The Crochet Handbook: Learn what Equipment you need to Crochet, The Basics of Crochet, How to Read Written Patterns, Graphs, Charts and Diagrams, and More (4 page)

The ability to read a written pattern opens up a whole world of projects to you. Most written patterns follow a standard format and use a standardized set of abbreviations. Refer to the table in the previous chapter for abbreviations used in today’s patterns. In this chapter we’ll go over how to read and work a written pattern and help you become familiar with them so that you can read and crochet them with confidence.

Reading a Written Pattern

Skill Level

When you find a pattern you want to try one of the first things to check is the difficulty level. While it is fun to challenge yourself and try patterns a bit higher than your skill level, beginners don’t want to tackle an advance pattern because they will become frustrated and have a hard time understanding the pattern. Stick to patterns at or just above your skill level. As you work more patterns your skill level will increase naturally.

Materials Needed

The next section to pay close attention to is the materials you need to work the pattern. If the pattern calls for a specific yarn and you don’t have that yarn you can substitute the yarn as long as it is the same weight as the yarn called for in the pattern. For example, if you are going to crochet a baby item and the pattern calls for baby weight or light weight yarn, the pattern will not turn out correctly if you use a worsted or medium weight yarn.

Gauge

Check the gauge for the pattern and work up a small swatch. Gauge refers to how many stitches are in a four-inch row, and how many rows are in four inches of length. Compare your swatch to the gauge listed on the pattern and if your swatch is smaller you may need to go up a hook size or loosen your tension. If your swatch is too large then go down a hook size, or tighten up your tension.

Special Stitches and Notes

Look for any special stitches or notes provided by the designer. These will explain any stitches the designer has included which are not standard, and what the abbreviations are used in the pattern. The notes are provided by the designer to help you work the pattern and understand the construction of the project.

Finally look at the pattern itself. Read it over and make sure you understand all of the abbreviations and terms used in the pattern. Take the pattern line by line and don’t skip ahead when you are working it. Many times as you work a pattern the directions will become clear as you crochet.

Pattern Repeats

Not every instruction is written out completely in a pattern. Designers use pattern repeats to denote specific stitches which are repeated in a row or round. Pattern repeats may be denoted with asterisk, parentheses, or brackets. For example, if you see *ch3, sk 1 st, 3dc into the next st* you would repeat the stitches between the asterisks as many times as specified in the pattern. Remember to begin a pattern repeat at the first asterisk and work to the next one. Go back and begin back at the first asterisk again to work the repeat.

You can find lots of free patterns online at major yarn sites such as Red Heart, Lion Brand, and Yarnspirations. Pinterest and Raverly are also great resources for free and paid patterns. There are also a lot of free videos on YouTube and other sites to help expand your skills and learn new techniques.

Crochet diagrams and charts are used instead of and in conjunction with written patterns. One of the biggest advantages of learning how to crochet from a diagram or chart is the ability to work a pattern no matter what language the written portion may be in. There are many very beautiful diagrams and charts from Russia and the Japan and even if you can’t read those languages you can work the patterns by following the diagrams and charts.

In Chapter Three I have provided a table of the most common symbols used in diagrams and charts. These symbols are fairly standardized and used by designers all over the world. Some diagrams and charts may have special symbols provided by the designer, so be sure you look for any notes included with the diagram or chart.

Diagrams Vs Charts

You may hear the terms diagram and chart used interchangeably. And while this is correct, diagrams usually refer to projects crocheted in the round. Charts usually refer to projects crocheted in rows. Both types of patterns use the same symbols and are read in a similar manner.

How to Read a Crochet Diagram

Diagrams are visual representations of a crochet pattern. Crochet diagrams are read from the inside out in a counterclockwise direction. Begin in the center and work your way out reading the symbols for each round.

In the following image you can see the motif begins with 8 chain stitches joined with a slip stitch. The next round begins with 4 chain stitches and a double crochet into the same chain stitch. A V-stitch is worked into each chain stitch around and then joined into the 3
rd
chain stitch of the chain 4 beginning chain.

Beginning chain and Round 1

Round 2 begins with a slip stitch into the chain 1 space of the first V-stitch. Next chain 3 and single crochet into the next chain 1 space of the next V-stitch. Continue this around until you reach the first chain 3 and slip stitch into the beginning slip stitch of the round. Remember to read the diagram counterclockwise just like you crochet.

Beginning chain, Round 1, and Round 2

Diagram crocheted up so far

The easiest way to find the beginning of a round is to look for the solid dot which stands for the joining slip stitch of the previous round. Some diagrams include arrows which tell you where to begin, but some do not.

Continue to work the diagram in a counterclockwise direction, working out as you go.

This is the complete diagram for this motif. There are 4 rounds, each one ending with a slip stitch to join. (The beginning chain is usually not counted in the rounds.) Round 3 begins with chain3 and a cluster stitch into the first chain 3 space. Chain 3 and single crochet into the next single crochet. Repeat this around the motif and join with a slip stitch into the first chain stitch.

Round 4 begins with 3 single crochet into the first chain 3 space, a single crochet into the eye of the cluster stitch, 3 single crochet into the next chain 3 space, and a single crochet into the next single crochet. This is repeated around and then joined with a slip stitch into the first single crochet.

By comparing these written instructions with the diagram you can see how following the diagram makes it easier to visualize what the project should look like.

Round 3

Round 4 pinned and blocked

How to Read a Crochet Chart

Crochet charts are also visual representations of crochet projects. Charts are read in rows and worked from the bottom up. The foundation chain is usually not counted as the first row and may or may not be represented on the chart.

To make charts easier to read remember that the odd rows are read from right to left, and the even rows are read from left to right. Begin in the lower right hand corner of a chart and work the rows up the chart as you crochet. It is a good idea to use a highlighter, ruler, or some other way to mark the rows you complete to help keep you on track.

Here is an example of a simple chart. The rows are different colors to help you read and understand it better. Begin with Row 1 and read it from right to left. Chain 3, work a double crochet into each chain stitch, turn your work.

Row 2 is read from left to right and begins with chain 4. Skip 1 stitch and double crochet into the next stitch. Chain 1 and skip 1 stitch and work a double crochet into the next stitch across the row to the last 2 stitches and work a double crochet into each one.

Row 3 is read from right to left and begins with chain 4. Skip the first double crochet and work a double crochet into the next chain 1 space, and chain 1. Repeat across the row to the last 2 stitches and double crochet into each one. Turn your work.

Row 4 begins with chain 3. Double crochet into each chain 1 space and each double crochet across the row. Fasten off and weave in the tails.

Completed Chart

Charts are used for many patterns. Almost every pattern which is worked in rows can be worked with a chart. I like charts because they let me see exactly where the stitches go, and give me a good idea of what the project should look like as I work.