How to Read a Crochet Pattern

Hey, I'm Taylor!  I own a crochet design company called Bags by Bento. I often get the question “How do I follow a crochet pattern?!” To the unfamiliar, crochet patterns look a bit like high school algebra (which I was terrible at). What do all the abbreviations and parenthesis mean?! Watch the video and check out more resources below!

When I first started learning to crochet, I was very intimidated by the concept of following a pattern. I thought patterns were for experts only. I got brave one day and decided to dive in headfirst. I learned several things that will help beginners jumpstart their pattern reading skills and skip the hassle of trial and error.

Anatomy of a pattern

Below is an excerpt from my crochet pattern template. This is an example of how crochet patterns might look. If you’re an aspiring crochet pattern designer, you can purchase the crochet pattern template and fill it in with your own design!

Supplies

Most crochet patterns will include what materials they recommend for the project. Yarn type and weight, hook size, tapestry needle, and scissors are usually included. You can use different yarn or hook size than suggested but it will most likely affect the sizing of the pattern.

Gauge

Gauge is the amount of stitches and rows that fit in specified inches.

Example: 10 SC and 10 rows should equal 4x4 inches

Doing a gauge swatch is helpful in being sure your pattern won't be too big or small. If you use a different yarn than recommended in the pattern the gauge will tell you if your project will be the same size as intended. If your gauge is bigger than the pattern’s, you should try sizing down your hook. If your gauge is smaller than the pattern’s, you should try sizing up your hook. if neither works, the yarn you’re trying to substitute might not be a good fit for the pattern.

Abbreviations

Many patterns include the abbreviations they use for repetitive words such as:

Chain = CH

Single Crochet = SC

Double Crochet = DC

and so on. If the crochet pattern you're using doesn't include the definitions of abbreviations then click here for a helpful dictionary of crochet terms and abbreviations by the CraftyCouncil.

Notes

DON'T skip the notes! In this section of the pattern they usually let you know of any helpful tips or crochet techniques you need to know. For example, maybe the pattern calls for no chaining at the end of a row before turning. This little detail could drastically change the look of your project!

Instructions

Every pattern has it's on way of describing a crochet project. A well thought out pattern will be clear, concise, and descriptive. Typically, instructions will go row by row and/or round by round. Some pattern instructions include diagrams. Diagrams can be intimidating because of all the symbols. Most patterns labeled for beginners will not include a diagram but if you're interested in learning how to read them, I recommend checking out a membership through craftsy.com. Craftsy has some great intermediate/advanced crochet classes and one them is diagram reading.

How are you doin? If you already have questions… comment below and let me know so I can help!

Asterisks

The steps following the asterisk are meant to be repeated in order until you reach the end of the row or until you see double asterisks ** indicating the repeat stops there.

Example: *SC 1, CH 1, skip next ST, SC 1 Rep from * to the end of the row

Brackets

Brackets are also used to tell you how many times to repeat a step (or series of steps). The number immediately following the brackets tells you how many times to repeat. 

Example:[SC 2, SC 1] Rep 4 times

Parentheses

Parentheses are used to indicate that a group of stitches should all be worked in the same space/stitch. The can also be used at the end of the row to show the final stitch count (58). 

Example:(3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC) SC 1 (9)

Coffee break! Phew… That was a lot of punctuation.

Chain Spaces

A chain space is where you have skipped a stitch in the previous row and only have a chain in its place. There can be any number of chains in a chain “space” but often more than 3 are referred to as “loops” 

Example: SC 1 in 1st CH sp

If you think you’re going to remember all of this after reading it once… Let yourself off the hook! These concepts take time and practice.  it’s okay to revisit this again! Save this for later! 

A few more tips…

Read Through the ENTIRE Pattern First

The first rule I learned in baking was to read the entire recipe before diving in. It seems like a waste of time but having some idea of the direction you're going will prevent mistakes. Crochet is similar! It's a massive headache ripping out your work to fix a mistake. It's not necessary to try and memorize the pattern but skimming over everything really helps to get the full idea of what you will need to do.

Learn the Stitches

Watch Pinterest or Youtube Video Tutorials for the stitches you will need for the pattern. I offer several free tutorials on my Pinterest page. It can be frustrating trying to learn a stitch and following a pattern at the same time only to realize half way through that some of the stitches are wrong. It's much easier to do a little practice first and then jump into the pattern.

Keep a photo of finished product nearby

It's a lot easier to catch mistakes when you have a good reference point. Check often to make sure you're on the right track because it's devastating ripping out all of your work to go back and fix a small mistake! In the crochet community we refer to ripping out your work as "frogging." It sounds a little nicer but doesn't help the heartbreak!

Final thoughts

Following a pattern that includes a video tutorial and/or detailed photos can be super helpful when learning the language of crochet! Start simple! Try a blanket, potholder, pillowcase pattern before trying clothing or more complicated pieces. 

If you're ready to try your first pattern (or maybe reattempt patterns) then head on over to my shop and check out my Patterns & Kits!As always I’m available for questions! Comment below or send me a message at bagsbybento@gmail.com . I would love to hear from you.

Until next time… Happy crocheting!