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Learn to Read Crochet Patterns - Part 2

© Lisa A. Hamblin

In part 1, we discussed basic crochet stitches. Now we will discuss reading crochet patterns. Your first attempt at deciphering crochet language may seem intimidating and may be as confusing as trying to talk to someone who speaks a different language. Hang in there because you can do it!

For this crochet lesson I will give you a list of some of the standard abbreviations used in patterns and I will break down samples of pattern language into plain English.

Some of the standard abbreviations include:

Back Loop (bl) and Front Loop (fl): Instead of crocheting in the entire stitch which is both loops on the top of the stitch... you only catch or go through one of the loops when you do each stitch. The back loop (bl) is the loop farthest from you. The front loop (fl) is the loop closest to you. Don't be surprised if you get these confused. I have to look it up every time.

CC = Contrasting Color. This is a secondary color used in a project.

DNT = Do Not Turn. Continue working in the same direction as before.

MC = Main Color. This is the main color used in a project.

PM = Place Marker. Mark the last stitch with a stitch marker or contrasting color yarn.

Rem = Remaining (this term is mostly used to refer to remaining stitches)

Rep = Repeat

Sk = Skip

Sp = Space. Designers refer to "spaces" because they do not want you to work the indicated stitch directly in another stitch. Instead, you crochet into a certain space on a previous row.

All crochet patterns begin with a foundation chain. Sometimes the foundation chain is long (for an afghan) and sometimes it is short (for a motif that begins as a circle). Any time a set of directions is enclosed in parentheses you do what the pattern says directly after it. If a pattern says to "turn" the piece... you flip it over so you are working from the opposite end. In other words, keep the top edge of the work in the same position and switch the left end with the right end. Asterisks or other symbols are used to specify the repeating of certain instructions.

The following are examples of pattern language in italics along with my comments:

"multiple of 6, plus 4" Make your foundation chain any number that is divisible by 6 then add 4 more chains to begin the pattern. For example... you could make the foundation chain 12+4; 18+4; 24+4, etc.

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