Reading crochet patterns

Reading Crochet Patterns

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Do you have trouble reading crochet patterns? Confused by all the brackets, numbers and abbreviations?!

I have put a comprehensive guide together to help you make it even the most complex patterns with ease!

Understanding Crochet Pattern Structure

Crochet patterns follow a specific structure that, once understood, becomes easy to follow. Most patterns include:

  • Materials list – yarn type/weight, hook size, and other supplies
  • Gauge information – how many stitches and rows per inch
  • Abbreviations used – a list of all stitch abbreviations in the pattern
  • Finished measurements – the size of the completed project
  • Step-by-step instructions – the actual pattern
  • Finishing instructions – assembly, weaving in ends, etc.

Common Pattern Abbreviations

Most crochet patterns use abbreviations to save space. Here are some of the most common:

UK vs US Terminology
Be aware that UK and US crochet terms differ. For example, a "double crochet" in UK terminology is a "single crochet" in US terminology. Always check which terminology the pattern uses!

US Terminology
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
sp – space
yo – yarn over
inc – increase
dec – decrease
rep – repeat
sk – skip
tog – together

UK Terminology
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
htr – half treble crochet
tr- treble crochet
dtr – double treble crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
sp – space
yo – yarn over
inc – increase
dec – decrease
rep – repeat
sk – skip
tog – together

Understanding Parentheses in Patterns

Parentheses in crochet patterns can serve multiple purposes, which can sometimes be confusing. Here’s how to interpret them:

Parentheses at the end of a row instruction often indicate the total number of stitches you should have after completing that row.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (19 sc)

This means after completing Row 1, you should have 19 single crochet stitches.

Parentheses can group stitches that all need to be worked into the same stitch or space.

Row 3: Ch 3, turn, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 sp

This means you should work 2 double crochet stitches, a chain-2, and 2 more double crochet stitches all into the same chain-2 space.

Sometimes parentheses indicate a sequence to be repeated a specific number of times.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) 3 times

This means you should repeat the instructions inside the parentheses 3 times – work a single crochet in one stitch, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch, and repeat this sequence two more times.

Parentheses sometimes provide additional information or clarification.

Ch 3 (counts as first dc)

This means the chain 3 at the beginning of the row is considered to be the first double crochet stitch of that row.

In patterns that come in multiple sizes, parentheses are used to list the instructions for each size.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL)
Ch 84 (92, 100, 108)

This means chain 84 for size S, 92 for size M, 100 for size L, and 108 for size XL. You follow only the instructions that correspond to the size you’re making.

When working with a pattern that includes multiple sizes:

  • Circle or highlight the instructions for your chosen size throughout the pattern
  • Keep track of which set of numbers corresponds to your size (usually first number is smallest size)
  • If only one number is given for an instruction, it applies to all sizes
Neck opening: Ch 16 (18, 20, 22), skip next 8 (9, 10, 11) sts, join with sl st to next st.

In this example, if you’re making size M, you would chain 18 and skip 9 stitches.

Pro Tip

When you encounter parentheses in a pattern, look at the context to determine their purpose. If they appear at the end of a row, they likely indicate stitch count. If they appear mid-instruction, they usually group stitches to be worked in the same place or repeated. If they appear throughout the pattern with multiple numbers, they’re probably indicating size variations.

Pattern Examples

Let’s look at some example patterns and break down how to read them, with special attention to parentheses:

Ch 20.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (19 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. (19 sc)

Explanation:

This simple pattern creates a small rectangle in single crochet. The pattern tells you to chain 20 stitches, then work single crochet in each chain starting from the second chain from the hook, giving you 19 single crochet stitches. In the second row, you chain 1, turn your work, and work a single crochet in each stitch across.

Ch 21.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * to end. (10 sc, 10 ch-1 spaces)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first sc, *(sc, ch 1, sc) in ch-1 space, skip next sc; repeat from * to last sc, sc in last sc.

Explanation:

This pattern uses parentheses to group stitches that need to be worked into the same space. In Row 2, the “(sc, ch 1, sc)” means you need to work a single crochet, chain 1, and another single crochet all into the same chain-1 space from the previous row.

Ch 15.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (14 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 12 sc, 2 sc in last sc. (16 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first sc, sc in next 14 sc, 2 sc in last sc. (18 sc)

Explanation:

In this pattern, the parentheses at the end of each row show the total stitch count. This helps you confirm you’ve worked the row correctly. If your stitch count matches what’s in parentheses, you’re on the right track!

Ch 18.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as first dc), dc in each ch across. (16 dc)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. Dc in next 3 dc, *5 dc in next dc, dc in next 7 dc; repeat from * once more, dc in last 4 dc. (26 dc)
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. Dc in each dc across, working (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in center dc of each 5-dc group. (30 dc, 2 ch-2 spaces)

Explanation:

This pattern shows several uses of parentheses. “(counts as first dc)” tells you that the chain 3 at the beginning counts as the first double crochet stitch. The “(16 dc)” gives the stitch count. In Row 3, “(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc)” tells you to work all those stitches into the centre stitch of the 5-dc group from the previous row.

Materials: Worsted weight yarn, hook size H/5.0mm
Sizes: S (M, L, XL, 2XL)
Finished Chest: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) inches

Ch 84 (92, 100, 108, 116).
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. 83 (91, 99, 107, 115) sc
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. Dc in next 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts; repeat from * to last 7 (9, 11, 13, 15) sts, dc in each remaining st. 73 (81, 89, 97, 105) dc, 10 (10, 10, 10, 10) ch-1 sps

Explanation:

This pattern uses parentheses to indicate instructions for different sizes. The sizes are listed at the beginning (S, M, L, XL, 2XL), and then each instruction that varies by size includes all options in parentheses. For example, “Ch 84 (92, 100, 108, 116)” means chain 84 for size S, 92 for size M, 100 for size L, 108 for size XL, and 116 for size 2XL. You only follow the instructions for your chosen size.

Common Pattern Reading Challenges

Troubleshooting Your Pattern Reading

Incorrect Stitch Count

If your stitch count doesn’t match what’s in parentheses at the end of a row, double-check:

  • That you’ve correctly interpreted any pattern repeats
  • That you haven’t missed any stitches, especially the first or last
  • That you’ve correctly worked any increases or decreases

Confusing Terminology

If you’re unsure about a term or abbreviation:

  • Check the abbreviations section at the beginning of the pattern
  • Look up the term in our Terminology Guide
  • Confirm whether the pattern uses US or UK terminology

Multiple Uses of Parentheses

If a pattern uses parentheses for different purposes:

  • Read the entire instruction before starting to work
  • Look for context clues – parentheses at the end of a row usually indicate stitch count
  • If the pattern has a “special stitches” section, check if any parentheses refer to those

Size Variations Confusion

If you’re having trouble following size variations:

  • Use a highlighter to mark all instructions for your size throughout the pattern
  • Write down the order of sizes (e.g., S, M, L, XL) to remember which number in each set applies to you
  • Count the instructions carefully – make sure each size has instructions for every step

Pattern Doesn’t Look Right

If your project doesn’t look like it should:

  • Check your gauge – using the wrong hook size can significantly change the outcome
  • Look for errata (corrections) for the pattern online
  • Try working just a small section to practice before starting over

Final Tips for Success

📌 Read through the entire pattern before starting

📌 Mark your place in the pattern as you work

📌 Use stitch markers to keep track of pattern repeats

📌 Count your stitches at the end of each row

📌 Don’t be afraid to frog (unravel) and start again if needed

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