Q&A for How to Read Crochet Patterns

I suggest beginning with easy crochet projects like scarves and pot holders. The simplicity ensures that even if the outcome isn't flawless, these items remain functional. However, some individuals enjoy tackling more substantial projects right from the start. Higher-end scarves, shawls, and wraps are excellent options, as they often involve basic geometry. People appreciate these projects because they yield functional items, even if the final result isn't perfect.

Brackets are usually different sizes. For instance, you might be crocheting a small size needing chain 8. In the brackets, it might show (14, 22, 30), which would indicate chain 14 for medium, or chain 22 for large, or chain 30 for extra-large. It usually states this in the instructions, so ALWAYS read that part first.

It means skip the first Trc or treble crochet.

It means literally what it says. Repeat them in the next four rows. So, for example,... 3,4,3,4. Unless it says to repeat row three four times, THEN repeat row four four times. In that case it would look like 3,3,3,3, 4,4,4,4.

No. It means to do 5 dc in the next chain, and then 5 dc in the chain after the one you just worked.

This simply means you continue with the pattern for 11 more rounds or rows. You're just repeating the pattern 11 times.

It means chain 4, turn the item around so that you're working in the opposite direction, then treble stitch in the same stitch as your chain 4.

D.C. is the way one writes "double crochet".

For standard crochet stitches, look on the internet or buy a book where they are all explained.

It means start a row beneath the first one. Each row of a pattern is numbered. Follow instructions for each and every row.

Most people are right-handed, so there are more patterns for right-handed people than left-handed ones.

It means "two single crochet, single crochet," which is an American term equivalent to the UK's double crochet. You are looking at an American pattern, so you have to then translate American English to British English (i.e. single crochet = double crochet; double crochet = treble crochet, etc.).

Wrapping the yarn over your crochet hook, called a yarn over (abbreviated "yo"), is the most basic step to every stitch in crocheting. Yarn overs can be used before or after you insert the hook into the next stitch, and sometimes you yarn over two or more times, depending on the stitch.

It literally means chain 6 plus 4 (6+4 = 10 chained stitches). This is usually done when there's some sort of separation between the 6 and 4.

This means do half double crochet then chain one, then do two half double crochets in the next stitch; in this case, a half double crochet. You would follow the instructions in the bracket into that one stitch.

That number refers to the number of stitches you should have completed in that round/row.

This depends on the look you wish to achieve. Crocheting into the back loop only or into the front loop only gives you a more textured product. Crocheting into both top loops looks flat.

That is the number of each type of stitch you should have. It's telling you so you can count your stitches to make sure there's the right number.

This means to crochet 2 single crochet stitches in the second stitch away from the hook.

That means to do it all in one stitch. This particular stitch would be an increase, but with four stiches instead of just two.

Chain 3 chain stitches, skip the next two chains, single crochet in the next stitch, then chain 3.

There will be a chain creating a corner in the material. Insert your hook into the space created there, and continue with the pattern.

It means insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and draw a loop up. Yarn over, and draw through 2 loops, and yarn over again, and draw through another 2 loops until you get to the end. Then, yarn over and draw through all the loops on the hook.

Chain 4. For the first row, flip to the wrong side. Make 2 double crochet in the fourth chain from the hook. Turn/flip the material. Do three double crochet stitches along the row that you did on the wrong side.

Half double crochet, do three half double crochet in the same stitch, do two half double crochet, do three half double crochet in the same stitch.

WS = Wrong Side Ch = Make 1 Chain TR = Turning Chain Sp = space dc = double crochet first sc = first single crochet sk = skip dc in next sc = double crochet in the next single crochet, throughout the blanket * = repeat from here to the next *

It depends on the pattern. I would guess that you are correct, 13 sc, and then 2x sc2tog, however, if your pattern says you need 28 stitches you should do the whole thing twice.

It might be a little bit difficult to do this, however, it is certainly possible. You first need to pick the stitch that you want to use (sc for a basic border but you could do something like shell stitch for a fancier border). Practice the stitch several times on smaller swatches. When you are doing the actual project, choose a hook size and yarn size that will most closely match the size of your knitted blanket stitches.

Crochet patterns still work the same for left handed people. You just work in the opposite directions. Many people can crochet both left and right handed.

Inc = Increase, Sc= Single Crochet. This means you will need to do single crochet 7 times in the next stitch and this will increase the number of stitches on your row by 7 .