How to Read a Crochet Pattern

Now that you know how to crochet—that is to say you know all the basic stitches, because I showed them to you—it would behoove you to learn how to read a crochet pattern so you can actually make something. Crochet patterns can be very confusing to newcomers to the needlecraft of crochet. Pattern makers tend to use abbreviations– a whole lot of them—and that is just asking for trouble if you don’t know what everything stands for.

Don’t know what I mean? Okay, try to decipher this line which I took from a pattern for an easy to make afghan:

Ch 3, Dc in next sc, Dc in each sc across, turn (44 dc, includes ch 3)

Do you have a clue what you’re supposed to do? Give it your best shot. Give up? I thought you might. I’ll translate and break down each step for you.

1. Ch 3= make 3 chains.
2. Dc in next sc=  double crochet in next single crochet stitch.
3. Dc in each sc across, turn= double crochet in each single crochet across the row to end and then turn over the project so the opposite side is facing you.
4. (44 dc, includes ch 3) = you’ve just made 44 double crochets counting the chain 3 as the first double crochet.

Does that make sense now? Yes, I thought so. It’s almost like learning a new language within a language, but it is easy enough to follow once you understand. I’ve been writing out all the directions for my crochet projects– the crocheted hot pad, the crocheted eyeglass case, the gift bottle sleeve and the lace edge on the loom knitted shawl– to make it more clear for those who were new to crochet, but it would be better if you understood and learned how to read a proper crochet pattern learning the most common abbreviations and crochet terms.

So, here is the comprehensive chart of the most common crochet abbreviations used in American* crochet patterns.

Beg                        begin or beginning

Bet                         between

Blk                          block

Cc                           contrasting color

Ch                           chain

Ch sp                     chain space

Cl                            cluster

Cont                      continue

Dc                           double crochet

Dcl                          double cluster

3dcl                        3 unfinished double crochets worked in one stitch

4dcl                        4 unfinished double crochets worked in one stitch

5dcl                        5 unfinished double crochets worked in one stitch

dc2tog                  decrease 1double crochet over 2 sts

dec                         decrease

g                              gram

Hdc                        half double crochet

In.                           inch

Inc                          increase

Lp(s)                      loop(s)

Mc                          main color

Mm                        millimeter

P                             picot

Patt                        pattern

Rem                       remain(ing)

Rep                        repeat

Rnd                        round

Rs                           right side of work

Sc                            single crochet

Sc2tog                   decrease 1 single crochet

Sl st                        slip stitch

Sp(s)                      space(s)

St(s)                       stitch(es)

Tog                         together

Tr                            treble

Trtr                         triple treble

Ws                          wrong side of project

Yd                           yard

Yo                           yarn over

These are your more basic abbreviations for common crochet terms, but this is not a complete list. A complete list, if anyone is truly able to create one, would be too overwhelming for a new crocheter and you don’t really need one anyway. I wouldn’t even want to see it! These are common terms which are the most likely to show up on any well done crochet pattern. Most crochet patterns, you will find,  will include a legend explaining the abbreviations for any special stitches used in making that specific project, so it usually isn’t a problem if you come across an unfamiliar term.

The more you crochet the quicker you’ll pick up on these terms. Now that you understand these terms you can read any crochet pattern. The world of crochet is open to you big time. Just start with an easy project, before you tackle those extremely complicated ones and you’ll do fine. As always if you have questions, you just need ask.

Glory Lennon learned needle crafts like sewing, knitting and crocheting from her mother. Visit Glory’s Garden on Craft Tuesday and see what she’s up to in the craft room.