Quick answer: To read a crochet pattern, work through it in order: first the materials and gauge, then the abbreviations key, then the row-by-row or round-by-round instructions. Abbreviations are short codes for stitches — ch = chain, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch. An asterisk * marks a sequence you repeat, and parentheses ( ) or brackets [ ] group stitches worked into the same place. The number at the end of a row (like “20 sts”) is your stitch count to check your work.
Crochet patterns look like a secret code the first time you open one. They’re not — they’re just shorthand, written the same way worldwide so a designer doesn’t have to spell out “single crochet” three hundred times. Once you know the code, every pattern in the world opens up to you. This guide teaches you to read any crochet pattern in about ten minutes.
The Parts of a Crochet Pattern (and the Order to Read Them)
Almost every well-written pattern follows the same structure. Read it top to bottom before you pick up your hook:
- Skill level — beginner, easy, intermediate, or advanced. Start with beginner or easy.
- Materials — the yarn weight, specific yarn (or a substitute), hook size, and notions like a yarn needle or stitch markers.
- Gauge — how many stitches and rows fit in a 4″ (10 cm) square. This is what makes your finished size match the pattern’s.
- Abbreviations / stitch key — the list of codes used in this pattern.
- Special stitches — any unusual stitches explained in full.
- Instructions — the row-by-row or round-by-round steps.
- Finishing — seaming, weaving in ends, blocking.
Reading in this order means nothing surprises you mid-project.
Crochet Abbreviations Chart (US Terms)
These are the abbreviations you’ll meet in almost every pattern:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| ch | chain |
| st / sts | stitch / stitches |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble (triple) crochet |
| yo | yarn over |
| inc | increase (2 stitches in one stitch) |
| dec | decrease (2 stitches worked together) |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together |
| BLO | back loops only |
| FLO | front loops only |
| rep | repeat |
| sp | space |
| beg | beginning |
| rnd | round |
| RS / WS | right side / wrong side |
Keep this chart open the first few times. Within a project or two, you’ll have the common ones memorized.
US vs UK Crochet Terms (the Most Important Thing to Check)
This trips up more beginners than anything else: the same word means different stitches in US and UK patterns. A “double crochet” is not the same stitch in both systems. Always check which terminology a pattern uses before you start.
| US term | UK equivalent |
| single crochet (sc) | double crochet (dc) |
| half double crochet (hdc) | half treble crochet (htr) |
| double crochet (dc) | treble crochet (tr) |
| treble crochet (tr) | double treble (dtr) |
| slip stitch (sl st) | slip stitch (sl st) — same |
How to tell which one you’re reading: if the pattern uses the term “single crochet,” it’s US. If the smallest stitch it names is “double crochet,” it’s UK. My patterns are all written in US terms with a UK conversion table included.
How to Read Repeats: Asterisks, Parentheses, and Brackets
Repeats are how patterns stay short. Here’s the punctuation you’ll see:
- Asterisk * — repeat everything from the asterisk. Example: *sc in next st, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around means keep doing “1 sc, then 2 dc” all the way around.
- Parentheses ( ) or brackets [ ] — a group worked into the same stitch or space, or a group to repeat a set number of times. Example: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next sp means all of that goes into one space. Example: [dc, ch 1] 3 times means repeat “dc, ch 1” three times.
- Number at the end of a row/round — your stitch count. Example: “…join. (24 sts)” means you should have 24 stitches. Count them; if you’re off, you’ll catch the mistake now instead of ten rows later.
Reading Stitch Counts and Turning Chains
Two more things that confuse beginners:
- Turning chain: at the start of a row you often chain a few stitches to reach the height of the next row (ch 1 for sc, ch 2 for hdc, ch 3 for dc). The pattern will tell you whether that turning chain “counts as a stitch.” Read that carefully — it changes where you place your first real stitch.
- Working into the right stitch: unless told otherwise, you work into the top two loops of each stitch. “BLO” or “FLO” means use only the back or front loop instead — this creates ridges and shaping.
Reading a Pattern Example (Try It)
Let’s read a sample row from a beginner scarf, straight through:
Row 1: Ch 12. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. (11 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (11 sc)
Here’s what each part means:
- Ch 12 — make 12 chain stitches.
- Sc in 2nd ch from hook — skip the first chain, work a single crochet into the 2nd chain.
- Sc in each ch across — single crochet in every remaining chain.
- (11 sc) — your stitch count check. You should have 11 stitches. The first skipped chain is why you get 11 from 12 chains.
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn — chain 1 to reach row height (this ch 1 does not count as a stitch for sc), then turn your work to crochet back across.
Read that way, a whole pattern is just this, repeated.
Practice Pattern: Easy Crochet Coaster
Put it all together with a tiny project. This coaster uses everything above — abbreviations, turning chains, and stitch counts:
Ch 16.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (15 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Hdc across. (15 hdc)
Row 3: Ch 2, turn. Dc across. (15 dc)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc across. (15 sc)
Fasten off, weave in ends.
If you finished that with 15 stitches in every row, congratulations — you can officially read a crochet pattern.
Crochet Symbol Charts (the Visual Alternative)
Some patterns include a stitch diagram — a picture of the pattern using symbols (an oval for a chain, an X or + for single crochet, a T with bars for taller stitches). Symbol charts are language-independent, so a chart from any country is readable once you know the symbols. Many crocheters find charts easier for lace and motifs, while written instructions are easier for garments. Good patterns often include both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does * mean in a crochet pattern? The asterisk marks the start of a sequence you repeat. “Rep from *” tells you to go back to the asterisk and do that sequence again until the end of the row or round.
What’s the difference between US and UK crochet terms? The stitch names are offset. A US single crochet is a UK double crochet; a US double crochet is a UK treble. Always confirm which system a pattern uses before starting.
What does “sc2tog” mean? Single crochet 2 stitches together — a decrease that turns two stitches into one, reducing your stitch count by one.
What do parentheses mean in a crochet pattern? They group stitches worked into the same place, e.g. “(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next space,” or a set to repeat a number of times, e.g. “[dc, ch 1] 3 times.”
What does the number at the end of a row mean? It’s your stitch count — how many stitches you should have after completing that row or round. Use it to check your work.
Do I have to read a chart, or can I just use the written pattern? Either works. Written instructions and symbol charts describe the same thing; use whichever you find clearer. Many patterns include both.
Ready to Read Your First Pattern?
Now that you can decode abbreviations, repeats, and US/UK terms, the best next step is a beginner pattern that puts it into practice. Two of my most beginner-friendly picks:
- The Easy Crochet Top (Modern V-Stitch) — a first wearable with no shaping math.
- The Crochet Water Bottle Holder — a free tutorial that teaches the magic ring and mesh stitch.
Want a printable version of the abbreviations chart above? Grab the Beginner’s Crochet Abbreviation Chart (PDF) and keep it in your project bag.
Made this one? Your next favorite is waiting → browse all beginner patterns