By Maribel · Maribel Designs 4 U · Tips & Tricks
So you found a crochet pattern you love. You open it up, excited to get started — and then you stare at it. Abbreviations, asterisks, brackets, numbers in parentheses… it looks like a foreign language.
If that sounds familiar, you are in exactly the right place. Reading a crochet pattern is a skill, and like any skill — it gets easier every single time you do it. By the end of this post you will know exactly how to look at a pattern and actually understand what it is telling you. Let’s break it all down!
What Is a Crochet Pattern?
A crochet pattern is basically a set of instructions that tells you exactly what to do, step by step, to create a finished project. Think of it like a recipe — it tells you what ingredients you need, what tools to use, and walks you through every step in order.
Every pattern is a little different depending on the designer, but most follow the same basic structure. Once you know that structure, any pattern starts to feel familiar.
The Anatomy of a Crochet Pattern
Most crochet patterns include these sections:
Materials List This tells you everything you need before you start — yarn type and weight, hook size, and any extras like stitch markers, scissors, or a yarn needle. Always read this first and gather everything before you sit down to crochet!
Gauge Gauge tells you how many stitches and rows should fit into a specific measurement — usually a 4×4 inch square. If your gauge matches the pattern’s gauge, your finished project will come out the right size. For things like hats, garments, or amigurumi where size matters, always check your gauge first. (I have a whole post on gauge if you want to dive deeper!)
Abbreviations This is the key to unlocking the whole pattern. Crochet patterns use abbreviations to keep things short — instead of writing out “single crochet” every time, they write “sc.” Most patterns include an abbreviations list right at the top. Always read this before you start, even if you think you know what everything means — different designers sometimes use different abbreviations!
The Pattern Instructions This is the main event — the row by row or round by round instructions that tell you exactly what to stitch and where. We’ll go through how to read these in detail in just a moment.
Notes and Special Stitches Some patterns include a notes section with important tips or warnings, and a special stitches section that explains any unusual techniques used in the pattern. Always read these before you begin!
Common Crochet Abbreviations
Here are the most common ones you will see in beginner patterns:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| inc | increase (2 stitches in 1) |
| dec | decrease (2 stitches together) |
| st / sts | stitch / stitches |
| rep | repeat |
| BLO | back loop only |
| FLO | front loop only |
| MR | magic ring |
| rnd | round |
How to Read the Instructions
This is where beginners get most confused, so let’s go through each piece slowly.
Rows vs. Rounds Patterns worked flat — like scarves or blankets — are worked in rows. You crochet across, turn your work, and come back the other way. Patterns worked in a tube or circle — like hats or amigurumi — are worked in rounds. You’ll see either “Row 1” or “Rnd 1” at the start of each line of instructions.
The Stitch Count At the end of most rows or rounds, you’ll see a number in parentheses or brackets — like (12 sts) or [24]. This tells you how many stitches you should have at the end of that row or round. Always count your stitches at the end of each row when you are a beginner! It is so much easier to catch a mistake early than to find it five rows later.
Asterisks and Repeats You’ll often see something like this:
*sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st* repeat 6 times
The asterisks mark a section that gets repeated. So you would do those three stitches — sc, sc, inc — and then do that same group six times in a row. This is just a shorthand way of writing instructions so the pattern doesn’t go on forever!
Brackets and Parentheses Brackets [ ] and parentheses ( ) group stitches that all go into the same stitch. For example:
(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st
That means you are putting all five of those stitches — 2 double crochets, a chain 2, and 2 more double crochets — all into that one single stitch. It sounds like a lot but it’s really just a cluster!
Tips for Reading Patterns as a Beginner
Read the whole pattern first. Before you even pick up your hook, read through the entire pattern once. You don’t need to memorize it — just get a feel for what’s coming so nothing surprises you mid-project.
Use a stitch marker. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round so you always know where one round ends and the next begins. This is especially important for amigurumi worked in continuous rounds.
Check your stitch count every row. I know I already said this but it is worth repeating. Count. Every. Row. It will save you so much heartache!
Go slowly. You don’t have to read five rows ahead. Just focus on one row or round at a time. Finish it, count your stitches, then move on to the next.
Don’t be afraid to Google abbreviations. Even experienced crocheters look things up. If you see something you don’t recognize, a quick search will almost always give you the answer.
Practice Makes It Click
The very best way to get comfortable reading patterns is simply to do it. Pick a simple beginner pattern — a dishcloth, a small square, or a basic amigurumi shape — and work through it slowly with this guide beside you. After just a few projects, you’ll be reading patterns almost automatically.
And if you ever get stuck? Leave a comment here or come find me on YouTube — I am always happy to help! 🧶
Ready to put your new pattern-reading skills to work? Try my free amigurumi donut pattern — it’s simple, beginner friendly, and so much fun to make. Find the link in the menu! 🍩
Maribel Designs 4u 