PattGen Quick Start Guide 🧶

Welcome to PattGen

PattGen is a powerful online tool that helps you generate 3D crochet models by inputting crochet pattern instructions. This guide will help you quickly get started with PattGen.

Basic Operations

1. Access the Website: Open your browser and visit the PattGen website
2. Interface Layout:
   • Left side: Pattern editor area
   • Right side: 3D model preview area
   • Toolbar: Various function buttons at the top and bottom
3. Reference Resources:
   • More stitch explanations
   • Stitch joining guide

Inputting Pattern Format

Basic Syntax

P1:           // First part
R1: 6X        // First round of the first part: 6 single crochets
R2: 6V        // Second round: 6 increases (2 stitches in each stitch), total 12 stitches

Common Stitch Symbols

• X: Single Crochet
• V: Increase - Make two stitches in the same stitch
• A: Decrease - Combine two stitches into one
• |: Mark the beginning of a row
• *n: Repeat the previous stitch n times, e.g., X*5 means 5 single crochets

View more stitch explanations

Multi-part Models

Use multiple part definitions to create complex models:

P1:          // Main body part
R1: 6X
R2: 6V
// ...more rounds

P2:          // Second part (e.g., arm)
R1: 6X
// ...

Curly Braces Syntax - Creating Symmetric Structures

Curly braces allow you to define multiple sub-parts within the same part, especially useful for creating symmetric structures (like hearts):

P1: 
{
  R1: 6X
  R2: 6V
}, 
{
  R1: 6X
  R2: 6V
}
R3: 24X      // Shared round, connecting the two sub-parts

Generating and Viewing 3D Models

1. Enter your crochet pattern in the editor
2. Click the "Generate" button at the bottom
3. View the generated 3D model in the right panel
4. Use mouse or touch gestures to rotate, zoom, and move the model:
   • Rotate: Click and drag
   • Zoom: Scroll wheel or pinch gesture
   • Pan: Hold Shift key (or right-click) and drag

Rendering Modes

Switch between different rendering modes via the toolbar:

• Solid Mode: Displays a complete solid model
• Detail Mode: Shows stitch details
• Wireframe Mode: Displays the wireframe structure of the model

Saving Your Work

• Use the Screenshot button to save the current model view
• Your pattern is automatically saved in local storage

Joining Guide

After completing individual parts, you may need to join them together. For detailed joining techniques and steps, please refer to our Stitch Joining Guide.

Troubleshooting

1. Model Not Generating Correctly:

   • Check if the number of stitches in each round matches (e.g., if R1 has 6 stitches, R2 should have 12 stitches)
   • Ensure all part and round labels are correctly formatted (P1, R1, etc.)

2. Creating Specific Shapes:

   • Spheres: Use even increases and decreases
   • Cylinders: Keep the stitch count constant
   • Flat surfaces: Start and end with chain stitches

Advanced Tips

• Use different colors to represent different parts
• Try the curly braces syntax to create symmetric structures
• Explore example patterns to understand how to create common shapes

Now that you understand the basics, start creating your own 3D crochet models! Happy crocheting!