How to Read Crochet Patterns

When I first learned to crochet, I never thought I would learn how to read crochet patterns. They were so intimidating. I told myself there is no way I will ever be able to read a pattern. It just wasn’t in me to understand all of that. I would watch videos on YouTube for hours, pausing and replaying it over and over while I crocheted along all to avoid trying to learn how to read a crochet pattern. I would finally memorize the pattern so I wouldn’t have to spend so much time watching and listening to videos.

Y’ALL……. When you start reading patterns a whole new world of crochet opens up to you! Start out small just like when you were learning to crochet. I am going to break down pattern reading for you and try to make it not so intimidating. If you can learn to crochet you can learn to read patterns! Trust me! Give it a try and I know you will surprise yourself.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

I would start out with a beginner or easy level pattern even if you are an advanced crocheter. Try to find one that is written for one particular size. This will be less confusing.

I also recommend using a pattern that doesn’t have any special stitches, even if you are an advanced crocheter the less you have to concentrate on your stitches the easier it’s going to be to read and follow the pattern. Use a pattern with two basic stitches for your first time. You will thank me later.

A pattern will start out with all of the details before getting to the written instructions. The details include- amounts and type of yarn needed, crochet hook size, gauge and size of finished piece, stitches used in the pattern. After the details there should be a section of abbreviations used in the pattern. This is key to reading the pattern. 

FREE!! Basic Crochet Stitch Abbreviations Chart

When I started reading patterns I would use the abbreviation area and write the pattern out in a way that I could understand. I would start with the first step in the pattern and write it out then crochet it. Then stop and write the next step out then crochet it. I would just keep repeating until I was finished. There is something about translating the pattern and physically writing it out that helps it stick in your memory. That method really worked for me. Maybe it was because it took so long and I was impatient to learn how to read crochet patterns so I wouldn’t have to waste time rewriting them LOL. Hey whatever works right?!

Pattern shorthand

Listed below are the most commonly used pattern shorthand with an explanation to help you understand their meaning:

** double asterisks
These stand for repetition. The instructions that are between the asterisks will be repeated, as instructed.  For example, the pattern may say,

*SC in next ST, DC in the next ST*. Repeat from *to* until the end of the row.

Translated, that means – *single crochet in the next stitch, double crochet in the next stitch* and repeat to the end of the row.

( ) Parentheses
These indicate that a group of stitches will be worked into the same stitch or space. For example, the pattern may say

(sc, dc, sc) in the next stitch.

So you will work a single crochet, a double crochet, and a single crochet all in the same stitch.

( ) Parentheses and [  ] Brackets
These can also give you additional info. For example, at the end of the pattern instructions for each row there may be a number  

CH2, DC in same ST as CH2, DC in each remaining ST, SLST to first DC [36]

That tells you how many stitches are supposed to be in that row. 

Another example, at the beginning of a row a pattern may state:

ch1 (count as sc for this row).

This means that your chain 1 will count as a single crochet for this row.

Fasten off or Finish off
This means that you are ending your work. To end your work you will cut your yarn leaving a tail of several inches. Pull the tail through the last loop and this will keep your work from unraveling.

Weave in ends
You will feed the yarn tail through your needle and hide your ends in your work.

Instructions Section of the Pattern

Remember: Take Baby steps!!!

Don’t look at the pattern as a whole because it will overwhelm you. Look at the first row and figure out what you need to do. You will probably start out with a chain.

Remember, if something is confusing refer back to the Abbreviation Chart located at the beginning of the pattern sheet.

Some patterns will have you repeat the same instructions for several rounds. For example, it may state

Row 9-15: Repeat Row 8.

What I would do is literally write out the instructions for each row on a scrap piece of paper and check them off as I finish them. If you don’t want to write out the instructions at least have a list of the numbers, for example,

9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

to check off as you finish the row. It will save you from pulling your hair out!

If you decided to tackle a pattern with a special stitch and you are not understanding the pattern instructions then, Google it!! Google will be your best friend.  You can also, watch a quick video tutorial in order to visualize what the pattern is saying. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. You can always contact the designer of the pattern or if you are in a crochet group on Facebook or if you know someone that crochets reach out to them with your questions.  

TIPS N’ TRICKS

Write the pattern as you go. As I mentioned above this is a great method.

• Make a copy of the pattern and check off the rows as you complete them.
• Count your stitches. I love the patterns that have the number of stitches at the end of the row, e.g. (42).  This makes life so much easier!!
• Go slow, double check your work after a few stitches just to be sure you didn’t miss anything.
• If things don’t work out correctly for a certain round. Take a deep breath and re-read the instructions and try to find the mistake. If you can’t figure it out, you may have to start that row over- I have done this so many times. Sometimes it is just so much easier to start the row fresh again.   NOTE: Pattern designers are human too and can make mistakes so if you continue to have an issue check with the pattern designer if it’s one you found online or know how to contact. I have gone back to the blog post where I found the pattern and read the comments section to find that there was an error.
• Follow the pattern exactly and don’t make any changes until you are familiar with reading patterns.   I was horrible about doing this and would confuse myself. Every. Single. Time. I tried to change up a pattern. Trust me my friend save yourself some frustration and just go with the pattern for now.

I hope this information will make pattern reading not so intimidating for you. Keep an open mind and give pattern reading a try. Let me know how it goes. Happy Crocheting!