So You Want to Crochet: How to Read a Pattern

This is one of the most basic things to learn.  If you don't know how to read a pattern, you will have a hard time learning how to crochet in the first place!  So lets start at the beginning.  When you first look at a pattern, it is going to tell you a few KEY things you will need to know:

Yarn Size

Here is a chart I really like that tells you all about the different sizes of yarn, what they are used for, and the suggested size of hook that you use.

Skill Level

Most patterns will tell you how difficult the pattern is.

Image from crochet-world.com

Crochet Hook Sizes:

Most patterns will tell you the size in metric AND U.S. Size Ranges.

Image from coatsandclark.com

The last and most important part about the pattern is the ability to read it!  If you are just beginning  you may want to print this post out and refer back to it as you start your first pattern!  The first time I looked at a pattern, I thought it was a foreign language!  It took me a while to really wrap my brain around around it.  Here is my BEST tip.  Take baby steps.  Just read a couple words at a time, crochet what it is asking you to, and then go to the next step.

Crocheting Abbreviations:

Click on any link for a brief explanation of each on LionBrand.com

approx = approximately beg = begin(s)(ning) bet = between BO = bind off bpdc = Back Post double crochet btwn = between care washing cleaning CC = contrasting color ch(s) = chain(s) ch-space = space previously made cn = cable needle CO = cast on cont = continu(e)(s)(ing) dbl = double dc = double crochet dec = decreas(e)(s)(ing) dpn(s) = double pointed needle(s) dtr = double treble (triple) crochet est = establish(ed) ext = extension foll = follow(s)(ing) fpdc = front post double crochet fpsc = front post single crochet fptr = front post triple crochet hdc = half double crochet inc = increas(e)(s)(ing) k = knit k1b = knit 1 in the row below k1b = knit through the back loop k2tog = knit 2 together k2togb = Knit 2 stitches together through back loop k3tog = knit 3 together k3togb = Knit 3 stitches together through back loop Kfb = knit in front and back of st lp st = loop stitch lp(s) = loop(s) M1 = make 1 M2 = make two MC = main color meas = measure(s) ndl(s) = needle(s) opp = opposite p = purl p1b = purl through the back loop p2sso = pass 2 slipped sts over p2tog = purl 2 together p2togb = purl 2 together in back p3tog = purl 3 together pat = pattern Pm = place marker psso = pass slipped stitch over PU = pick up rem = remain(s)(ing) rep = repeat(s)(ing) rev = revers(e)(ing) Rev St st = reverse stockinette stitch rf = right front RH = right hand rnd(s) = round(s) RS = right side rsc = reverse single crochet S2KP or S2KP2 = slip 2 stitches together, knit 1, pass two slip stitches over sc = single crochet sc2tog = single crochet 2 together sc3tog = single crochet 3 together sk = skip sk2p = Slip 1, k2tog, pass sl st over skp = slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over sl = slip sl st = slip stitch slip1-k1-psso = slip 1, knit 1, pass slip stitch over sm = slip marker sp(s) = space(s) sq(s) = square(s) ssk = slip, slip, knit St st = Stockinette stitch st(s) = stitch(es) t-ch = turning chain tbl = through the back loop tog = together tr = treble (triple) crochet work even WS = wrong side wyib = with yarn in back wyif = with yarn in front yo = yarn over yrh = yarn over (yarn round hook)

Here are a few others:
[] -- work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
() -- work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed
* -- repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
** -- repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed or repeat from a given set of instructions.
" -- inches
alt -- alternate

Last but not least:

Gauge:

This is one of the most misunderstood crocheting tools.  Mainly, because people, like me, get impatient and don't check it and most of the time the hat or whatever comes out the wrong size.  Everyone crochets differently, we hold our hooks different, our stitches are different sizes, etc.  The gauge is what we check so that we are working the same size as the author of the pattern.  For example:  Say the pattern tells you that the gauge is 12 dc = 4".  Well, this means that if you did 12 double crochets and measured them, then it should be 4 inches long.  If it is shorter, you may need to use a larger hook.  If it is bigger, than use a smaller hook, and work it out again to get closest to 4 inches as you can.

Here is was Lion Brands says about gauge:

Gauge is the term that is used to define the proper tension you should work to insure that the crocheted piece you make will be the right size when it's completed. The hook size listed in the pattern is just the size used by the designer to work at the proper gauge. You may need to change hook size in order to work at the given gauge. It is especially important to work to the proper gauge when making garments -- anything that you want to fit properly!

Gauge is usually defined in the pattern by a ratio of stitches and rows to a given measurement such as 16 stitches and 14 rows in single crochet = 4". You should always work a swatch of fabric (approximately 4" x 4") in the stitch pattern of the piece you are making. Then count the number of stitches and rows in the measurement designated by the gauge given in the pattern. If you find that your swatch has more stitches and rows than the gauge, you are working too tightly so change to a larger hook and try again. If you have fewer stitches and rows in the area, you are working too loosely and should try a smaller hook. Keep changing hook size until you arrive at the proper gauge.

Now, don't look at all this and get discouraged.  ALL of this isn't going to be in a single pattern!  This is only a guide to help you read one.  Let's look at an example.

Let's say we are going to make this Santa Hat from FaveCrafts.com:

Let's take a peek at the first part of the pattern:

Hat circumference at bottom edge: 20 (22)". (This is telling you the size)
Directions are for size Small/Medium; changes for size Large are in parentheses. 

Materials:
RED HEART® “Holiday”: 1 Ball each 140 White/Silver A and 9090 Red/Red B. (This is the exact colors that they used, doesn't mean you have to.  This is also in it's way telling you the size.  Red Heart yarn is Worsted, Med, #4: so any other brands that size would do just as well)
Crochet Hook: 5mm [US H-8]. (We go by the H in the US)
Yarn needle. (A must have for weaving in loose ends)
Pompom maker. (I just use a tongue depressor or my hands)

GAUGE: 12 dc = 4”; 8 rounds = 4”. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge. (This is the same as the example above)

You can read the rest of the pattern here!

Then you begin!

-Cat

Stay tuned this week with more beginning lessons in crocheting.

Coming soon:
How to chain and slip stitch, and do some other things.
How to Single Crochet
How to Double Crochet
And much, MUCH more!