the beginning there was Dutch
Since I am Dutch, I start writing every knitting and crochet pattern in Dutch. That’s peanuts for me!

US vs. UK patterns
Since the Netherlands is a small country and foreigners do not usually speak our language, the Dutch people are quick to learn English. Although UK and US English are similar, they are not the same. For patterns in particular, the crochet terminology differs a lot.

For everybody in the USA, I use US terminology and I even converted all of the measures to inches. I also figured out how the UK terminology works, including needle and hook sizes. The patterns are now ready for use and all you have to do is knit or crochet!

Translating to German patterns
In addition, I also translate all of the patterns to German. I am actually half German myself. Although I grew up and live in the Netherlands, I often visit my family in Germany. Through them, I learned the German language all my life. Also, German was one of my subjects for six years of high school. German grammar, however, should not be underestimated. It is still something I have to study for, which I happily do for you guys! Thankfully, I have my German mom to help me on my way.

Making patterns easy
My goal is to make patterns easy for everybody. Having them available in as many languages as I can, is one of the ways in which I strive to do so. It is worth noting that I have had no complaints so far 😉

Translating for other designers of knitting and crochet patterns
Besides designing and selling my own patterns, I also translate patterns for other designers as a freelancer. I think it is a big plus that I know how to knit and crochet and actually understand what needs to be translated.

Would you like your patterns translated?
If you are interested in me translating your patterns, feel free to contact me.

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9 thoughts on “Translating Knitting and Crochet Patterns”

    1. Athena

      Hi Phyllis,

      Thank you for your interest in my translation service. I would be happy to help you out, but the pattern is already in U.S. English Terms.

      You may find these articles helpful for looking up the US hook size and the crochet terminology.

      https://www.homeofyarns.com/crochet-hook-and-knitting-needles-size-converter-metric-usa-uk/

      https://www.homeofyarns.com/crochet-terminology-stitch-names-and-abbreviations-translated-usa-uk-nl-de/

      Good luck! If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

      Athena
      (owner of Home of Yarns)

      Reply
  5. Phyllis

    Hi Athena,

    Thank you for your response. I figured out most of the pattern. However, there are a few places I have no idea what it means. Specifically on page 8, Legs #5 – #10.

    Thank you for your help!
    Phyllis

    Reply
    1. Athena

      Hi Phyllis,

      I see what you mean. It seems to me this free pattern could have been translated better. The terms ‘fingers, toes, legs and arms’ are completely mixed up, making the monkey some kind of octopus 😊 I am afraid it is as confusing to me as it is to you. Perhaps you can try to contact the writer of that pattern and ask her/him what it means.

      Good luck and happy crocheting!

      Athena
      (owner of Home of Yarns)

      Reply

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