A crochet pattern looks like code the first time you see one. It is just shorthand, and there are only a few rules. This guide uses real lines from our free patterns, with the plain-words version under each one.
Before you start
- Check US or UK terms. Find the note near the top that says US or UK terms. The same word means a different stitch in each, so this comes first.
- Read the materials and gauge. Get the yarn weight, hook size and any extras. Gauge tells you how many stitches fit in 4 in or 10 cm. Make a small test square if the size matters.
- Read the abbreviations list. Most patterns list the codes they use. Look up any you do not know before you start.
- Read the notes. Notes tell you things like whether the turning chain counts as a stitch. Skipping them is the most common reason a pattern "does not work".
- Work one line at a time. Each line is one row or round. Read it to the end before you start it, then check the stitch count in brackets when you finish.
Starting chain and "from hook"
From the Ridge Dishcloth:
Ch 31.
In plain words: Make 31 chain stitches.
Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (29 hdc)
In plain words: Make a half double crochet in the 3rd chain from your hook, then one in every chain to the end. Turn your work over. You should now have 29 stitches.
"3rd ch from hook" means count chains back from your hook. The loop on the hook does not count. The chains you skip become the start of the row.
Rows that repeat
Rows 2 to 20: Ch 2, hdc in BLO of each st across. Turn. (29 hdc)
In plain words: Chain 2, then make a half double crochet in the back loop only of every stitch. Turn. You should still have 29 stitches.
"Rows 2 to 20" means do the same line 19 times. A row counter helps a lot here. "BLO" means back loop only: see back loop only.
Rounds, stars and repeats
From the Round Coaster:
Round 3: Ch 2, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around. Sl st to first dc. (36 dc)
In plain words: Chain 2. Now take turns all the way around: 1 double crochet in the next stitch, then 2 double crochets in the stitch after it. Slip stitch to the first stitch. You should now have 36 stitches.
The part between * and ; is the repeat. You work it again and again until the round is done. "Sl st to first dc" closes the round with a slip stitch.
Brackets: several stitches in one place
From the First Granny Square:
Round 2: Sl st in next 2 dc and into the ch-2 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times. Sl st to top of ch-3. (8 clusters)
In plain words: Slip stitch into the first gap. In every gap make a corner: 3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets, then chain 1. Slip stitch to the start. You should now have 8 groups.
(2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp means all of that goes into one gap. "ch-2 sp" is the gap made by 2 chains in the round before. The bracket at the very end, like (8 clusters), is your count.
Finishing lines
"Fasten off" means cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop (how to fasten off). "Weave in the ends" means hide the tails with a yarn needle (how to weave in ends).
Questions
What does the number in brackets at the end of a row mean?
It is how many stitches you should have when the row is done, like (29 hdc). Count your stitches and compare. If the number is off, fix it now, not ten rows later.
What does "rep from *" mean?
Go back to the star and work that part again, as many times as the pattern says.
What is the difference between a row and a round?
A row goes back and forth: you turn your work at the end. A round goes in a circle and you keep going in the same direction.
Does the turning chain count as a stitch?
It depends on the pattern, so check the notes. Usually a chain 1 never counts, and a chain 3 before double crochet often does.
Keep the crochet abbreviations chart open while you learn. Our free patterns all show plain words first and the pattern code under it.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
In the app every built-in pattern has a plain-words mode, and you can tap any stitch name to see how to do it. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
