Reading Crochet Patterns For Beginners
Crochet patterns seem complicated at first. This is when you have to stop trying to figure it all out at once. It is much easier to follow when you break the pattern down into manageable, predictable pieces (and far less frustrating).
Begin with the “info” section (do not fast forward through this!)
Look first at the top pattern before you even pick up your hook:
Skill level (beginner, intermediate, etc.)
What yarn do you use and how much of it (weight, hook size, stitch markers, etc)
Stretch/hook size (helpful for garments)
Finished size
Abbreviations used in that pattern.
See if it is UK or US terms. That is where some get confused.
UK dc = US sc
In US terms, sc means double crochet (a taller stitch). If it is using ‘sc’, then you know it must be US terminology.
Learn the common abbreviations first
The majority of patterns rest on a little pattern:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc/dc = single/double crochet (US/UK)
hdc = half double crochet (US)
tr = treble crochet
rep = repeat
st(s) = stitch(es)
List all the abbreviations you are using in a file that can remain open when you work.
Read one line ahead.
So the biggest takeaway from all of this: get in the habit of reading through an entire round/row before you begin it. For Crochet Kits, consider a site like /www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/crochet-kits
Example: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 10 sts, turn.
That tells you:
how the row begins,
what the chain counts as,
How many stitches should you have left?
Count stitches (and use markers). Counting is your sat nav.
End of row/round count. It is crucial to use stitch markers for repeats, corners, and every 10–20 stitches.
Know your repeats before you crochet them.
Repeats are usually styled as:
“sc in next st, ch 1 rep from * to * across”
“(sc, ch 1, sc) in next st”
The part of the section, which is generally indicated by an asterisk (*) to be repeated. In patterns, a group of stitches worked into the same space is frequently grouped by brackets/parentheses.
If you get lost, do not compound the error. Stop and check:
Is it in the correct row/round?
Are you using the wrong UK/US words?
Does your stitch count match?
Many thin line problems are relatively easy to fix in the first few rows, but not after “just one more row”.
