This information courtesy
of Crochet 'N' More
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http://www.crochetnmore.com/chartcrochet.htm
HOW
TO CROCHET USING A CHART OR GRAPH
Using a chart (or graph) to crochet
by can be a bit confusing. With my first chart I used I think I ripped out about
4-5 rows because I wasn't comfortable with following a graph or chart instead
of a regular pattern.
The biggest thing to remember is to pay close attention to which way you are going on the chart. You can do this by marking your rows as you go. Placing arrows or symbols beside each row is a big help.
For example (in the case of a right handed crocheter) ... place an "R" beside all rows that are the right side of the project and an "W" beside all wrong side rows. This will help you remember which direction you are going. When reading the chart you would read all right side rows (marked with "R") right to left and read all of the wrong side rows (marked with "L") from left to right.
Other than this, check off the rows as you go just as in a regular pattern.
It also has tips on how to carry old colors through as you add new colors:
CHANGING COLORS
The method used to change colors depends on the stitch(es) used.
Sometimes I cut the yarn and change to the new color like when I add on a new skein.
Most of the time it's easer to drop the old color and pick it back up again, especially you're using single crochet stitches.
CARRYING COLORS
Here's how I do a color change when I carry the old color through:
HOW TO ALTERNATE TWO COLORS:
COLOR A
COLOR B
Finish the required stitches for Color A within one step of finishing the last stitch. Drop Color A and yarn over with Color B to finish that stitch.Now work the required stitches for Color B (while you are working or crocheting over Color A as you go). When you need to change back to Color A, you work the last stitch of Color B within one step of finishing it and drop Color B. Yarn over with Color A and work as before.
This might not appear to be smooth going at first but after a couple of color changes you will get the hang of it.