How to read a crochet pattern: The ultimate free guide to make it easy

Crochet is a popular hobby that helps you create a number of beautiful things like scarves, blankets, toys and a lot of different home decor items. If you are a crocheter, reading a crochet pattern is a must skill to have. if you are a beginner or an advance level crocheter ability to read a crochet pattern opens a whole new world of possibilities for you. It is a very easy skill to master and most of it is usually intuitive. Today I will share with you the basics of reading a simple crochet pattern that I have learned in my more than 25 years of crocheting experience.So let’s get started!!

The first thing that you need to learn to start reading the crochet pattern is the terminology. The crochet patterns use a slightly different language and abbreviations which are really easy to interpret but you need to familiarise yourself with them. Here is a list of some common abbreviations. To get a more detailed list you can download the free pdf with the button below by entering you name and email id.

There are a few terms that you will come across very often. Some of these are:

Fasten off: This means cut off the thread of yarn.

Weave in ends: This means you need to weave in the ends the thread or yarn to finish the project.

Common feature in most of the patterns you will find is brackets and asterisks symbols. These are just meant for showing the repetition of pattern instructions enclosed in it. You will also find the number of times the pattern has to be repeated just following it. 

Different designers have different way of using brackets and asterisks. Some times these are nested that means you need to repeat a set of stitches within a stitch pattern. For example:

**ch2, *3dc, ch1*, 5 times, ch3, 2dc** 2 times

This means repeat the whole set of stitches between ** and ** 2 times and while doing so repeat the set between * and * 5 times.

Now let us go through the headings most commonly used in patterns by almost all designers and how to understand and read them properly.

At the very beginning of any pattern there is the difficulty level of the project. This will help you choose the suitable pattern for you as per your crochet experience and skill level. This is a very important part of a pattern that you shoal take into consideration as it can save you a lot of time and effort.

Before you start crocheting it is a good idea to check your gauge. Gauge is the number of stitches and number of rows per inch of the fabric.

To check the gauge create a small swatch using the stitch pattern and count the number of stitches and number of rows in a 4″ by 4″ square. 

Compare it with the gauge for the pattern. If it is too small go up one two hook sizes (use bigger crochet hook) if it is too big go down one or two hook sizes.

You can also adjust the gauge by adjusting the yarn weight.

This section of the pattern will give you a list of all the tools and materials that you will need for that project. You must collect all the tools and material before starting the project.

This part will have all the abbreviations that are used in the pattern. Go through the list and familiarise yourself with all the stitches. Refer to the list of abbreviations above

Notes section of the pattern will have any important instructions related to the pattern. Like instructions about how to use the pattern and the terminology used for writing it.

This is is the main instruction for making the projects. This section will the stitch pattern step by step with or without pictures.

If you have a free pattern or you purchased the pattern make sure that you read the copy right policies for the pattern and terms of use.

A lot of designers will allow you to use the pattern for personal purposes. They do not grant the permission for selling the finished product also. Some will let you sell the finished products.

Please read these carefully and follow the policies and use the pattern accordingly.

Some of my free patterns

With all this said here is a list of a few of my patterns that I offer for free. Feel free to download these and use them to practice.

Check out more patterns for all skill levels on my etsy shop.

Click here to buy:

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