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Reading a crochet pattern doesn’t have to be hard! For many people (myself included), visual learning is much easier, and learning to crochet might be better understood through video or in-person instruction. Unfortunately, many patterns aren’t available to us in either of those formats but there are an abundance of written patterns out there! The easy steps in this post will help you read a crochet pattern and help make them less confusing.
The easiest way I learned to read a crochet pattern was by picking up on the basic terminology. This blog post isn’t to teach you anything advanced but to help you learn how to start reading crochet patterns by learning the basic terms that most crochet patterns use.
If you’re ready to start reading crochet patterns in no time, keep on reading!
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Crochet Pattern Terminology
Terminology is one of the biggest reasons people give up on trying to read crochet patterns. Here is a list of the basic crochet stitches many patterns will use.
- ch – chain
- sp – space
- st – stitch
- YO – yarn over
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- blo – back loop only
- flo – front loop only
- bpo – back post only
- fpo – front post only
- tog – together (you’ll usually see dctog or hdctog and it means to connect the stitches together)
- a great tutorial on these types of stitches can be found here.
These basic stitches are used in hundreds, probably thousands of crochet patterns. Although some patterns may call for more advanced stitches, they tend to be made up using these basic stitches. For example, a popcorn or bobble stitch is usually made up of double crochet stitches and the same goes for many types of shell stitches. This basic list goes a long way.
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How to Read a Crochet Pattern
Crochet patterns always have the same general components. This makes it easier for crocheters reading along with the patterns to be able to read patterns from multiple sources without having to learn how someone else writes a pattern. Now that we know the terminology these patterns use, we can jump into some other important components of the pattern.
Materials
Crochet patterns always include the materials needed to make a given project. The type of yarn required, hook size, and any additional materials are always listed near the beginning of the pattern. Before starting any project, always make sure to take a look at your materials list to make sure you’ve got all the supplies required.
Struggling to read a yarn label? You can find my full blog post about the tip to reading a yarn label here!
Stitch Abbreviations
Stitch abbreviations are also typically given near the beginning or information portion of a crochet pattern. This list is similar to the terminology section listed above in this post. It gives you all of the stitches that are used in the pattern and their abbreviations so you can always go back and reference this list if you question a stitch while working through a pattern.
Gauge
Patterns, especially those for garments, will include a gauge section. This tells you how many stitches by how many rows equals a certain number of inches. Typically, patterns use either 4 inches or 5 inches as a gauge. For example, a pattern might tell you that 14 sts by 8 rows = 4″. Your gauge while making your project should match the given gauge in order to ensure it fits properly.
Gauge is not always as important for crochet projects you don’t intend to wear such as blankets (although you don’t want them too big or too small, either) and home decor items. There are patterns out there that can be made with any size hook or yarn and gauge will not matter as much in those instances. When you go to read a crochet pattern, always make sure you pay close attention to gauge and keep it in mind while you work through your piece.
Pattern Notes
Many crochet designers also include pattern notes to let you know other details that may be helpful but not relevant to other sections of the pattern. These include the fit of the pattern, how it is constructed, and any other specifications or details that may need a better explanation.
I like to include the construction of the pattern in my notes so that while crocheting, the maker knows what they should be looking for and how to orient their piece. Additionally, if I use any specific techniques or there is a piece of the pattern that may be harder to understand, I include a little description of that too. I’ll also try to include photos of these parts of the pattern where they actually occur in the written pattern.
Sizing Chart
Not all crochet patterns will have a sizing chart but many do, especially those for garments where there are multiple sizes. To read a crochet pattern that includes a sizing chart, pay special attention to the yardage for the size you are making and the measurements for that size as well. For example, if you are making a size medium, you don’t want to accidentally look over the yardage and measurements for the size small and end up not having enough yarn.
In my patterns, I typically include a sizing chart containing the yardage, length, width (or bust), and any measurements for sleeves. Each pattern is different since they all contain measurements for different parts but the format is generally similar.
Pattern
Now we get to the pattern itself! Yes, there are many important things that go into the pattern before you even get started on the pattern itself. It’s important to keep those other factors in mind as you work so you end up with a piece you can wear or keep a long time.
Every crochet pattern will always start out by telling you how many chains you need to begin your piece. They may be regular chains or special foundation stitches that act as chains.
Once you’ve accomplished your beginning chains the pattern will go through row by row explaining how to work it up. The pattern may also be set up in sections such as body, sleeves, etc. but it will always be worked in rows within those sections as well.
You may also see instructions such as “cut & tie off here”, meaning at the end of a given portion, you are to cut off your yarn & tie a knot as that is the end of that section.
At the end of some patterns, especially those for garments, you may find a section explaining how to assemble the pattern, whether it be seaming or slip stitching together different pieces or adding on another element like a strap or handle.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, it’s important to practice reading crochet patterns. Although the first few you go through may be challenging, the more you read and work through, the easier it will get. Since most patterns have the same basic sections, the more you read, the more you’ll feel a consistency in the pattern layouts.
You can start by searching for beginner crochet patterns but I’ve also included links to some of my beginner-friendly patterns below.
Have you tried to read a crochet pattern?
Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or a beginner to the craft, reading patterns can be difficult. I sometimes put a pattern down. forawhile when I’m struggling or frustrated and come back to it later when I have a clear head.
If you’re struggling reading a pattern I encourage you to keep trying! Make sure you nail down your basics like terminology and the format first and go from there. If there are any special techniques that are used you’re unsure about, you can always reach out to the designer or even find a video tutorial online to more easily learn even more crochet skills!
This pattern, including all photographs, schematics, & charts herein, are the intellectual property of YarnThrift LLC. & protected by copyright laws. You may not copy, sell, distribute, or claim this pattern as your own, in whole or in part. You may sell items made from this pattern, but you must credit me as the designer. All rights reserved © YarnThrift LLC. 2021
