Graphing the designs

Shadow crochet uses only two stitches, but in order to graph the patterns, special notation is needed so that the graphs resemble the crocheted object. There are four symbols: two for each stitch worked from the right side and two for each stitch worked from the back side. Every stitch is represented by its own square, which is clear and gives accurate proportions.

Following a graph Read the graph like a filet crochet graph. All the patterns in this book are symmetrical so the stitch count is the same whether you read from right to left or in reverse. Work graph rows with no background color in your light color; the graph rows filled with grey background are the dark color. The sample graph paper above starts with 2 rows of light color. Most of the designs on this site start with the light color, but the technique is just as effective if you begin with the darker color. The Sunrise project begins with the darker color.