Are you a yarn addict who loves to crochet? If so, you might have encountered some challenges when trying to follow a crochet pattern. Crochet patterns can look like a foreign language, with lots of abbreviations, symbols, and terms that are hard to understand. But don’t worry, reading crochet patterns is not as difficult as it seems. In this article, I will show you how to read crochet patterns in easy steps, so you can crochet with confidence and create beautiful projects.
Key Takeaways
- Crochet patterns are written using abbreviations and terms that represent stitches and actions.
- You need to know the basic stitch abbreviations and terms before you start a pattern.
- You also need to pay attention to the skill level, gauge, yarn, hook size, and other information that the pattern provides.
- You can read a crochet pattern from bottom to top when worked in rows, or from the inside out when worked in rounds.
- You can also use crochet charts, which are visual representations of the stitches and actions, to follow a pattern.
- Crochet charts use symbols that correspond to different stitches and actions, and are read in the same direction as the pattern.
Also Read: 6 Basic Crochet Stitches You Need to Know
Crochet Pattern Basics
Before you dive into a crochet pattern, you need to familiarize yourself with some basic elements that every pattern has. These are:
- Skill level: This tells you how difficult the pattern is, and what skills you need to complete it. There are four skill levels: basic, easy, intermediate, and complex. You can find the skill level at the beginning of the pattern, or on the website where you downloaded it.
- Gauge: This tells you how many stitches and rows you need to make in a certain size of fabric, usually a 4-inch square. Gauge is important because it affects the size and shape of your finished project. You can find the gauge in the pattern, usually after the skill level. To check your gauge, you need to make a sample swatch using the same yarn and hook size as the pattern, and measure it with a ruler. If your gauge is different from the pattern, you need to adjust your hook size or tension until you get the right gauge.
- Yarn: This tells you what type and amount of yarn you need to make the project. You can find the yarn information in the pattern, usually after the gauge. The pattern will specify the yarn weight, brand, color, and quantity. You can use a different yarn than the one suggested by the pattern, as long as it has the same weight and gauge. You can also use a different color, but make sure you have enough yarn to finish the project.
- Hook size: This tells you what size of crochet hook you need to use to make the project. You can find the hook size in the pattern, usually after the yarn information. The pattern will specify the hook size in millimeters or letters, or both. You can use a different hook size than the one suggested by the pattern, as long as you get the right gauge. You can also use a different type of hook, such as metal, wood, or plastic, depending on your preference.
- Stitches and abbreviations: This tells you what stitches and actions you need to do to make the project. You can find the stitches and abbreviations in the pattern, usually before the instructions. The pattern will list the stitches and their abbreviations, and explain what they mean. Some common stitch abbreviations are:
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name |
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | triple or treble crochet |
Some common terms and their meanings are:
| Term | Meaning |
| inc | increase (add one or more stitches) |
| dec | decrease (eliminate one or more stitches) |
| turn | turn your work so you can work back for the next row |
| join | join two stitches together, usually with a slip stitch |
| rep | repeat (do it again) |
You can find a complete list of crochet abbreviations and terms here.
How to Read Crochet Patterns in Rows
A crochet pattern in rows is worked back and forth to form a flat piece, such as a scarf or a blanket. To read a crochet pattern in rows, follow these steps:
- Start with a slip knot on your hook. This is the first step of any crochet project, but the pattern will not tell you to do it. You need to know how to make a slip knot by yourself.
- Make a foundation chain of a specified length. The pattern will tell you how many chains to make, either before the first row or in the first row. For example, the pattern might say:
Ch 15. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
This means that you need to make 15 chains, then work a single crochet in the second chain from the hook, and in each of the remaining chains.
- Work the first row according to the instructions. The pattern will tell you what stitches and actions to do in each stitch or space. For example, the pattern might say:
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
This means that you need to work a single crochet in the second chain from the hook, and in each of the remaining chains. You can use a stitch marker to mark the first and last stitch of the row, to help you keep track of your stitches.
- Turn your work and chain the specified number of stitches. The pattern will tell you how many chains to make at the beginning of each row, and what they count as. For example, the pattern might say:
Ch 1, turn. (Ch 1 does not count as a stitch.)
This means that you need to make one chain, then turn your work so you can work back for the next row. The chain does not count as a stitch, so you need to work into the first stitch of the previous row.
- Work the next row according to the instructions. The pattern will tell you what stitches and actions to do in each stitch or space. For example, the pattern might say:
Row 2: Sc in each st across.
This means that you need to work a single crochet in each stitch across the row.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you reach the end of the pattern. The pattern will tell you how many rows to make, or when to stop. For example, the pattern might say:
Repeat row 2 until scarf measures 60 inches.
This means that you need to repeat the second row until your scarf is 60 inches long.
- Fasten off and weave in the ends. The pattern will tell you to fasten off, which means to cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop on the hook. Then, you need to weave in the ends, which means to hide the yarn tails in the fabric using a yarn needle.
How to Read a Crochet Pattern in Rounds
A crochet pattern in rounds is worked around to form a tube with no seams, such as a hat or a bag. To read a crochet pattern in rounds, follow these steps:
- Start with a slip knot on your hook. This is the first step of any crochet project, but the pattern will not tell you to do it. You need to know how to make a slip knot by yourself.
- Make a foundation ring of a specified type. The pattern will tell you what type of ring to make, either a chain ring, a magic ring, or an adjustable ring. For example, the pattern might say:
Ch 4, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring.
This means that you need to make four chains, then join them with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.
- Work the first round according to the instructions. The pattern will tell you what stitches and actions to do in the ring or in each stitch or space. For example, the pattern might say:
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc)
This means that you need to make three chains, which count as a double crochet, then work 11 more double crochets in the ring, then join them with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain. You will have 12 double crochets in the round.
- Work the next round according to the instructions. The pattern will tell you what stitches and actions to do in each stitch or space. For example, the pattern might say:
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st as join, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (24 dc)
This means that you need to make three chains, which count as a double crochet, then work another double crochet in the same stitch as the join, then work two double crochets in each stitch around, then join them with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain. You will have 24 double crochets in the round.
- Repeat step 4 until you reach the end of the pattern. The pattern will tell you how many rounds to make, or when to stop. For example, the pattern might say:
Repeat round 2 until hat measures 8 inches.
This means that you need to repeat the second round until your hat is 8 inches long.
- Fasten off and weave in the ends. The pattern will tell you to fasten off, which means to cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop on the hook. Then, you need to weave in the ends, which means to hide the yarn tails in the fabric using a yarn needle.
How to Read a Crochet Chart
A crochet chart is a visual representation of the stitches and actions in a crochet pattern. Crochet charts use symbols that correspond to different stitches and actions, and are read in the same direction as the pattern. Crochet charts can be helpful for understanding the structure and design of a crochet project, especially when the pattern is complex or has a lot of repeats. To read a crochet chart, follow these steps:
- Find the key or legend of the chart. The key or legend will explain what each symbol means, and how to work it. For example, the key or legend might say:
| Symbol | Meaning |
| o | chain |
| x | slip stitch |
| . | single crochet |
| T | double crochet |
You can find a complete list of crochet chart symbols at [Crochet Chronicles].
- Find the starting point of the chart. The starting point of the chart will be marked with an arrow or a number, and will indicate where to begin your foundation chain or ring. For example, the starting point of the chart might look like this:
![Starting point of the chart]
This means that you need to make a chain of four stitches, then join them with a slip stitch to form a ring.
- Follow the chart from right to left for the first row or round. The chart will show you what stitches and actions to do in each stitch or space, using the symbols from the key or legend. For example, the chart might look like this:
![First row or round of the chart]
This means that you need to make three chains, which count as a double crochet, then work 11 more double crochets in the ring, then join them with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain.
- Follow the chart from left to right for the second row or round. The chart will show you what stitches and actions to do in each stitch or space, using the symbols from the key or legend. For example, the chart might look like this:
![Second row or round of the chart]
This means that you need to make three chains, which count as a double crochet, then work another double crochet in the same stitch as the join, then work two double crochets in each stitch around, then join them with a slip stitch to the top of the first chain.
- Alternate the direction of reading the chart for each row or round. The chart will show you the direction of reading with arrows or numbers, and will indicate when to turn or join your work. For example, the chart might look like this:
![Direction of reading the chart]
This means that you need to read the chart from right to left for the odd rows or rounds, and from left to right for the even rows or rounds. You also need to turn your work at the end of each row, or join your work at the end of each round.
- Repeat the chart as instructed by the pattern. The chart will show you the repeats with brackets, parentheses, asterisks, or other symbols, and will tell you how many times to repeat them. For example, the chart might look like this:
![Repeats of the chart]
This means that you need to repeat the stitches inside the brackets four times, or until you reach the end of the row or round.
Conclusion
Reading crochet patterns can be challenging, but also rewarding. By following these steps, you can learn how to read crochet patterns like a pro, and enjoy crocheting beautiful projects. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t give up if you encounter some difficulties. You can always refer to the [Crochet Chronicles] website for more tips and tutorials on crochet. Happy crocheting, yarn addicts!
Source: (1) How to Read a Crochet Pattern – Craft Yarn Council. https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/how-to-read-crochet-pattern. (2) How To Read Crochet Patterns for Beginners – EasyCrochet.com. https://easycrochet.com/how-to-read-crochet-patterns-easy-simple/. (3) How to read a crochet pattern and crochet chart. https://crochetsociety.co.uk/crochet-for-beginners/how-to-read-a-crochet-pattern/.