The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Crochet Pattern Instructions and Abbreviations

Beginner Series: step 11

So far, in the beginner series, we’ve learned what crochet is, how many types of yarn there are, which yarn to choose, which hook size to choose, how to hold the yarn, how to hold the hook, and all the basic stitches, including yarn over. Now it’s time to learn crochet pattern instructions, which means how to read a crochet pattern.

The biggest problem most beginners face is understanding crochet pattern instructions. In this post, we’ll learn how to do this step by step.

First of all, we will learn what the structure of a crochet pattern is, that is, what all is included in it.Most crochet patterns are organized like this:

• Title and description – The first part of a pattern is its title and description. This contains information about what will be created by following the pattern.
• Material list – This includes the yarn used for the pattern and the perfect hook. It also lists other items you’ll need, such as a stitch marker, scissors, tapestry needles, etc.
• Gauge – Gauge means how many rows and stitches you should have in 4 inches. For example, if the pattern says 21 stitches and 30 rows, then it means that you make a swatch from your yarn and see that there are 21 stitches in each row and after making 30 rows, your swatch should be 4 inches wide and 4 inches tall.
• Finished size – This section tells you how big your pattern will be.
• Abbreviations used – Crochet designers often use abbreviations to repeat certain words in their patterns. For example, single crochet is written as “sc” and double crochet is written as “dc”.

• Pattern instructions – The entire pattern would be written in detail in this.

Abbreviations are mostly common but It’s important to note which US/UK terminology the pattern follows. The abbreviations vary. A list of some common abbreviations is given below.

There are some differences in abbreviations between US and UK terminology. For example, in the UK, “dc” means single crochet. Here’s a list to clear up any confusion.

When you look at crochet pattern instructions, you’ll see asterisks ** , parentheses () , and brackets [ ]. Let’s learn what these mean.

Asterisks mean repeating a particular group of stitches until the end of the row. For example, you’ll see the pattern look something like this:

*sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, sk 1 st; rep from * across.

This means you sc in the next 2 stitches, then chain 1, then skip 1 stitch. Repeat this until the end of your row.

Parentheses mean that you need to group particular stitches into one stitch. For example, you might see something like this in the pattern:

(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc)

This means you have to make 2 dc, chain 2 and 2 dc all in one stitch.

This means that you have to repeat a particular group of stitches for a particular number. It’s similar to asterisks, except that you have to follow the stitches in asterisks for entire rows, and you have to repeat the stitches in brackets for a particular number. For example,

[sc, ch 1] 3 times

This means you have to repeat Sc and Chain 1 , 3 times.

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Pattern instructions are in rows or rounds. How do you know if they’re in rows or rounds? Let’s find out.

1. In the pattern you will see “Row 1” “Row 2” written while the instructions for the rounds will be written “Round 1” “Round 2” or “Rnd 1” “Rnd 2”.
2. If your project is flat like a blanket or scarf then it will have rows and if it is circle in shape like amigurumi then it will have rounds.

Absolute beginners should start with simple and small crochet patterns. Since these projects don’t take too long to finish, they don’t feel boring. And the satisfaction you get from completing your first project is something truly special. You should definitely begin with these kinds of projects.

1. Face scrubbies
2. A granny squares pattern
3. A scarf

1. Highlight or mark each row/round as you finish.
2. Use stitch markers to track the start of rounds.
3. Keep a reference list of abbreviations handy.
4. If you get stuck, look for a video tutorial of that stitch or pattern section or ask me in my Facebook group

Crochet pattern instructions can seem confusing at first, but with a little practice, everything becomes clear.Remember—read the pattern carefully, understand the abbreviations, and use YouTube or guides for help.Soon you’ll be reading crochet pattern instructions like a pro!