So you’re getting the hang of some simple crochet stitches, managing to handle the hook and yarn OK and making some squares or scarves that don’t look too shabby. (Hooray!)
Now you’re ready to tackle an actual pattern – you’ve found a picture of something you’d like to make but have no idea what the heck all those letters and numbers in the pattern mean….
I’ve written here about how crochet patterns can look like a secret code to the uninitiated, and they may seem a bit daunting at first, but with these tips below and a bit of practice you’ll be deciphering the crochet code in no time.
You might have seen pattern charts, which are a pictorial version using symbols rather than letters and numbers. We might cover that another time, but in this post we’re going to look at written crochet patterns.
Let’s start with some of the terms, or sections, you might see in a written crochet pattern…
Materials
Every pattern should include a list of all the things you’ll need to make the item, including what type of yarn and how much, and what size hook to use.
It’s best to make sure you read this section carefully first and ensure you have all your bits and pieces together before starting.
It’s important to make sure you use the correct size hook and yarn if you don’t want to risk the piece turning out a completely different size to that outlined in the pattern, especially for wearable pieces.
Gauge / Tension
The gauge or tension as it’s sometimes called, helps you compare your stitch size to the pattern creator’s and lets you know if you need to adjust your stitches to ensure the pattern will fit.
The idea is to create a swatch first to compare and test if your stitches are too loose or too tight. You want your swatch to match the gauge outlined in the pattern – ie. the same number of stitches per certain sized square.
Again, this doesn’t matter so much with toys but is important for wearable items which need to fit properly.
Level of difficulty
This should tell you whether the pattern is suitable for beginners, intermediate level crocheters, or advanced / experienced crocheters.
This will usually be determined by what stitches are used and whether there are technical terms used that may be hard for beginners to understand, or get their hands/hooks around.
Find an easy pattern for beginners to start with so you don’t get discouraged.
Special Stitches or Featured Techniques
Many patterns will have instructions for how to complete any special or unusual stitches. Many stitches are created by using a combination of basic stitches and special techniques.
Outlining them early in the pattern description makes it easier for you to refer to and allows the use of an abbreviation in the pattern, eliminating the need to detail each step of the special stitch over and over again in the pattern.
Make sure you familiarize yourself with any special stitches before starting – you may want to practice doing a row or two of them to get the hang of it beforehand so you don’t run the risk of damaging the yarn in the middle of your piece with repeated unravelling.
All those letters & numbers
Now to the bit you’ve been waiting for…. What the heck do all those letters and numbers mean?
The Letters
The letters in crochet patterns tell you what type of stitch to do. For the sake of brevity, most patterns use shortened versions of the stitch names, hence the letters appearing as code rather than actual words.
You may find it handy to keep a crochet stitch dictionary nearby when first learning to read patterns, but you’ll soon pick up the abbreviations, and many patterns include a section outlining the abbreviations they’ve used, which you can refer to.
I’ve put together a list of the most commonly used crochet terms and abbreviations in my stitch dictionary (link above) but the main basic ones you’ll need to familiarize yourself with are:
Ch = chain
ch-sp = chain space (the space underneath a chain – or between a chain and the next stitch – where you might need to insert your hook)
St = stitch
Ss = slip stitch
Sc = single crochet
Dc = double crochet
Tr = treble crochet
The Numbers
There are at least three main types of numbers used in crochet patterns:
- The row or round number
- The number of stitches needing to be worked
- The number of stitches in the previous row/round needing to be worked into
So how do you know which number is which? It all depends where the number is located in the pattern.
Row / Round Numbers
First of all, each row or round is numbered to enable you to keep track of where you’re up to. So each new line of the pattern should start with what row/round number it is.
Sometimes they’ll have R1, R2, R3, etc so you can clearly see it means Row 1, or Round 2, etc.
But sometimes a pattern will just have the number at the start of the row without an ‘R’, usually in bold type.
Numbers before letters
When you see a number immediately preceding some letters, it tells you how many of that type of stitch you need to work into the same base stitch.
For example, 2sc means work 2 single crochet stitches into the next stitch, 2dc means work 2 double crochet into the stitch, and so on.
Numbers after letters
When the number comes after the letters, it indicates how many stitches along the row you need to work that type of stitch. That is, how many times to work that stitch into the equivalent number of base stitches.
For example sc 3 means work a single crochet stitch into each of the next 3 stitches.
(As opposed to working 3 new stitches into the same single base stitch, here you work one single new stitch into each of the next three stitches in the row).
What if there’s no number?
If there’s no number before or after the letters that means one stitch. If you don’t see a number, you can assume it means 1.
I guess it’s to avoid having a pattern full of unnecessary “1”s.
Basically if there’s no number BEFORE the stitch type abbreviation it means you only work ONE of that type of stitch into the next stitch.
And if there’s no number AFTER the stitch abbreviation, it also means to work that stitch into only the one immediate next stitch in the row.
Brackets & Stars
Brackets are used to group a bunch of stitches together, usually because they will be repeated in the same order.
For example:
Ch 1, (2 dc, dc) repeat
Means:
Chain 1, then work two double crochet into the next stitch, then one double crochet in the next stitch, then two double crochet in the next stitch, then one double crochet in the next stitch.
A bracketed sequence can also be written like this:
Repeat (2 dc, dc) 5 times
Sometimes an asterisk will be used instead of brackets.
Ch 1, *2 dc, dc. Repeat from *
Around / Across
Sometimes if a pattern requires you to repeat the same type of stitch in every stitch to the end of the row or for the rest of the round, instead of specifying the number of stitches left in the row/round it might say “sc around”, “dc across”, “dc to end” or something similar.
This is where using a stitch marker is important when working in the round, because you can continue repeating the stitch until you reach the marker instead of having to work out how many stitches are left and/or having to count each stitch as you go.
Let’s put it all together
So, if a pattern says for example:
“sc, dc, 2sc, dc 3.”
It’s giving instructions for the next 6 stitches in your row:
sc = single crochet in the first stitch
dc = double crochet in the second stitch
2sc = make two single crochet both into the third stitch
dc 3 = double crochet one in the next three stitches.
So in summary:
- Numbers before letters = how many of that type of stitch is worked into the same base stitch
- Numbers after letters = how many stitches along the row to work that type of stitch into
- No number = 1
So those are the basics of reading crochet patterns! Hope that all makes sense?
All the best giving it a try! I’d love to see how your first go at following a pattern works out. Share a photo in the comments below and let me know how you found it.
If you’ve been crocheting for a while, what other tips might you add? Is there anything you found helpful when learning to read patterns? If so I’m keen to hear it. Leave a comment and let me know!
What does multiples of 4+4+4 . . . mean?
Hi Cheryl. It looks like the pattern is created by repeating 3 groups of 4 stitches, so the total number in the row must be a number that is multiplied by 3 lots of 4. So for example if you repeat that combination of stitches 5 times the total number of stitches in the row will be 5 x (4+4+4) = 60.
These type of instructions are usually given when the size of the finished piece is adjustable – so you can decide how big you want it – but needs to start with the right number of chains/stitches in order to fit the complete pattern in rather than finishing mid-design. Hope that makes sense. All the best!
What does 3sc around post of beg chain 3 of Round 1 mean?
Hello. This means that instead of making the next 3 stitches into the top of the stitches in the previous round, the instructions are to make the stitches around the post in the beginning chain of the first round. Usually the post is the tall vertical part of the stitch or the side as opposed to the top v-shaped part of the stitch.
In this case it seems the post has been created by chaining 3, which mean you would be making 3 single crochet stitches into the chain space.
To single crochet around the post you insert your hook behind the side of the stitch facing you (the post) and bring it out again so that the hook is sitting horizontally through the work right-to-left (as opposed to sticking it right through to the other side of the work facing away from you). The post (or chain in this instance) will be on the handle part of your hook, wrap the yarn around the hook as normal and bring the hook and yarn back around behind the post, then complete the stitch as normal (by yarning over and pulling the loop through).
Hope this helps and good luck!
What does (1in,1dec) *5,1in for I suppose (11) total mean it’s the *5,1 I don’t understand.
Hi. It looks to me that the instructions are to increase once, then decrease once and repeat that 5 times. I’m not sure how that would give you a total of 11 though, unless there are further instructions prior to this.
What does it mean to joint DC over 2 sts
Hi Patti, this might mean to double crochet two stitches together
does this mean in crochet 2 dc in end of next row ,dc in top of st.2 dc in next row
Hi Julie, it’s hard to know without more context but it could be an alternate way of making a turning chain by making two double crochet at the end of the row then double crocheting into that to start the next row. Double crochet in top of stitch refers to where the hook is placed, under both loops in the top part of the next stitch, as opposed to inserting the hook through or around the post (or side) of the stitch.
What does it mean if it says a pattern and then goes ‘—5 st.’?
Usually a dash before a number indicates the total number of stitches in the row/round, in this case it’s telling you the completed row/round should have 5 stitches.
Hello!Thanks for your help. What does it mean
-12.SC.(30)*?
Hi. 12 SC would mean do 12 single crochet. An asterisk often marks a place to begin or end a repeated section of the pattern. Numbers in parentheses can mean a group of stitches that are repeated, the number of stitches required for a larger size, or the total number of stitches completed in that row/round.
In crochet, what does it mean Rows 54 thru 58 {64-70-78}: Repeat Rows 52 and 53, 2{5-8-12} times; then repeat Row 52 once more: 14 sc.
Hi Lulie, Without the full context of the pattern it’s difficult to know for sure but this looks to me like it has to do with sizing (eg. for a garment), where the different numbers within the brackets correspond with a different size and give instructions for that specific size. For example if the 58 [64-70-78} corresponds with sizes S{M-L-XL) then for size S for rows 54-58 you repeat rows 52 and 53 twice, but for size L for Rows 54-70 you repeat rows 52 and 53 eight times. Hope that makes sense.
Hi, Rita.
what does **at end of a sequence of an instruction mean?
example: [ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next ch] 3 times, ch 1 skip next ch**, I do not understand these last two **
Hi Linda, usually ** in a crochet pattern means it’s the end of a sequence that gets repeated. When you get to the double asterisks go back to where it has a single asterisk or says something like “repeat until **”. Sometimes there will be two sets of ** where the instructions in between each set of asterisks is the section that is to be repeated.
Starting a blanket with how many chain stitches when the pattern says multiple of thirteen sts plus four. I’m a beginner and if I could figure out how many chain stitches to make it my width would be easier.
Hi Po, multiple of thirteen stitches plus four means that however wide you want your blanket it must start with a number of stitches that are in blocks of 13 then an additional 4 stitches at the end. So 13×1=13 +4 =17, 13×2=26 +4 =30, 13×3=39 +4 =43, etc. Rather than doing the maths beforehand I would probably just count as I’m making the starting chain and put a stitch marker at every 13th chain, keeping on making 13 chains until it’s as wide as I want it, then chain another 4 to finish. Hope this helps.
I have never seen, this in a pattern. Work v stich (3) in next ch, ch3, sk 3 ch.
I Get stuck at the (3) forward
Hi Suzanne. I think this would mean that you work 3 stitches in the next chain to make a V-stitch, then chain 3, then skip 3 chains. Good luck!
Pattern says 3 ch(instead of first st., also in next r.). 9 tr inside the ring, 1sc in 3rd beg. ch. (10sts)
Hi Gina, this might mean chain 3 instead of making the first stitch for both this round and the next round, then make 9 treble crochet stitches inside the ring – presumably a ring made by the 3 chains to start? – then make a single crochet in the third beginning chain.
If something says in the round and you are working on rows what does that mean? Also at the end of a row it says to join 212 sts. There is nothing to join I would think it just has to be turned and start new row. I am so confused. Please answer.
Tita
Hi Rita. In the round means you don’t turn at the end of the row, but keep going in the same direction round and round in a spiral to create a tube/cylinder shape. Some patterns start with rows then change to rounds eg. beanie made from the bottom up. It sounds like the pattern is giving instructions to join the two sides of the row to begin working in the round from then on. Good luck!
Thanks very much. Very clare and wonderfully explained.
So glad you’ve found it helpful. Thanks for the feedback.
My crochet pattern starts like this:-
Using a 5.5 mm hook make a majic ring, work 6dc into ring. Six sts.
Rnd 1: 2 dc in each st to end. 12 sts *
Rnd 2: (3dc, 2 dc in next st) to end. 15 sts
My problem is, i have managed to do the majic ring and have completed the first round ending with 12 stitches.
The secound round, when follow this i end up with more than 15 sts, more like 20 odd stitches and more. I don’t understand how you end up with 15 stitches in the 2nd round. It doesn’t make sense?
Please could someone explain or could this be wrong?
Hi Karen. I wonder if the pattern author intended it to be (dc3, 2dc in next st) to end, to make 15 stitches in round 2?
If the current instructions are followed as making 3 double crochet stitches in the 1st base stitch, then 2 in the next, then you’d only have worked into the first 2 of the 12 base stitches. In order to do that to the end, that would mean following the bracketed instructions 6 times, which would give you 30 stitches total. My guess is that it’s supposed to mean ‘work a dc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 x dc into the next/4th stitch, then repeat around (3 times in total). That would give you 15.
Would you have a chart showing the complete terms for French and USEnglish?
Hi Frances. Unfortunately I don’t have any French resources I’m sorry.