Crochet Tutorial: How to Read a Pattern

Learn how to read the symbols on a crochet chart and understand a pattern, with Steel and Stitch

Crochet charts, patterns, and their symbols can be intimidating to anyone starting out. However, they are a lot simpler than they might appear.

In this tutorial, Emma Friedlander-Collins, also known as Steel and Stitch (@steelandstitch), explains how to decode a crochet chart, explaining what each abbreviation and symbol means and and how to use this helpful tool in your next design.

Here are some basic abbreviations used in a typical crochet chart:

CH - Chain Stitch
SS - Slip Stitch
SC - Single Crochet (or DC Double Crochet in US)
DC - Double Crochet (or TR Triple Crochet in US)
() - Work all the instructions inside the brackets into the same stitch. This could be in a corner stitch or in an actual crochet stitch.
** - Repeat instructions between stars. The chart will say how many times to repeat the instructions.
Yarn A/B/C - colors just in case you don’t have specific

If you would like to learn more about how to transform your wardrobe using basic crochet techniques, check out Steel and Stitch’s online course Upcycling with Crochet for Beginners.

You may also like:

- What is Crochet?
- 10 Amazing Handmade Projects That You Can Make Right Now
- Crochet Tutorial: How to Take Body Measurements For Pattern Making