How to Read Crochet Patterns: A Crochet Beginner's Guide

If you're new to crochet, reading a crochet pattern for the first time can feel a bit intimidating. All those abbreviations, numbers, brackets, repeats... It looks almost like a secret code.

I remember feeling the exact same way when I first started crocheting. But once you understand how patterns are structured, everything clicks into place, and suddenly it all makes sense.

Photo by Astrid Schaffner on Unsplash

Think of this as your beginner-friendly guide to reading crochet patterns. Whether you want to try your first amigurumi or follow a classic scarf pattern, this will help you read them with confidence.

Table of Contents

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Before we get into how to read crochet patterns, let's talk about why it's such an important skill in the first place.

Why You Should Learn to Read Crochet Patterns

I get many requests to turn my written crochet patterns into crochet video tutorials. While I understand why this would be helpful, the truth is that filming, editing, and producing videos for every single pattern is extremely time-consuming, which takes time away from designing new patterns.

If you're new to crochet, it's tempting to rely on video tutorials. They're visual and beginner-friendly, and they got many of us started. But learning to read written patterns is one of the most empowering skills you can give yourself.

Here's why:

You'll unlock thousands of patterns. Most crochet designs are only available as written patterns. If you can read them, nothing is off limits.
It's faster than following video instructions. No rewinding, no ads, no guessing. You can jump ahead, slow down, or repeat instructions instantly.
You can crochet anywhere. Printed patterns are portable and don't require wifi, a charged phone, or balancing a device on your lap.
You'll grow your skills faster. Pattern reading teaches stitches, shaping, technique names, and how designs are constructed.
You become an independent crocheter. No need to wait for a video tutorial. You can follow any designer, any style, anytime.
Written patterns are more accurate. Designers can update, correct, or improve a written pattern easily. Videos? Not so much.

Learning to read patterns is like learning the language of crochet. Once you understand it, the craft becomes easier, more flexible, and way more fun.

What is a Crochet Pattern?

A crochet pattern is simply a set of written instructions that tells you:

Materials you need
Stitches to use
How many stitches to make
The exact steps to create the project

Think of it as a recipe, but instead of ingredients and oven temperatures, you get yarn, hook sizes, and stitch counts.

Most patterns follow a predictable structure, so once you learn the basics, reading them becomes second nature.

Photo by Edz Norton on Unsplash

Parts of a Crochet Pattern

Let's walk through the typical sections you'll see in almost any crochet pattern. Once you learn what each section is for, patterns instantly become way less scary.

Materials

This section lists the yarn, hook size, stuffing, safety eyes, stitch markers, or any other tools you'll need.

Yarn and Hook Size

This tells you the yarn weight (e.g., worsted, DK, bulky, etc) and the hook size recommended for the pattern. Using a different yarn weight or hook size can change the size and the look of your project.

Gauge

Gauge is how many stitches and rows fit within a certain measurement. It helps ensure your project turns out the right size. For amigurumi, gauge isn't usually as critical, but it's still good to understand!

Finished Size

This tells you how big the final project should be. This can differ if you choose to use a different yarn weight and hook size. If you've used the same yarn and hook size and it's still different from the listed size, you might be crocheting with a different tension.

Pattern Notes

These little notes give you helpful tools about how the pattern is worked. For example:

Whether it's worked in continuous rounds or in rows
If the pattern uses US or UK crochet terminology
Any special stitch information

Abbreviations

Most crochet patterns use abbreviations to save space. Understanding these is the secret to reading patterns like a pro.

Here's a quick list of common US crochet abbreviations you'll see in most patterns, especially amigurumi.

Basic Stitches

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
sl st – slip stitch

Amigurumi-Specific Terms

MR – magic ring
inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
dec – decrease (turning 2 stitches into 1)
BLO – back loop only
FLO – front loop only

Pattern Structure Terms

st/sts – stitch(es)
rep – repeat
rnd/round – a full circle or loop of stitches
row – used for flat crochet
x – number of times to repeat
sk – skip a stitch

Most designers include their abbreviation list right in the pattern, so it's always easy to reference.

How to Read a Crochet Pattern (Step-by-Step)

Let's take a common amigurumi instruction:

Round 3: (sc. sc-inc) x 6 times (18 sts)

Here's what this line means:

(sc, inc) — Work 1 single crochet, then 1 single crochet increase
x 6 times — Repeat that sequence 6 times
(18 sts) — You should end the round with 18 stitches

Patterns often follow this format:

action → repeat → stitch count

Once you get used to it, your eyes will automatically know how to read these.

Understanding Brackets, Parentheses, and Repeats

Crochet patterns use symbols to tell you what to repeat:

() — Parentheses often group stitches that are worked into the same stitch

Example: (sc, hdc-inc, sc) in the next stitch

[] — Brackets usually tell you how many times to repeat a sequence

Example: [7 sc, sc-inc] x 3 times

** — Asterisks usually mark the start or end of repeats

Example: *sc 1, dc 1* repeat from * to end

Beginners often get lost when asterisks and parentheses appear together, so take it one symbol at a time and read left to right.

Also, keep in mind that different designers sometimes use brackets and parentheses interchangeably. Always check the pattern notes before you begin so you don't accidentally follow the wrong repeat or grouping.

Granny Squares Crochet Beginner Projects

Photo by Srozan Nadzmi on Unsplash

How to Read Stitch Counts

At the end of many rounds, you'll see a number like:

(24 sts)

This is not optional. It's there to help you keep track.

If the number doesn't match:

Recount the stitches
Check if you missed an increase or decrease
Make sure your repeats were correct

Stitch counts save you from big mistakes later on.

Practice Example: Try Reading This Pattern

Let's try one together

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts)
Make a magic ring and crochet 6 sc crochets into it.

Rnd 2: sc-inc x 6 times (12 sts)
Increase in each st around (2 sc in each stitch)

Rnd 3: (sc, sc-inc) x 6 times (18 sts)
1 single crochet in the first stitch, single crochet increase in the next. Repeat this sequence 6 times total.

Rnd 4: (2 sc, sc-inc) x 6 times (24 sts)
1 single crochet in the first stitch, 1 single crochet in the next stitch, single crochet increase in the third stitch. Repeat this sequence 6 times total.

You've now made a perfect flat circle!

Practicing small rounds like this makes bigger amigurumi projects much more intuitive.

How to Read Assembly Instructions

For amigurumi, the assembly section can feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes easier once you know what to expect.

Assembly instructions may include:

Where to position the limbs
Tips for stuffing evenly
How to attach the head securely
How to embroider the face
Where to place safety eyes
Notes about shaping

These steps usually come after all the crocheting is done, but sometimes the assembly instructions may be embedded throughout the pattern, and you would assemble as you work through the pattern.

Troubleshooting Tips for Beginners

Here are a few super common issues and how to fix them.

1. Why does my stitch count not match the pattern?

This is a common issue. This usually means you accidentally skipped a stitch, added an extra stitch, or your tension changed. Always check the stitch count at the end of each round.

2. Why is my crochet circle curling?

A little curling is normal at the start, especially for amigurumi. Severe curling usually means your tension is too tight. Try using a slightly larger hook or loosening your grip.

3. I don't know where the crochet round starts.

Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of every round. I personally like to use the running stitch marker method. This makes a huge difference.

4. Why does my amigurumi look lumpy?

Even stuffing is important. Add small amounts at a time and shape as you go.

5. Why is my crochet project bigger/smaller than the pattern says?

Everyone naturally crochets with different tension. A looser tension = bigger piece. A tighter tension = sa maller piece.

Photo by Imani on Unsplash

Additional Tips for Reading Crochet Patterns

Read the whole pattern once before you start
Highlight repeated sections or tricky parts
Keep the abbreviation list nearby
Don't be afraid to add your own notes in the margins

You'll notice that the more patterns you read, the easier it gets.

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Patterns To Try

Once you're comfortable reading simple rounds, rows, and repeats, try one of these beginner-friendly crochet patterns:

Stupid Simple Snood Crochet Pattern:
Crochet Bao Amigurumi Pattern: A cute little bao that's fun to make and perfect for practicing basic amigurumi shapes.
Easy Crochet Easter Eggs: Perfect for practicing your rounds and stitch consistency, with a seasonal twist!
Mini Crochet Blood Drop Amigurumi: Tiny, adorable, and a great way to practice increases and decreases.
Crochet Leaf Sprout: Simple, fast, and sweet beginner project that's great for decorating your headphones, or a bookmark, making it both cute and practical.

Final Thoughts

Reading crochet patterns isn't something you master overnight. It's something that becomes familiar with practice. Every crocheter has had moments where they get lost in a row or forget where they left off, and that's completely normal.

Once you learn how to understand abbreviations, repeats, brackets, and stitch counts, you'll be able to make anything you dream up. And who knows, maybe one day you'll start designing your own patterns too.

To make it even easier, I've created a Crochet Pocket Guide, a free cheat sheet with all the essential abbreviations and tips for reading patterns. You can grab it for FREE when you sign up for my newsletter!

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This is an original crochet tutorial written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this crochet tutorial as your own. If you wish to share this crochet tutorial, you may link to this blog post, but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for personal use, but please DO NOT sell or distribute the crochet tutorial.

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