The first time you open a crochet pattern, it can look like a secret code: “R3: (sc, inc) x6 (18).” But patterns follow a small set of rules, and once you know them you can read almost any pattern in the world. This guide decodes the abbreviations and symbols, then walks through a real example line by line.
The parts of a crochet pattern
Most patterns are organized in the same order:
- Materials: yarn weight and amount, hook size, safety eyes, stuffing and tools.
- Finished size and gauge: how big the project should be, and how many stitches and rows fit in a given measurement.
- Abbreviations and notes: which terms are used (US or UK), whether you work in rows or rounds, and any special stitches.
- Instructions: the step-by-step rounds or rows, usually split into parts (head, body, arms).
- Assembly and finishing: how to sew the pieces together and add details.
Always read the whole pattern once before you start. It’s much easier to understand a step when you know where it’s going.
Common crochet abbreviations (US terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble (triple) crochet |
| inc | increase: 2 stitches in the same stitch |
| dec | decrease: 2 stitches worked together into 1 |
| MR | magic ring |
| st / sts | stitch / stitches |
| R or Rnd | round |
| BLO / FLO | back loop only / front loop only |
| yo | yarn over |
| sk | skip |
| rep | repeat |
| RS / WS | right side / wrong side |
Following a British pattern? The stitch names are different. See our US vs UK crochet terms chart.
Symbols and punctuation
- Parentheses ( ) or brackets [ ]: a group of stitches to repeat. “(sc, inc) x6” means work one sc, then one inc, and repeat that pair 6 times.
- Asterisks *: another way to show repeats. “*sc in next 2 sts, inc* rep from * to * around” means repeat the part between the asterisks until the end of the round.
- Number at the end in brackets (18): the stitch count you should have at the end of that round. This is your best friend; count often.
- R4–R7: repeat the same instruction for rounds 4, 5, 6 and 7.
- “around” or “across”: work the stitch into every stitch of the round or row.
Example: decoding a real pattern
Here are the first rounds of a typical amigurumi head, the same start used by our kawaii penguin:
- R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
- R2: inc x6 (12)
- R3: (sc, inc) x6 (18)
- R4: (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- R5–R8: sc around (24)
Line by line:
- R1: make a magic ring and work 6 single crochet into it. You have 6 stitches.
- R2: work an increase (2 sc) into every stitch, 6 times. 6 x 2 = 12 stitches.
- R3: 1 sc in the next stitch, then an increase in the following stitch. Repeat that 6 times. Each repeat uses 2 stitches and makes 3, so you end with 18.
- R4: 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 1 increase. Repeat 6 times for 24 stitches.
- R5–R8: 4 rounds of 1 sc in every stitch, with no increases. The piece now grows straight up instead of out, forming the sides of a ball.
Notice the pattern? In amigurumi, each increasing round adds 6 stitches, and the number of plain stitches between increases goes up by one every round. Decreasing rounds work the same way in reverse.
Rows vs rounds
Flat projects like scarves and blankets are worked in rows: you crochet across, turn the work, and crochet back. Amigurumi and hats are worked in rounds, usually in a continuous spiral without joining. A pattern will say which one it uses. If rounds are joined, you’ll see “sl st to first st to join” at the end of each round.
Tips for following patterns without mistakes
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round and move it up each time.
- Tick off each round on a printed copy or in a notes app.
- Check the stitch count at the end of every round. If it’s wrong, fix it right away; it only gets harder later.
- Read the notes section. Designers explain special stitches and tricky steps there.
FAQ
What does “x6” mean in a crochet pattern?
Repeat the instruction in front of it 6 times. “(sc, inc) x6” means repeat “sc, inc” six times.
What’s the number in brackets at the end of a round?
It’s the total stitch count you should have after finishing that round.
What is a gauge swatch?
A small sample square used to check your stitch size matches the pattern. It matters for wearables, much less for toys.
Ready to practice? Try a beginner pattern like the gingerbread keychain, which uses only the stitches in this guide.
Cover photo: inspiration photo by Karina Lopez on Pexels
