Crochet is a fun and creative hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Learning to read a crochet pattern can be difficult for a beginner. It can feel like you’re reading a foreign language but the good news is that with a little patience, you can learn to read crochet patterns with ease. A crochet pattern is a set of instructions that guides you through the process of making a particular crochet project. This article will cover the basics of reading crochet patterns for beginners as well as helpful tips to make it easier to learn.
Pin This Pattern to Your Crochet Pinterest Board to Save It For Later Save It
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links. All opinions are my own.*
1. Check the Skill Level
Crochet patterns should indicate the skill level needed to create the crochet project and this information is usually listed at the top of the pattern. The Craft Yarn Council outlines guidance for crochet designers on how to set the skill level for their projects. Here is what they have outlined below:
- Basic / Beginner – Projects that use basic stitches and may include basic increases and decreases
- Easy – Projects may include simple stitch patterns, color work and/or shaping
- Intermediate – Projects may include involved stitch patterns, color work and/or shaping
- Complex / Advanced – Projects may include complex stitch patterns, color work and/or shaping using a variety of techniques and stitches simultaneously.
2. Read The Supplies or Materials List Thoroughly
In the Materials and Supplies section you’ll find a list of all the supplies needed. Here you’ll learn what crochet hook size you’ll need, what type of yarn (and yarn weight) was used as well as any other notions that are needed like yarn, needles, stitch markers, pins etc.
I love these ergonomic crochet hooks and this cotton yarn from WeCrochet.
3. Know the Crochet Terms the Designer Used
Crochet patterns are written using crochet terminology and abbreviations and there are two different types of crochet terminology (which is essentially crochet language): U.S. Terminology and UK Terminology.
While both terminologies use the same stitches, the uk terms have different abbreviations for the stitches than the US terms, so it’s important to know which one you’re working with. Most designers will list this information at the beginning of the pattern but you may also find it written in the Note section of the pattern.
4. Understanding the Crochet Abbreviations in your Pattern
The first step in reading a crochet pattern is to familiarize yourself with the crochet pattern abbreviations. These abbreviations are used in crochet patterns to make the instructions shorter and easier to follow. Here are some of the most common crochet pattern abbreviations in U.S. Terminology for basic crochet stitches (click the links for tutorials for those stitches):
blo: back loop only | sl st: slip stitch |
ch: chain | sp (s): space (s) |
dec: decrease (crocheting two stitches together to eliminate a stitch. Like the increase stitch, you’ll see abbreviations combined to tell you what stitch to decrease in i.e. SCDEC = single crochet decrease) | st (s): stitch (es) |
flo: front loop only | tr: treble crochet |
hdc: half double crochet | turn: turn your work so you can crochet the next row |
inc: increase (two stitches in the same stitch – however you’ll often be told which stitch you’re increasing in instead of just inc (i.e. SCINC = single crochet increase or 2 single crochet stitches in the same stitch)) | ws: wrong side of the fabric |
join: join two stitches together (often with a slip stitch but this will be noted in the pattern) | yo: yarn over hook |
mc or mr: magic circle or magic ring | * : repeat the instructions following the single * as directed |
rep: repeat | * * : repeat the instructions written between the double asterisks as many times as directed |
rs: right side of the fabric | [ ], { } or ( ): work the instructions within the brackets as many times as directed |
sc: single crochet | ( ): could also mean to work a group of stitches all in the same stitch or space |
sk: skip |
Be sure to note any special stitches that are mentioned in this section. They will usually have separate crochet instructions written out for you. Make sure that you read these instructions carefully.
💡 Tip 1: If you’re a beginner crocheter and are having a hard time remembering what each abbreviation means, print out the list of abbreviations from the pattern or write it out on a separate piece of paper and keep it next to your crochet pattern while you’re working as a handy reference until you get used to using them.
💡 Tip 2: Understanding repeats: When a pattern says “repeat from * 7 times. This means you have to do that repeat 8 total times. Why 8 and not 7? Because you can’t repeat something you haven’t already done.
5. Check the Gauge Information
In each crochet pattern, you’ll find a section called “gauge”. Gauge is the measurement of the number of crochet stitches and rows in a set measurement (normally 4″). This information is given so that you know how many stitches and rows you need to have in that measurement on a gauge swatch in order for your crochet piece to fit properly or turn out to be the expected size.
Gauge affects not just the size of your project but the amount of yarn that you’ll use. Most designers will note whether the gauge is vital to the project or not either in this section or in the Notes section.
What if the pattern doesn’t say whether the gauge is vital or not?
A good rule of thumb is to assume that gauge is vital to the project if it’s something that needs to fit on something or someone i.e. a sweater, hat, slippers or ice cream pint cozy.
Projects where gauge is normally not vital (there are obviously exceptions to this though): amigurumi, a baby blanket or afghan, crochet rug etc.
6. Paying Close Attention to the Crochet Pattern Notes
Crochet patterns often include notes that provide additional important information about the pattern. These notes may include things like special techniques, tips, or modifications to the pattern. Be sure to read the notes before you start working on the pattern.
7. Understanding Crochet Charts
In addition to the abbreviations, some crochet patterns also use symbols to represent different stitches and techniques. These symbols are usually included in a chart or crochet diagram that accompanies the written pattern instructions. These are seen commonly in motif and lace patterns. Here are some of the most common crochet pattern symbols:
8. Reading the Crochet Pattern Instructions
Once you have familiarized yourself with the abbreviations and symbols, it’s time to read the crochet pattern instructions.
Before starting any crochet project it is important to take the time to read the whole pattern first so that you know what to expect before getting started.
Pattern Example 1:
These instructions will tell you what stitches to make, how many stitches to make, and where to make them. Here is an example of a simple crochet pattern instruction:
Ch 32.
Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (31)
This instruction tells you to make a chain of 32 chain stitches and then make a single crochet stitch in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across.
The number in parentheses tells you how many stitches you should have at the end of the row. It’s important (particularly when you’re first starting out on your crochet journey) to take time to count your stitches at the end of every row to ensure that you have the same number of stitches as indicated in the instructions stitch count before moving onto the next row.
Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. *SC in the first ST, DC in the next ST, repeat instructions from * until 1 ST remains. SC in the last ST. (31)
In this example, we have finished our first row and are moving on to row 2. To start your row, you’ll chain once and then turn your work in preparation for crocheting row 2 (that chain 1 never counts as a stitch unless it is noted in the pattern notes).
Then we will work 1 single crochet stitch in the first stitch and work 1 double crochet stitch into the next stitch. We will then alternate between working 1 single crochet stitch and then 1 double crochet stitch across our row until there is only 1 stitch left in the row to be worked.
Then we will work 1 single crochet in that last stitch. Again, we have 31 stitches at the end of the row.
Pattern Example 2:
Round 1: (DC, DCINC) x 6. (12)
The first thing to notice is that this instruction starts with Round instead of Row. This means that this pattern will be worked in the round and not in turned rows.
This instruction says to double crochet in the first stitch and to work two double crochet stitches or a double crochet increase (DCINC) in the next stitch.
You’ll repeat this pattern of one double crochet in the first stitch and two double crochets in the next stitch a total of 6 times. At the end of that round, you should have 12 double crochet stitches.
Now it’s important to remember that each designer has their own writing style so it’s a good idea to make sure that you read a pattern through first to ensure you really understand it before running out and buying any supplies.
If you’re really struggling or feel that you’re more of a visual learner, try following along with a written pattern that includes a video tutorial. I have many free patterns that you can follow along with and they will show you what I’m doing for each step of the written pattern. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Olive Branch Blanket
- Easy Chunky Crochet Kid’s Scarf
- Paulie Pumpkin
- Any of the patterns in the Amigurumi Advent Calendar Crochet Alongs (2022 CAL & 2023 CAL)
- Enid’s Snood
- Salty the Seal
- Bob & Betty Bird
In conclusion, reading crochet patterns for beginners may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, it will become easier over time. By familiarizing yourself with the crochet pattern abbreviations, symbols, and instructions, and paying attention to the notes, you will be well on your way to creating beautiful crochet projects.
The most important thing is that you have patience with yourself and remember that every great crocheter starts in the same place you are at right now.
Ready to practice reading crochet patterns? Here are more free patterns that are perfect for getting started reading crochet patterns:
- Berry Good Hair Day Hair Scarf
- Tweedy Pocket Scarf
- Heather Super Scarf
- Colour Block Makeup Bag
- Eleventh Hour Crochet Blanket
Join The Loopy Lamb Crochet Community Facebook Group to connect with other crafty friends and share your fabulous projects with our community! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest so you don’t miss a thing.Â
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TheLoopyLamb
Instagram:Â www.instagram.com/TheLoopyLamb
YouTube: The Loopy Lamb YouTube Channel
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@theloopylamb
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/theloopylamb
Newsletter: Sign up for my free newsletter!
