How to Read Crochet Patterns for Beginners (Step by Step)
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Let’s break down another important topic in the crochet world: how to read crochet patterns.
Crochet patterns can feel intimidating at first, especially with all the abbreviations, numbers, and instructions. But once you understand the basic structure, they become much easier to follow.
Most crochet patterns use common abbreviations that are helpful to learn, but every designer may write their patterns a little differently. Some patterns might feel easier to follow than others, and that’s completely normal.
In this beginner guide, I’ll show you how to read a crochet pattern step by step using a real beginner-friendly pattern example from my Crochet Starter Kit for Beginners.
So, let’s dive in.
Prefer to watch instead? I break it down here:
Start With the Notes Section
I get it, you want to jump right into the pattern and skip all the little bits of information before the actual instructions. However, skipping them is one of the most common beginner mistakes, especially skipping the Notes section.
The Notes section often summarizes the pattern and explains some of the most important details before you even begin.
For example, in my Even Moss Stitch Dishcloth pattern, the notes explain:
the stitch pattern being used
that the turning chain does not count as a stitch
These may seem like small details, but they can make the pattern much easier to understand and help prevent confusion later.
So my suggestion? Always read the notes first before starting a crochet project.
Learn the Crochet Abbreviations
Crochet patterns use abbreviations to keep instructions shorter and easier to read. Instead of writing the full stitch names over and over again, designers use shortened versions of the stitches and techniques.
For example, instead of writing “Half Double Crochet” every time, patterns simply use “HDC”.
Here are a few common crochet abbreviations beginners should know:
Ch = Chain
Sl St = Slip Stitch
SC = Single Crochet
HDC = Half Double Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
YO = Yarn Over
Designers usually include an abbreviation section at the beginning of the pattern for quick reference.
Beginner Tip
You do not need to memorize every crochet abbreviation right away. Most crocheters still check abbreviation lists while working on patterns.
I also created a Crochet Cheat Sheet where you can find more common crochet abbreviations, hook sizes, yarn weights, and other beginner crochet basics. It’s also included inside my Crochet Starter Kit for Beginners with all the crochet theory and practical tutorials.
Understanding Crochet Charts and Symbols
And what are the little pictures beside the abbreviations?
These are crochet symbols used in crochet charts. Not every designer includes charts in their patterns, but they can be very helpful for visual learners.
Most basic crochet stitches have their own symbol, as you can see in the picture of my abbreviations and symbols above.
In the picture below, you can see the crochet chart for my dishcloth pattern.
You can see the arrow pointing toward the chain symbols — this indicates the foundation chain where you begin the project.
Then, on the right side, you can see the number 1, which means this is the first row of the pattern. Crochet charts are usually read from right to left on the first row, and then from left to right on the next row as you turn your work.
You can already see how the pattern alternates between Half Double Crochet (HDC) and Slip Stitch (Sl St), which creates the Even Moss Stitch texture.
Personally, when I first started crocheting and saw crochet charts like this, they helped me a lot to better visualize how the pattern should be worked.
How to Read Written Crochet Instructions
Now let’s have a look at an actual crochet row from my Even Moss Stitch Dishcloth pattern:
Ch 31
ROW 1 – HDC in 2nd ch from hook, *Sl st in next ch, HDC in next ch* repeat from *to* across the row, ending with Sl st. Ch 1. Turn. (30 sts)
This might feel very overwhelming at first, but once you break it down step by step, it actually becomes much easier to understand.
Ch 31
This means you first create a foundation chain of 31 chains before starting Row 1.
HDC in 2nd ch from hook
This means you make a Half Double Crochet into the second chain from your hook.
**
When you see:
repeat from * to * it simply means repeat the instructions between the stars over and over again.
So in this case, you alternate:
Slip Stitch in next chain
Half Double Crochet in next chain
This repeat creates the stitch pattern for the first row.
Ch 1. Turn.
This means you make one chain and then turn your work like turning a page in a book.
In this pattern, the chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
However, in some patterns, for example Double Crochet patterns, you may make more chains and those can count as the first stitch for the following row.
Don’t worry though, patterns should always mention if the turning chain counts as a stitch.
(30 sts)
This tells you how many stitches you should have after completing the row.
If your stitch count is off, it usually means:
a stitch was skipped
an extra stitch was added
the turning chain was mistaken for a stitch
Counting your stitches regularly can save a lot of frustration later.
Beginner Tip
I would highly recommend recounting your stitches once in a while to make sure you didn’t accidentally lose or add stitches.
Stitch markers can also be very helpful. Many crocheters place them into the first or last stitch of the row to make the edges easier to identify.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to read crochet patterns is a little like learning a new language with all the symbols, abbreviations, and shortcuts. But once you understand the basics, you’ll slowly keep adding more and more to your crochet vocabulary.
Like I mentioned earlier, many designers have their own way of writing patterns. Some patterns may feel easier to follow than others, but most designers still follow very similar crochet standards.
Sometimes it takes multiple times rereading the instructions before everything clicks and that’s completely normal. It’s all part of the learning process.
Crochet takes practice and patience, whether it’s the actual crocheting or learning how to read patterns.
If you’d like to learn crochet step by step in one place, including crochet theory, beginner stitches, video tutorials, photo tutorials, crochet charts, beginner-friendly patterns, and practical crochet tips, you can check out my Crochet Starter Kit for Beginners.
You can also explore more beginner crochet tutorials and free crochet patterns here on Happy Heartsy.
Comments