Blog, Crochet, How to Crochet
How to Read Crochet Patterns: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Mar
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
- Follow the pattern’s gauge instructions (e.g., “4 inches = 16 stitches in double crochet”).
- Use the recommended hook size and crochet a swatch.
- 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:
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.
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