If you have ever opened a written crochet pattern only to feel like you are staring at an ancient dialect of hieroglyphics, you are not alone. Lines like *sc 3, inc; rep from * 6x (30 sts) can intimidate even the most enthusiastic beginners. I'm not going to lie, it took me a while to understand those because I'm more of a visual crocheter and I prefer diagrams over written patterns, but here we are...
The secret? Written crochet patterns are not complex code—they are just shorthand. Once you learn how to break down the structure, reading written instructions becomes easier. I would like to say that it would be like second nature or muscle memory, but most likely that would be a lie; therefore, I chose to use the word easier...
Here is your complete, step-by-step roadmap to mastering written crochet patterns.
Start with the pattern header.
Before grabbing your hook, scan the top of the written pattern. A well-designed pattern always begins with a standard header containing critical context, including skill level, materials, recommended hook size, gauge, etc. If there are any specific stitches, there should be a detailed explanation of complex or non-standard stitches used in the project, like bobbles, clusters or shell stitches...
Before grabbing your hook, scan the top of the written pattern. A well-designed pattern always begins with a standard header containing critical context, including skill level, materials, recommended hook size, gauge, etc. If there are any specific stitches, there should be a detailed explanation of complex or non-standard stitches used in the project, like bobbles, clusters or shell stitches...
Decode US vs. UK Terminology.
The most common reason a crochet project turns out twice its intended size is a mix-up between US and UK terminology. Designers use the exact same stitch names to mean entirely different things! I learned this the hard way. It blew my mind when I realised that the internet opened the door to a whole world of patterns—and a whole lot of confusion! Funnily enough, Lithuanian patterns actually use US terms. Now that I live in the UK, I still prefer US terms because that’s how I was first taught to crochet in my mother tongue, completely unaware that the UK used the exact same names for different stitches. Hey ho, you live and learn!
| US | UK |
| single crochet (sc) | double crochet (dc) |
| extended single crochet (exsc) | extended double crochet (exdc) |
| half double (hdc) | half treble (htr) |
| double (dc) | treble (tr) |
| treble (tr) | double treble (dtr) |
| double treble (dtr) | triple treble (ttr) |
| quintuple treble (quintr) | sextuple treble (sextr) |
PRO TIP THAT HELPED ME A LOT: Check the pattern notes for terms used. If a pattern mentions a "single crochet" anywhere, it is written in US terms—UK patterns do not use the single crochet stitch.
Master essential written abbreviations
Written patterns save space by abbreviating standard actions. Memorising these core terms will instantly make written rows easier to read:
ch = Chain
st / sts = Stitch / Stitches
sl st = Slip Stitch
sc = Single Crochet
hdc = Half Double Crochet
dc = Double Crochet
inc = Increase (work 2 stitches into the same stitch)
dec / tog = Decrease / Together (combine 2 stitches into 1)
BLO / FLO = Back Loop Only / Front Loop Only
sp = Space (e.g., ch-sp means chain space)
rep = Repeat
rem = Remaining
Crack the punctuation code
Punctuation in a written pattern acts as your roadmap. It tells you where to pause, what to repeat, and how to verify your progress.
Asterisks * or **: Mark the start and end of a sequence to repeat.
Example: *sc 2, inc; rep from * across means repeat that exact sequence until you hit the end of the row.
Brackets [ ] or Parentheses ( ): Used to group multiple stitches that are all worked into the exact same stitch or space.
Example: [2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc] in next st, meaning that instead of spreading the stitches across multiple parts of your row, you cluster them together. So you will make two double crochets, one chain stitch, and two double crochets—all going into that exact same next stitch.
Repeat Counts: Parentheses or brackets followed by a multiplier tell you how many times to execute the sequence.
Example: [sc in next 3 sts, inc] 6x, meaning you single crochet in the next 3 stitches, then increase in the next stitch and perform that entire group of instructions 6 total times in a row before moving on to the next part of the pattern.
End of row totals: A number inside parentheses at the very end of a line indicates your total stitch count for that row (e.g., (30 sts)).
Example: (30 sts), meaning that you would need to count your stitches. Once counted, the loops or stitches you just made, and if your count matches the number in the parentheses, you did it correctly.
Row by row breakdown: Putting It Into Practice
Let’s translate a standard line of written pattern text:
For example, we are making a round or row X that is asking us: ch 1, [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times, join with sl st to first sc. (30 sts)
Here is what your brain should read as you work:
- ch 1: make 1 chain stitch (your turning/starting chain that normally doesn't count as a stitch).
- [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st]: Work 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 single crochets into the 4th stitch (an increase).
- 6 times: Repeat that exact bracketed sequence 6 times total around the circle.
- Join with sl st to first sc: Insert your hook into the first single crochet of the round and work a slip stitch to close the circle.
- (30 sts): Stop and count your stitches—you should have exactly 30 stitches in this round.
Key tips for written success
Use a line tracker: mark off written rows as you complete them using a sticky note, digital row counter, or highlighter.
Read ahead: read through an entire row's written line once before executing the physical stitches.
Count at the end of every row... As much as I hate to admit it, counting is good when catching a miscounted row immediately saves hours of unravelling ("frogging") later!
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