How to Read Crochet Patterns: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Lucy ♡
Oct 12
5 min read

If you’ve ever opened a crochet pattern and felt like you were reading a secret code, you’re not alone. Every crocheter starts out confused by the mix of letters, numbers, brackets, and symbols.

The good news? Once you understand how to read crochet patterns, you’ll unlock a whole new world of projects—from cozy blankets to detailed lace shawls—without relying only on video tutorials.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about reading crochet patterns. We’ll cover abbreviations, stitch symbols, gauge, repeats, charts, and even some common mistakes beginners make. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking up almost any pattern and getting started.

Why Learn to Read Crochet Patterns?

Many crocheters begin with YouTube videos or step-by-step photo tutorials. While these are fantastic for learning, they can be limiting in the long run. Written patterns are the universal language of crochet they allow designers from all over the world to share their work with you.

Here’s why learning to read patterns is a game-changer:

Freedom to crochet anything: From amigurumi to sweaters, most designs are only available in written form.
Portability: You don’t need WiFi or videos just print your pattern and take it anywhere.
Speed: Once you’re used to abbreviations, you can skim instructions much faster than pausing a video every few seconds.
Consistency: Patterns include precise stitch counts, row numbers, and measurements, helping your project turn out exactly as intended.

Understanding Crochet Abbreviations

The first step is learning crochet abbreviations. Most patterns use standardized terms, especially if they follow guidelines from the Craft Yarn Council (CYC).

Here are some of the most common U.S. abbreviations you’ll see:

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
rep = repeat

👉 Important: Patterns from the U.K. use different terms. For example, a U.K. “double crochet” is the same as a U.S. “single crochet.” Always check which terminology your pattern is using before you begin.

Pattern Structure: What to Expect

A standard crochet pattern usually includes these parts:

Title & Photo: Shows what you’re making.
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced.
Materials: Yarn type, hook size, stitch markers, tapestry needle, etc.
Gauge: Tells you how many stitches and rows equal a certain measurement. Not all designers give the gauge, and it is pretty ambiguous, each person uses a different tension.
Finished Size: The dimensions of the completed project.
Notes: Helpful tips (like working in rounds or rows, whether the turning chain counts as a stitch, etc.).
Instructions: The step-by-step written pattern.
Charts or Diagrams: Optional, but very helpful for lace or motif projects.

Decoding Instructions

Let’s look at an example of a simple row in a crochet pattern:

Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc in next st and each st across, turn. (20)

Here’s how to break it down:

Ch 2 (counts as dc here and throughout): At the start of this row, you chain 2, and that chain will act as your first double crochet.
Dc in next st and each st across: Make a double crochet stitch in every stitch across the row.
Turn: Flip your work to begin the next row.
(20): You should have 20 stitches at the end of this row.

By reading carefully, you’ll notice patterns give you checkpoints (like stitch counts) to make sure you haven’t skipped or added anything by mistake.

How to Read Brackets, Parentheses, and Asterisks

One of the trickiest parts of patterns is understanding repeats. Designers use symbols to avoid writing the same instructions dozens of times.

Here’s how to read them:

( ) Parentheses: Used to group stitches that go into the same place.
- Example: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp means you’ll put all of those stitches into the same chain space.
[ ] Brackets: Often indicate a repeat set of stitches.
- Example: [sc, dc] 5 times means you alternate single crochet and double crochet five times in a row.
* Asterisks: Show where a repeat begins and ends.
- Example: dc, ch 1, sk next st; rep from across means you do “dc, ch 1, skip a stitch” over and over until the row ends.

Tip: Always scan your pattern before starting to identify where repeats are. Highlight them if necessary!

Reading Crochet Charts and Diagrams

Some patterns come with visual diagrams called charts. These use symbols to represent stitches, like a graphic shorthand. They’re especially popular in lacework and motif patterns.

A small circle = chain
A cross or “+” = single crochet
A “T” shape with one slash = double crochet
A “T” with two slashes = treble crochet

Charts often show you how stitches stack and connect, which can make complicated stitch patterns much easier to understand than written words.

Gauge and Why It Matters

Many beginners are tempted to skip the gauge swatch, but it’s critical—especially for wearables like sweaters or hats.

Gauge tells you how many stitches and rows equal a certain measurement (usually 4 inches or 10 cm).
If your gauge doesn’t match the pattern, your finished project may come out too large or too small.

👉 Example: If the pattern says “16 sts = 4 in” and you only get 14 stitches in 4 inches, your stitches are too big. Try using a smaller hook.

In the case of amigurumis and crochet flowers, not wearables, the gauge is going to tell you the size of the finished product if you work with X tensiom, but as size in these products do not really matter, not many designers specify the gauge, and it is okay.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Not checking terminology (U.S. vs U.K.)
Skipping the notes section (turning chain rules, stitch placement details).
Forgetting stitch counts and ending up with extra or missing stitches.
Misreading repeats and working only once instead of across the row.
Ignoring gauge swatches for projects that need precise sizing.

Tips for Success

Highlight or underline repeats in your printed pattern.
Use stitch markers to keep track of rounds or repeats.
Count your stitches often, especially at the end of each row.
Start with simple patterns (like scarves or dishcloths) before tackling complex lace or garments.
Keep a stitch guide nearby until abbreviations become second nature.

Practice Example: Granny Square

Let’s walk through a tiny practice pattern together:

Round 1: Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, 3 dc in ring, ch 2; rep from twice, join with sl st to top of ch 3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

What this means:

You’re starting with a small ring made from chains.
You build 4 sets of 3 double crochets, with chain-2 spaces in between.
By the end, you’ve formed the first round of a classic granny square!

Building Confidence

At first, reading patterns can feel overwhelming. But like learning a new language, practice makes it easier. The more you crochet, the faster you’ll recognize abbreviations and stitch groups.

Start small, celebrate your progress, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—ripping back a few rows is part of the process for every crocheter, no matter how experienced.

Conclusion

Learning how to read crochet patterns will open up endless creative opportunities. Instead of relying only on video tutorials, you’ll gain the independence to pick up any design and bring it to life. With abbreviations, repeats, charts, and gauge under your belt, you’ll soon be decoding patterns with confidence.

So grab your yarn and hook, choose a simple pattern, and start practicing today. In no time, the “secret code” of crochet patterns will feel like second nature—and you’ll be able to crochet anything your heart desires.

In my web I have many free crochet patterns for you to start trying out decoding them, and if you enjoyed them and want to adventure into more complex patterns, you can find some of mine on my Etsy page

Best,

Lucy.