Learning any new skill can be daunting, but once you accept the level of mental focus you need to tackle this information, you'll begin to see that crochet patterns aren't all that difficult to follow. This is a free guide to help you decipher and understand terminology and instructions explained in crochet patterns.
Don't expect to learn everything with your first pattern, or even your first 10 patterns. I have been crocheting for 30 years and I still encounter new terms and different ways of doing things. My advice to you is to go slow and absorb the information you need to accomplish one task at a time. Crocheting flexes different mental muscles than interpreting patterns, so don't get discouraged if things take you a little longer to learn than you initially expect. Take your time, be forgiving of yourself, and celebrate your progress! Enjoy the journey!
What to expect
Crochet patterns are as different as the authors who write them, however, there is a level of standardization that is upheld for simplification. An experienced crocheter can pick up any pattern and read it if they know the common terms, abbreviations, and symbols used in the instructions. And, if the author is using an unconventional abbreviation or method, 9 times out of 10, they explain their method for their readers.
Until you become more practiced in crochet stitches and techniques, you may encounter parts of crochet patterns where the instructions seem vague or incomplete. But don’t get discouraged! When you arrive at a section that seems confusing, do a little investigation for yourself. If an abbreviation or term is unclear, check the pattern thoroughly for an explanation from the author. You can also search for an explanation online or a video on YouTube. A lot of crochet pattern authors share video links in their patterns to help you follow along with more challenging areas of a project, and most are responsive if you reach out to them directly. I certainly do!
A helpful tip – try reading some free online patterns before you purchase one. There are countless options for you to choose from to help you become familiar with instructions and terminology. Before you start, read the pattern completely and be sure you can follow along to the end. This doesn't mean that you understand it completely at first glance. Look up terms you don't understand, take notes if you need to, and practice the required techniques before you start. Don’t let your project die before you even begin! If you get stuck on a specific abbreviation, or a step that isn’t explained well, search online for some help. There’s lots of free information out there for beginners!
Common Content found on patterns
Most crochet patterns contain a complete set of instructions you need to follow to achieve a specific result. Some free online patterns contain only instructions and the reader is left to figure out materials and tools on their own. Higher quality and thorough patterns generally contain material and tool recommendations, helpful photos for reference, and more detailed explanation of instructions. Many modern crochet patterns also contain links to helpful videos.
The material and tool recommendations provide context for the project. When an author lists this information, they assume that you will achieve the same results as them if you use their suggested materials and tools. If you cannot find the exact brand or color of yarn they disclose, it is assumed that you should be able to at least match the yarn weight and hook size. If you deviate from these recommendations, you should understand that your results may differ from the description of the pattern. This is completely okay for some projects, but if you're going for a specific size, you should adhere to the pattern recommendations.
Crochet abbreviations & Terminology
To save space on patterns, authors abbreviate crochet terms. These abbreviations are largely standardized, however, there are discrepancies - especially between authors from different countries. Usually, the author will put a disclaimer at the start of the pattern that tells you what terminology they use, such as American or British (yes there is a difference). In the beginning of a pattern, you can also expect to find a section that lists all abbreviations used in that pattern. If an author uses an unconventional abbreviation for a specific stitch, they will typically provide a description of the stitch so you can identify it.
The Craft Yarn Council has published a comprehensive list of crochet stitches and their abbreviations which can be accessed here: CYC - Crochet Master List. More than 60 common abbreviations and their terms are listed, as well as differences found between American and international patterns.
Common stitches such as single or double crochet will most likely not have an explanation, only their abbreviations (sc & dc respectively). However, less-common, "special", or a sequence of stitches that the designer used, will typically have an explanation at the start of a pattern with a designated abbreviation.
Here are some of the most common crochet abbreviations on patterns:
st - stitch
ch - chain
mc / mr - magic circle / ring
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
hdc - half-double crochet
tr - triple crochet (treble)
sl st (sometimes "ss") - slip stitch
YO - yarn over
inc - increase refers to 2 single crochet stitches in the same stitch - increasing stitch count. Can also be done with other stitches, but will specify.
dec - invisible decrease - combining 2 single crochet stitches to reduce count. Can be done with other stitches, but will specify.
t-ch - Turning chain refers to chains made after finishing a row and before beginning the next when you turn your work over.
FLO / BLO - Front/Back Loop Only refers to the front or back loop of a stitch into which a new stitch is made, leaving the other loop empty.
FO - Fasten Off after your work is complete. This is where you secure the yarn and cut it.
sk - Skip is used when a stitch is left empty. You skip the designated number of stitches and work into the next.
RS / WS - Right side of work is side you look at as you’re crocheting. Wrong side refers to the back.
tog means together. Abbreviations specify which stitches to make and how many to crochet together. Example: sc2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together.
ch-sp - chain space - refers to space made by chaining, then skipping stitches, then connecting chain with another stitch. Instructions may tell you to perform stitches within this chain space, and you simply insert your hook under the chain and crochet around it. Long chains can sometimes be called loops, and some patterns simply use the term "space" (sp).
If you come across an abbreviation or term that's unclear to you, search on YouTube! Chances are, someone has done that already and can show you how!
Lines of Instruction
Almost all crochet patterns contain instructions which are outlined by sequential steps that identify rows or rounds. Instructions tell you how to begin the first row or round, either by making chains or a magic circle, followed by row 2, 3… and so on.
Instruction formatting can vary, but there are commonalities. In general, for each row or round of instruction on a pattern, you should expect to find:
1) how the row/round begins and ends,
2) the type, location, and sequence of stitches, and
3) total number of stitches required for that row/round.
Rows or rounds can be named “Row or Round 1”, “R1”, or simply “1.”. Being able to identify individual rows and rounds in your own work is crucial to follow a pattern.
TIP: Practice working with different stitches, paying attention to how they look and feel. This will help you better identify individual rows or rounds, from the back and front.
Example: instructions call for a row of 24 double crochet stitches, preceded by a chain of 3, followed by turning work. The line of instruction may look like the one of the following:
Row 1: ch 3, dc 24, turn [25]
or
R1: 3ch, 24dc, turn (25)
As you can see, the way "round 1" is represented may differ, as well as the abbreviation-quantity sequence for the double crochet stitches. But the information given is the same: row number, instructions (separated by commas) which include the type and quantity of stitches, and the final stitch count at the end of the row. From this line of instruction, we can also see that the chain-3 at the beginning of the row counts as a stitch, since the final stitch count is 25.
The brackets or parenthesis at the end of the round signify how many stitches should be in that row. Keep track of your count as you work! This is probably the most common mistake that is made and will prevent you from achieving desired results. If you count a number other than what is specified for that row, you either missed a stitch or doubled some, and this should be corrected before continuing to the next row.
Sometimes, instructions are repeated or have a multiplier. Usually, repeated instructions are grouped in parentheses, brackets, or between asterisks.
Example: a round calls for 5 single crochet stitches followed by an increase, which is then repeated 6 times:
or
1. [5sc , 2sc in same st] repeat 6 times (36)
or
R1: *sc 5, inc* 6x [36]
It is common to find that rows or rounds with the same instructions are lumped together.
Example: instructions call for 10 rows of 30 single crochet stitches. Pattern may read:
R1 - 10: sc 30 [30]
Pattern difficulty
The level of difficulty can sometimes be found on crochet patterns, but it is not guaranteed. This, of course, is subjective - what you may find difficult someone else may find easy. So, how do you know?
The Craft Yarn Council has also published a guide with symbols to assist with determination of pattern difficulty, which can be accessed here: CYC - Project Levels.
Projects using basic stitches, with the occasional use of increase and decrease methods, and some color changes may be considered basic or easy. Projects including complex stitch patterns, color work, and a variety of shaping stitches simultaneously are categorized as difficult or complex.
Generally speaking, for your first crochet pattern experiences, it is recommended that you select those deemed to be "easy".
Where to find patterns
Crochet patterns can be found online, in books, at craft fairs or market places, and in crafting magazines. You may even find simple patterns on the back of yarn labels! Many yarn manufacturers offer free patterns to their customers on their websites, too! My favorite yarn manufacturer is Premier Yarns and they have a huge library of patterns to accompany their vast inventory.
Probably the best and fastest way to access thousands of crochet patterns is through online searches. If you have an idea of what you'd like to make, simply search for that crochet pattern in your browser. If you're not sure where to start and just want some inspiration, browse through online market places like Etsy or Ravelry. These market places are businesses, so of course they feature paid patterns. But you can start here to get an idea of the possibilities, then try out some free patterns to practice your skills.
Occasionally, I thumb through crochet books at the craft store to get some inspiration. With these patterns, you can be sure that you're getting quality, professionally-edited patterns with exceptional photos and guides to help you with your project. And many of these books come in themes with multiple patterns for you to create a collection of items, such as sweaters, blankets, or amigurumi!
Still have questions about patterns?
Send me a message or leave a comment on this blog. I am very responsive and I want to help you get the most out of your crochet journey!
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Happy crafting!
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