- Beginner
- 30 min
How to Read Crochet Patterns
Crochet patterns look like code at first: “Ch 1, sc in first st, *sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st; rep from * across. (5 sc, 4 shells)”. But there are only a handful of conventions, and once you know them, almost any pattern opens up. This guide walks through them in the order you’ll meet them in a pattern.
1. Check the terminology: US or UK
This is the most important first step. US and UK patterns use the same names for different stitches.
| US term | UK term |
|---|---|
| slip stitch (sl st) | slip stitch (ss) |
| single crochet (sc) | double crochet (dc) |
| half double crochet (hdc) | half treble (htr) |
| double crochet (dc) | treble (tr) |
| treble crochet (tr) | double treble (dtr) |
| skip (sk) | miss |
| yarn over (yo) | yarn over hook (yoh) |
Clues that a pattern is in UK terms: it never mentions “single crochet” or “sc”, it uses “tension” instead of “gauge”, or it says “miss” instead of “skip”. If a pattern says “dc” and you’re not sure which convention it uses, look for “sc” anywhere — UK patterns don’t have it.
2. Read the materials, gauge and notes
Before Row 1, a pattern usually lists:
- Materials: yarn weight and amount, hook size, notions.
- Gauge (UK: tension): how many stitches and rows fit in a measured square, e.g. “14 sc and 16 rows = 4 in (10 cm)”. Make a swatch and adjust your hook size until you match it if the finished size matters.
- Special stitches: anything unusual, such as a shell or puff, defined once.
- Notes: whether the turning chain counts as a stitch, whether rounds are joined or worked in a spiral, which side is the right side (RS).
Read the notes. They answer most “why doesn’t my count match?” questions before you ask them.
3. Common abbreviations (US)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble crochet |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| sk | skip |
| yo | yarn over |
| sp | space (e.g. ch-1 sp) |
| inc | increase (2 sts in one st) |
| sc2tog / dc2tog | decrease: work 2 sts together |
| BLO / FLO | back loop only / front loop only |
| RS / WS | right side / wrong side |
| rep | repeat |
| beg | beginning |
| t-ch | turning chain |
4. Repeats: asterisks, brackets and parentheses
- * … ; rep from *: repeat the instructions after the asterisk as many times as stated, or “across” to the end of the row.
- [ … ] 3 times or ( … ) 3 times: work everything inside the brackets three times in total.
- (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st: work all of these into the same stitch.
- Numbers in parentheses at the end of a line: the stitch count once the row or round is finished, e.g. (24 sts).
5. A worked example
Here is a short shell-stitch row, read piece by piece:
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in first sc, *sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc; rep from * across, ending with 3 dc in last sc, turn.
- Ch 3 (counts as dc): chain 3. It counts as a stitch, so it’s the first stitch of the row.
- 2 dc in first sc: work 2 double crochets into the first stitch.
- *: mark where the repeat starts.
- sk 2 dc, sc in next dc: skip two stitches and single crochet in the third.
- sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc: skip two more and work five double crochets into the next stitch.
- rep from * across: go back to the asterisk and repeat until you reach the end.
- ending with 3 dc in last sc: the final repeat finishes differently.
- turn: flip the work ready for the next row.
6. Rows vs. rounds
- Row: you work back and forth and turn at the end of each row.
- Round: you work in a circle. Rounds are either joined with a sl st at the end, or worked in a continuous spiral (common for amigurumi), where a stitch marker shows the start of each round.
7. Reading crochet charts
Charts use symbols instead of words. Common ones: an oval for a chain, a dot or small arc for a slip stitch, an X or + for single crochet, a T for half double crochet, and a T with one diagonal slash for double crochet (two slashes for treble). Rows are read alternately right to left and left to right, starting at the bottom; rounds are read from the center out, usually counterclockwise for right-handers. The basic symbols are largely shared between countries, so you can often follow charts from other countries too; always check the chart’s key for symbols that vary.
Common mistakes
- Not checking US vs. UK terms. Every stitch ends up one step too tall or too short, and the piece comes out the wrong size.
- Skipping the notes. The turning-chain rule often lives there.
- Losing your place in a repeat. Use a row counter, or tick off each line on a printed copy.
- Ignoring stitch counts. Count at the end of every row or round you’re unsure of.
- Skipping the gauge swatch on fitted items like hats and sweaters.
FAQ
What does an asterisk mean in a crochet pattern?
It marks the start of a repeat. “Rep from *” means go back to the asterisk and work those instructions again.
What do the numbers in parentheses mean?
At the end of a row or round, they’re the stitch count you should have. Inside the instructions, parentheses group stitches worked together or into one place.
How do I know if a pattern is in US or UK terms?
Check the pattern’s notes first. If it never uses “single crochet” or “sc”, it’s almost certainly UK terms.
Do I have to match the gauge?
For blankets and dishcloths, close is fine. For anything that has to fit, match the gauge, or your finished size will differ.
This page uses US crochet terms.