How to Read Crochet Patterns: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Join me in learning how to read crochet patterns. This is a step-by-step guide to help you begin to read crochet patterns – a skill that will vastly increase your crocheting options!

Reading a crochet pattern can feel like learning a new language, but once you understand the structure, abbreviations, and symbols, it becomes second nature. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down how to read crochet patterns, explain common abbreviations, and show you how to follow written instructions with confidence.

Whether you’re brand new to crochet or looking to improve your pattern-reading skills, this guide will help you unlock a world of creative possibilities!


What Is a Crochet Pattern?

A crochet pattern is a set of instructions that tells you how to create a crochet project. Patterns are written in a universal shorthand using standard abbreviations and sometimes include charts or diagrams.

Crochet patterns typically include:
Skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
Materials list (yarn, hook size, and other tools)
Gauge information (for projects that require size accuracy)
Stitch abbreviations & instructions
Pattern repeats & special techniques


How to Read a Crochet Pattern: Step by Step

1️⃣ Understanding the Pattern Structure

A typical crochet pattern follows a set structure, including:

  • Title: The name of the pattern (e.g., “Simple Granny Square Blanket”)
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Easy, Intermediate, or Advanced
  • Materials List: Yarn type, weight, crochet hook size, additional notions
  • Gauge: The number of stitches and rows per inch (important for sizing)
  • Pattern Notes: Special instructions, stitch counts, or techniques
  • Abbreviations & Stitches Used: Common abbreviations listed for reference
  • Instructions: The step-by-step pattern to follow

2️⃣ Common Crochet Abbreviations & Their Meanings

Most crochet patterns use standard abbreviations, which makes them easier to read. Here are some of the most common:

Abbreviation Meaning
ch Chain
sc Single Crochet
hdc Half Double Crochet
dc Double Crochet
tr Treble Crochet
slst Slip Stitch
sk Skip
rep Repeat
inc Increase
dec Decrease
yo Yarn Over

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about an abbreviation, most patterns include a key or glossary at the beginning.


3️⃣ How to Follow a Row or Round in a Crochet Pattern

Crochet instructions are typically written row by row (for flat pieces) or round by round (for circular projects). Here’s an example:

Example Row Pattern (turn work at end of each row):
Row 1: Ch12, sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. — 11 scs
Row 2: Ch1, sc in first sc and each st across, turn. — 11 scs
Rows 3 – 10: Repeat Row 2.

Breaking it down:
✔️ Ch 12 → Start with a foundation chain of 12 stitches
✔️ sc in second ch from hook → Start single crocheting in the second chain
✔️ Turn. → At the end of the row, turn your work to start the next row
✔️ Row 3-10: Repeat Row 2 → Keep repeating the previous row until you reach Row 10

Patterns often omit words like “continue” for brevity, so learning this shorthand makes reading easier.

Example Round Pattern (do not turn at end of rounds):

Ch11, slst to first ch to form a ring, being careful to not twist chains.
Round 1: Ch1, 11 sc in ring, slst to top of first sc at beg of round to join . — 11 scs
Round 2: Ch1, sc in ea sc around, slst to top of first sc at beg of round to join. — 11 scs
Rounds 3 – 10: Repeat Round 2.


4️⃣ How to Read Crochet Patterns with a Repeat Section

Many patterns include repeats to avoid long, wordy instructions. These are usually written with brackets [ ], parentheses ( ), or asterisks *.

Example:
Row 1: Ch20, sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1sc in ea of next 2 chs, *ch1, sk next ch, 1sc in ea of next 3 chs; repeat from * to end, turn.

Breaking it down:
✔️ * → The section inside the asterisks repeats
✔️ 1 sc in ea of next 3 ch → Make 3 single crochet stitches
✔️ ch 1, sk next ch → Chain 1, skip 1 stitch
✔️ repeat from * to end → Keep doing this sequence across the row

Repeats save space and make patterns easier to follow once you recognize them.


Some Suggested Free Crochet Patterns for Beginners:

10 Minute Scrunchie Free Crochet Pattern

Silvia Hat Free Crochet Pattern

Layla Sampler Shawl or Scarf Free Crochet Pattern

Bailey Hooded Pocket Scarf Free Crochet Pattern

Aster Plant Hanger Free Crochet Pattern

Rainbow Easy Tote Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Queen Angelfish Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Serene Sampler Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Tender Delilah Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Be So Bold Mobius Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Rio Mobius Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

Baby Waves Afghan Free Crochet Pattern

 


FAQs About Reading Crochet Patterns

What if a pattern uses UK terms instead of US terms?

UK and US crochet terms differ! Here’s a quick conversion:

US Term UK Term
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 Crochet (dtr)

Check whether the pattern is in US or UK terms before starting!


How do I know if my gauge is correct?

Gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch in a specific stitch pattern. If your gauge doesn’t match, your project may be too big or too small.

Fixing Gauge Issues:

  • Too tight? Go up a hook size.
  • Too loose? Go down a hook size.

What should I do if I get lost in a pattern?

✔️ Use a stitch marker to keep track of rows
✔️ Highlight repeats or tricky instructions
✔️ Read ahead to understand the structure
✔️ Watch a video tutorial for visual help


Best Beginner-Friendly Yarns for Learning to Read Crochet Patterns

Choosing the right yarn can make learning to read crochet patterns much easier. As a beginner, you’ll want a yarn that is smooth, easy to work with, and forgiving of mistakes. Here are the best yarn types and factors to consider:

1️⃣ Best Yarn Fiber Types for Beginners

Acrylic Yarn – Affordable, widely available, and easy to work with. Great for practicing stitches and reading patterns.
Cotton Yarn – Slightly firmer with great stitch definition, making it ideal for learning pattern repeats.
Wool (Non-Superwash) – Soft, stretchy, and forgiving, but some varieties can be tricky if they split.

Avoid: Fuzzy yarns like mohair or boucle, which can make stitches hard to see.


2️⃣ Best Yarn Weight for Beginners

Yarn weight (thickness) affects how easy it is to read stitches and follow patterns.

Best choice: Worsted Weight (#4 Medium) – Thick enough to see stitches clearly but not too bulky.
Alternative: DK Weight (#3 Light) – Slightly thinner but still good for beginners.
Avoid: Lace weight (#0) or bulky weight (#6), as they can be difficult to manage when learning.


3️⃣ Beginner-Friendly Yarn Brands & Recommendations

Yarn Brand Type Why It’s Great for Beginners
Red Heart Super Saver Acrylic, Worsted Affordable, easy to find, sturdy
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Acrylic, Worsted Soft, non-splitting, great stitch definition
Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Cotton, Worsted Ideal for projects with clear stitch visibility
Caron Simply Soft Acrylic, Worsted Silky texture but still beginner-friendly
Paintbox Simply DK Acrylic, DK Smooth, lightweight, great for patterns

Tip: Lighter colors help you see stitches more clearly. Dark yarns make it harder to follow patterns.


4️⃣ What to Look for When Choosing Yarn for a Pattern

Check the recommended yarn weight – Use a similar weight to what the pattern suggests.
Match the fiber type when possible – Cotton and acrylic behave differently, so substitutions may affect your project.
Look for smooth yarns – Avoid fuzzy or textured yarns that obscure stitches.

By starting with the right yarn, you’ll have a much easier time learning to read crochet patterns, count stitches, and follow pattern repeats!


How to Substitute Yarn in a Crochet Pattern

Sometimes, you may not have the exact yarn that a crochet pattern recommends. The good news is that you can substitute yarn as long as you follow a few key guidelines to ensure your project turns out as expected.


1️⃣ Match the Yarn Weight

The most important factor in yarn substitution is yarn weight. Using a yarn that is too thick or too thin can completely change the look and size of your project.

Original Yarn Weight Best Substitute Options
Lace (#0) Lace or Fingering (#1)
Fingering (#1) Fingering or Sport (#2)
Sport (#2) Sport or DK (#3)
DK (#3) DK or Worsted (#4)
Worsted (#4) Worsted or Aran (#4-5)
Bulky (#5) Bulky or Super Bulky (#6)
Super Bulky (#6) Super Bulky only

Tip: If substituting with a slightly different weight, adjust your hook size and check your gauge swatch.


2️⃣ Consider the Fiber Type

Different fibers behave differently in crochet. Some stretch, some hold their shape, and some are warmer or cooler to wear.

Original Fiber Best Substitutions
Wool Acrylic, Alpaca, Cotton Blend
Cotton Bamboo, Linen, Acrylic (for durability)
Acrylic Wool, Cotton, Polyester
Bamboo Cotton, Linen
Alpaca Wool, Mohair

Tip: Acrylic yarns stretch less than wool, so if substituting acrylic for wool, adjust your stitches accordingly.


3️⃣ Check the Yardage, Not Just the Skeins

Different yarn brands package their skeins in different amounts, so don’t just match skein for skein—check the total yardage needed for your project.

Example:

  • If the pattern calls for 500 yards of worsted-weight wool and your substitute yarn has 250 yards per skein, you’ll need 2 skeins of the substitute.

How to Find Yardage in a Pattern: Most patterns list the required yardage in the materials section. If it’s not listed, you can estimate by looking up the original yarn online.


4️⃣ Test Your Gauge

Even if your substitute yarn has the same weight, fiber, and yardage, it may not work up exactly the same way. Always make a gauge swatch before starting.

How to Check Gauge

  1. Follow the pattern’s gauge instructions (e.g., “4 inches = 16 stitches in double crochet”).
  2. Use the recommended hook size and crochet a swatch.
  3. Measure it.
    • Too big? Use a smaller hook.
    • Too small? Use a larger hook.

Tip: If your gauge is slightly off, you may need to adjust your stitch count in the pattern.


5️⃣ Consider the Drape & Texture

Different yarns create different textures, and some fibers have more drape (flow) than others.

✔️ Best for soft, flowy drape: Bamboo, silk, alpaca, and lightweight cotton
✔️ Best for structure and stitch definition: Wool, acrylic, mercerized cotton

Tip: If substituting a soft yarn for a structured one, expect a looser and more relaxed project.


6️⃣ Online Tools for Yarn Substitution

If you’re unsure what to use as a substitute, these online tools can help:

YarnSub – Type in a yarn name, and it suggests substitutes based on weight, fiber, and texture.
Ravelry’s Yarn Database – Find yarns by weight, fiber, and brand.


Making Smart Yarn Substitutions

Substituting yarn in a crochet pattern is easy when you:
✅ Match the yarn weight
✅ Consider fiber properties
✅ Check the yardage needed
✅ Test your gauge swatch
✅ Think about drape and texture

With the right substitution, you can confidently make any pattern work with the yarn you have on hand!


Final Thoughts: You CAN Read Crochet Patterns Because Practice Makes Perfect!

Reading crochet patterns gets easier with time. Start with beginner-friendly patterns, practice recognizing abbreviations, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Next Steps:
✅ Try reading a simple pattern & highlight the abbreviations
✅ Practice making a swatch using a pattern with repeats
✅ Explore crochet charts as an alternative to written instructions


Want a video tutorial on How to Read Crochet Patterns?

Here are some of my pattern reading video tutorials:

How to Read Crochet Patterns

10 Tips for Reading A Crochet Pattern


Kristin Omdahl is the best-selling author of dozens of knit and crochet books; designer of almost 1,000 knit and crochet patterns; and producer of award-winning videos. You can also join Kristin, a 20 year veteran in the crafting industry, on YouTube and browse through thousands of tutorial videos there, too.

Shop all of Kristin Omdahl’s knitting and crochet patterns, books and courses here:

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Kristin Omdahl patterns, books, handouts and videos are for your personal use only; additionally, up to 10 items can be made to sell from one design. Commercially produced products made from my instructions are prohibited. All Kristin Omdahl patterns, books, handouts and videos are licensed for single use and remain the intellectual property of Kristin Omdahl. This pattern may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise.

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