Reading Patterns and Charts
With all those symbols, abbreviations, and charts, crochet can seem daunting and complex to begin with. A little explanation, though, and all becomes clear.
Abbreviations are used to make crochet patterns quicker and easier to follow. Abbreviations and chart symbols may vary from one pattern publisher to another, so always check that you understand the system in use before commencing work. Some patterns use special abbreviations and symbols and specific stitch instructions, and these are explained with each pattern.
UNDERSTANDING SYMBOLS
SYMBOL
*
MEANING
Start of repeat
SYMBOL
**
MEANING
End of last repeat
SYMBOL
[ ]
MEANING
Repeat the instructions within the brackets the stated number of times in the specified place
SYMBOL
( )
MEANING
Can either be explanatory (counts as 1 dc) or can be read as a group of stitches worked in the same place (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc)
SYMBOL
MEANING
An arrowhead indicates the beginning of a row or round
SYMBOLS JOINED AT TOP
MEANING
A group of symbols joined at the top should be worked together at the top, as in cluster stitches and for decreasing (e.g. sc2tog, dc3tog)
SYMBOLS JOINED AT BASE
MEANING
Symbols joined at the base should all be worked into the same stitch or space below
SYMBOLS JOINED AT TOP AND BASE
MEANING
Sometimes a group of stitches are joined at both top and bottom, making a puff, bobble, or popcorn
SYMBOLS ON A CURVE
MEANING
Sometimes symbols are drawn at an angle, depending on the construction of the stitch pattern
DISTORTED SYMBOLS
MEANING
Some symbols may be lengthened, curved, or spiked, to indicate where the hook is inserted below
SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS
SYMBOL
MEANING
Chain
ABBREVIATION
ch
SYMBOL
•
MEANING
Slip stitch
ABBREVIATION
sl st
SYMBOL
+
MEANING
Single crochet
ABBREVIATION
sc
SYMBOL
MEANING
Half double crochet
ABBREVIATION
hdc
SYMBOL
MEANING
Double crochet
ABBREVIATION
dc
SYMBOL
MEANING
Treble crochet
ABBREVIATION
tr
SYMBOL
MEANING
Double treble crochet
ABBREVIATION
dtr
SYMBOL
MEANING
Triple treble crochet
ABBREVIATION
trtr
SYMBOL
MEANING
Cluster (e.g. cluster of 3 dc)
ABBREVIATION
cl
SYMBOL
MEANING
Bobble (e.g. bobble of 5 dc)
ABBREVIATION
bo
SYMBOL
MEANING
Puff stitch (e.g. puff of 5 hdc)
ABBREVIATION
ps
SYMBOL
MEANING
Popcorn (e.g. popcorn of 5 dc)
ABBREVIATION
pc
SYMBOL
MEANING
Back loop (e.g. sc through back loop)
ABBREVIATION
bl
SYMBOL
MEANING
Front loop (e.g. hdc through front loop)
ABBREVIATION
fl
SYMBOL
MEANING
Back post
ABBREVIATION
bp
SYMBOL
MEANING
Front post
ABBREVIATION
fp
SYMBOL
–
MEANING
Beginning
ABBREVIATION
beg
SYMBOL
–
MEANING
Chain space
ABBREVIATION
ch sp
SYMBOL
–
MEANING
Repeat
ABBREVIATION
rep
SYMBOL
–
MEANING
Right side / Wrong side
ABBREVIATION
RS / WS
SYMBOL
–
MEANING
Stitch(es)
ABBREVIATION
st(s)
SYMBOL
–
MEANING
Together
ABBREVIATION
tog
SYMBOL
–
MEANING
Yarn over
ABBREVIATION
yo
READING CHARTS
Each design in this book is accompanied by a chart, which should be read together with the written instructions. Once you are used to the symbols, they are quick and easy to follow. All charts are read from the right side.
Charts in rows
• Right-side rows start at the right, and are read from right to left.
• Wrong-side rows start at the left, and are read from left to right.
• The beginning of each row is indicated by an arrow.
Charts in rounds
These charts begin at the center, and each round is read counterclockwise when working with the RS facing, or clockwise when working with the WS facing. The beginning of each round is indicated by an arrow.
CALCULATING YARN AMOUNTS
When planning a large project using granny squares, the best way to calculate how much yarn you will need is to make a few squares in the yarn and color combination you intend to use, then unravel them. Measure the amount of yarn used for each color, take the average length, and multiply by the number of squares you intend to make. Add extra yarn for joining squares and working edgings.