The Keys To Decoding Crochet Patterns
Crochet Stitches
| ch | chain stitch |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together |
| dc | double crochet |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 stitches together |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| hdc2tog | half double crochet 2 stitches together |
| inc | increase |
| dec | decrease |
Techniques
| BL or BLO | work in back loop only |
| FL or FLO | work in front loop only |
| ch- | refer to chain or space previously made, e.g., ch-1 space |
| inv dec | invisible decrease |
| inv inc | invisible increase |
| sk | skip |
| sp | space |
| tog | together |
Symbols
| * | repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed |
| ** | repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed or repeat at specified locations |
| {…} | work instructions within brackets as many times as directed |
| […] | work instructions within brackets as many times as directed |
| (…) | work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed or work a group of stitches all in the same stitch or space |
Always check the abbreviations section to understand how the pattern uses these symbols.
Other Abbreviations
| alt | alternate |
| approx | approximately |
| beg | begin/beginning |
| cont | continue |
| prev | previous |
| rem | remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| st or sts | stitch or stitches |
| U.S./Canada | U.K. |
|---|---|
| slip stitch (sl st) | slip stitch (ss) |
| single crochet (sc) | double crochet (dc) |
| half double crochet (hdc) | half treble (htr) |
| double crochet (dc) | treble (tr) |
| treble (tr) | double treble (dtr) |
| double treble (dtr) | triple treble (trtr) |
Basic
Patterns that use basic stitches and may include the increasing and/or decreasing of those stitches.
Easy
Patterns that use simple stitch patterns or a combination of basic stitches, changing yarn colors, and/or increasing/decreasing to create curves that form a desired shape.
Intermediate
Pattern that use more involved stitch patterns or combinations, changing yarn colors more frequently, and/or intricate increasing/decreasing to create desired shapes.
Complex
Patterns that use complex stitch patterns, changing yarn colors, and/or increasing/decreasing to create desired shapes that use a variety of techniques and stitches simultaneously.
The Yarn And Hook Size
Using the recommended yarn and hook gives you the best chance of achieving the intended size and appearance. If you can’t find the same yarn, select something with the same thickness and fiber.
Crocheting The Swatch
Following the pattern’s instructions to create a gauge swatch and then measure it to confirm it matches the size given in the pattern instructions.
It Can Take A Few Tries
If your gauge swatch is too big or too small, crochet a new swatch with a different hook size until you get the required dimensions. A larger hook should increase the size of your swatch and smaller hooks should reduce it’s size.
