Write an article based on this summary:

Check your gauge. Identify any special terms or stitches that are used by this pattern. Interpret all the abbreviations that are given in the pattern. Repeat steps when you encounter an asterisk.
Gauge refers to amount of crocheted fabric that a specific hook size and yarn type will create. While the gauge is less important if you have an unending supply of yarn and aren't worried about the size of your completed project, most of the time you need to be aware of the size of your crochet stitches. To check your gauge, crochet a swatch approximately 4 inches (10.2cm) by 4 inches in the stitch pattern listed in the crochet instructions. If your gauge is larger than the gauge indicated in the pattern, try a smaller hook. If your gauge is smaller, try a larger hook. These are usually listed before the actual pattern begins. You can look for tutorials on the Internet for any stitches you may be unfamiliar with. The basic stitch types include: chain slip stich single crochet half double crochet double crochet triple crochet Some crochet patterns list a key with abbreviations and their terms. Some patterns assume that you know what the abbreviations stand for. Some of the most common abbreviations include: ch=chain sl st=slip stitch sc=single crochet hdc=half double crochet dc=double crochet tc=triple crochet inc=increase dec=decrease turn=turn your project over and start crocheting in the opposite direction join=connect two stitches together rep=repeat It is common to encounter asterisks (*) in crochet patterns, so you need to know what they mean. Asterisks indicate that the steps provided need to be repeated in order until you reach the end of the row. For example, if you encounter instructions for a row that read: "Hdc in next 6 sts; *dc 2, sl st, dc in next st; rep from * to end," then you will know that the instructions that follow the asterisk need to be repeated in order until you get to the end of the row.