How to Read Crochet Patterns: A Simple Guide for Beginners
If you’ve ever opened a crochet pattern and felt like you were reading a completely different language… you’re not alone. Between the abbreviations, symbols, and shorthand instructions, patterns can look pretty intimidating at first.
What does SC mean? Why does this say SK? What in the world does DC2TOG mean?!
One of the first things I hear when people tell me they tried to crochet is that they could NOT figure out the patterns. While I think it’s possible to crochet without patterns, being able to use others’ patterns (or eventually write your own!) opens up a whole new world of things to create.
The good news is that once you understand the basics, reading crochet patterns becomes second nature—just like following a favorite recipe in your kitchen. Crocheting is by far my favorite hobby, right beside reading and gardening. Don’t let not knowing how to read crochet patterns intimidate you.
Let’s break it all down in a way that actually makes sense.
Related: 19 Free Crochet Washcloth Patterns
The Basic Structure of Crochet Patterns
The first thing you have to understand when learning how to read crochet patterns is the basic structure of a pattern. Most follow the same design, making it easier to understand them.
When you read a pattern, this is what you should expect to find.
- Materials: In this area, you’ll find all the materials you need to complete the pattern. It will tell you the yarn type (and often the exact brand they use if you want to purchase it), hook size, and any extras used, such as stitch markers.
- Gauge: A gauge shows you how many stitches you need per inch to achieve the same sizing as the project. This helps you ensure your yarn and tension will create the proper end result. However, I only create a gauge when I crochet garments or when sizing truly matters. A washcloth can be a different size.
- Abbreviations: In this section, you’ll find the abbreviations used throughout the project, indicating the stitches used.
- Instructions: Now, you get into the nitty-gritty, step-by-step instructions to complete the pattern, usually in rounds or rows.
Common Crochet Abbreviations You Should Know
Abbreviations make reading a crochet pattern difficult unless you understand what each one means. These are basically shortcuts rather than repeating the same words.
Abbreviations for Basic Stitches
These abbreviations indicate the type of stitches used in that row or round of the pattern.
- CH – chain
- SL ST – slip stitch
- SC – single crochet
- HDC – half double crochet
- DC – double crochet
- TR – treble (triple) crochet
Abbreviations for Stitch Actions
The next abbreviations you need to learn are stitch actions. These are things you need to do in addition to the basic stitches.
- st(es) – stitch(es)
- sp – space
- rep – repeat
- sk – skip
- yo – yarn over
- beg – beginning
Working Instruction Abbreviations
Next up are abbreviations that describe working actions you take throughout the crochet patterns. Sometimes, these will leave numbers in front of them to tell you how many times to do these actions.
- inc – increase (adding stitches; it makes the project larger)
- dec – decrease (reducing stitches; it makes the project smaller)
- tog – together (placed after a stitch, such as DC2TOG – double crochet 2 together)
- blo – back loop only
- flo – front loop only
Pattern Flow Abbreviations
These last abbreviations are only a few, but they indicate things about the pattern in general.
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
- rnd – round
- row – row
How to Read Crochet Patterns Instructions
Now that we know the general flow of a crochet pattern and all of the abbreviations that you may see in a project, let’s work through some sample instructions to help you understand how to put all of this together. Soon, you’ll be on your way, following the patterns you are excited to try.
Row 1: Ch 10, SC in 2nd ch from hook and across. (9)
Looking at these instructions, this is what you need to do for row 1.
- Chain 10 stitches
- After you have the chain, count to ensure you have 10, then find the 9th chain, which is the 2nd one from the hook. Place a single crochet there.
- Single crochet in the remaining stitches.
- At the end, you’ll have 9 stitches in total.
Row 2: Turn, CH 2, DC across. (9)
Let’s interpret this.
- After you finish row 1, you turn your work. That means flip the project so that you are working right to left.
- Chain 2 stitches.
- Double crochet in the first stitch and all remaining.
- You’ll have 9 stitches in total.
Repeats in Patterns
Most patterns will have repetition, and if you need to repeat stitches, it is often indicated with a set of asterisks. The stitches inside the asterisks need to be repeated a set number of times.
Here is an example.
Row 2: *sc 1, dc 1* rep across.
This means you need to:
- Single crochet in a stitch.
- Double crochet in the next stitch.
- Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of the row.
Learning to read crochet patterns might feel like learning a new language—but it’s one that opens up a whole world of creativity. Before long, you’ll be picking up patterns with confidence, making handmade items for your home, your family, and maybe even your homestead business.
And honestly, there’s something really satisfying about sitting down at the end of the day, hook and yarn in hand, creating something useful from scratch. If you’re just getting started, stick with it. It gets easier—and a whole lot more enjoyable—faster than you’d expect.
