How to Read a Crochet Pattern for Beginners

Finding a pattern to work from when starting out with crochet can be overwhelming. You see so many patterns, and it can be hard to know which ones are worth spending time on. Reading patterns is one of the first things we learn as crocheters, and it’s an important skill you need to master before you venture into more complex patterns. While pattern creators often have their own “code,” most creators use similar abbreviations and symbols. But when you open your first pattern, you may find yourself facing instructions like these right off the bat:

R1: MR - 6 x SC

So, what does this super secret code mean? Well it’s not as much of a secret as you may think. Let’s break down how to read your first crochet pattern. But first…

IS YOUR PATTERN IN US OR UK TERMS?

You may have noticed that common words in the US are different in the UK. For instance, a biscuit is a flaky bun in the US. In the UK, it’s a cookie. The US biscuit is more commonly called a scone in the UK. A little confusing, huh?

Well crochet terms also have US and UK counterparts. The biggest difference comes down to the most basic of stitches. In the US, it’s a single crochet. But in the UK, a single crochet is called a double crochet.

Before you get started on a pattern, always check if it’s in US or UK terms. Most patterns are marked US or UK, but how can you tell which it is if it’s not marked? It’s easier than you think. There’s no single crochet in UK terms. So, if you see instructions for single crochet in the pattern, you’re making a US pattern.

WHAT COMMON CROCHET TERMS SHOULD YOU KNOW?

You may be wondering, “How can I find out if the pattern uses single crochet? All I see are random letters!” Well those letters aren’t so random. They’re abbreviations for common crochet terms. Although most pattern makers use similar abbreviations, many patterns include a chart of the abbreviations and their explanations before the pattern begins. You should always check that chart to be sure the pattern maker isn’t using some unique abbreviations.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC STITCH ABBREVIATIONS?

Some pattern makers write out their full instructions, but you’re most likely going to come across many different abbreviations for stitches and other directions when you’re reading a pattern. Understanding these abbreviations is the key to cracking the pattern’s code.

Here’s a handy chart of some common US crochet terms, what they mean, and their UK counterparts. Keep in mind that these are just some of the most common abbreviations. As you become more advanced, you’ll most likely find many more abbreviations, especially as you learn trickier stitches.

So knowing what we know now, we can now understand that R1: MR - 6 x SC means that the first round needs a magic ring, which is done by single crocheting six times into the ring. Let’s take a look at another round that’s a bit more complicated.

HOW DO YOU READ CROCHET PATTERNS WITH ASTERISKS, PARENTHESES, AND BRACKETS?

Crochet patterns almost always require you to follow a specific order. And most patterns will need you to work from right to left. Just like there’s a set of rules for how you read a math equation (PEMDAS, anyone?), there’s a set of rules for how to read a line in a crochet pattern.

Let’s start with what to do when you come across asterisks. Sometimes a line of a pattern will be closed in asterisks, like this:

R6: *7sc, inc*

When you see something like this, you’ll repeat what’s in the asterisks until the round is complete.

You may also come across something like this:

R9: [7sc, inc] x 6

In this case, you’d repeat what’s in the brackets the designated number of times. So for this round, you’d do seven single crochet stitches followed by an increase stitch six times.

You may also see this:

(dc, ch3, dc) in next st

Most often, seeing parentheses means that you’ll do everything in the parentheses in one stitch, which is the case for this line here. However, some pattern creators use brackets and parentheses interchangeably, so always check the pattern’s notes and abbreviations before you begin working to be sure you’re following the right technique.

WHAT’S A CROCHET CHART AND HOW DO I READ ONE?

Some pattern makers use what’s called a crochet chart or a crochet diagram. And for beginners, these diagrams can look like they’re written in an ancient code. But especially when working in the round, they don’t have to be too complicated.

The first step is to find the first stitch. When working in the round, it’s the center of the diagram. Then, you’ll work your way outwards.

Most often, a slip stitch will be marked with a dot, while a chain is marked with a flat oval. A single crochet can be either a plus sign or an x. Half double crochet stitches are marked with a T. Double crochet stitches are a T with one crossbeam, while treble crochet stitches have two crossbeams.

Single crochet increase stitches are a V with one crossbeam in each line of the letter. Single crochet decrease is the same, but upside down. For half double crochet increases and decreases, the crossbeam moves to the top of the lines of the V. Double crochet increases and decreases have both the crossbeams in the middle of the lines and at the top.

When you’re first learning crochet, it’s a good idea to stick with patterns instead of charts. They’re easier to read and keep track of your stitches. As you get more advanced, you may come across a pattern in a language you don’t recognize, in which case you may need to use a chart. So learning the symbols may still help you in the future.

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