How to Read a Crochet Pattern
Demystify abbreviations, stitch counts, parentheses, and pattern notation so you can confidently tackle any written or chart-based crochet pattern.
Why Patterns Look Scary (And Why They Aren't)
Your first time reading a crochet pattern can feel like decoding a foreign language. ch 2, *sc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next; rep from * to end — what does that even mean?
Once you learn the rules, patterns become intuitive. This guide breaks everything down.
Understanding Abbreviations
Every pattern uses abbreviations for stitch names. Most are standardised:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble crochet |
| inc | increase |
| dec | decrease |
| sp | space |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| RS/WS | right side / wrong side |
Always check the pattern's abbreviations key — some designers use non-standard ones.
Reading a Row or Round
A crochet instruction describes one row (worked flat) or one round (worked in a circle), ending with a stitch count in parentheses.
Example: Flat Row
Ch 20. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (19 sc)
Translation: Chain 20 to start. Beginning in the 2nd chain from your hook (the first chain on the hook doesn't count), single crochet across all remaining chains. You should have 19 single crochets.
Example: Round (Amigurumi Style)
Rnd 3: *Sc 2, inc; rep from * around. (24 sts)
Translation: Repeat the sequence "sc in 2 stitches, then increase (2 sc in the next stitch)" all the way around the round. You should finish with 24 stitches total.
Asterisks and Repeat Markers
Asterisks * tell you to repeat a section.
*Ch 3, sc in next st; rep from * to end
= Work "ch 3, sc" repeatedly until you reach the end of the row.
Parentheses (n times) mean repeat the contents:
(dc, ch 2, dc) 3 times = dc ch 2 dc, dc ch 2 dc, dc ch 2 dc
Square Brackets and Colons
Square brackets […] often group a set of stitches worked into one stitch:
[2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc] in corner sp
= All of those stitches go into the corner space.
Colons often precede stitch counts:
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. (30 sts)
The number in parentheses is your expected stitch count — always check this at the end of each row/round.
Sizing and Parentheses in Garment Patterns
When a pattern is written for multiple sizes, extra sizes appear in parentheses:
Ch 80 (90, 100, 110)
= Chain 80 for the smallest size, 90 for the next, and so on. Choose your size and circle it throughout the pattern before you begin.
Reading a Stitch Chart
Stitch charts use symbols to represent stitches. A circle usually means chain; an X or + means sc; a T shape means dc. Charts are especially helpful for motifs and colourwork.
Most patterns that include charts also include a legend. Read charts from bottom to top, and for rows, alternate directions (right-to-left, then left-to-right).
Tips Before You Start
- Read the entire pattern once before picking up your hook.
- Check your gauge — tension affects size, especially in garments.
- Mark your size in multi-size patterns.
- Count your stitches at the end of every row while learning.
- Use a row counter app or a simple tally to track where you are.
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