How to Read a Crochet Pattern: Abbreviations, Repeats and Stitch Counts Explained
The first time you open a crochet pattern, it can look like a secret code: “Rnd 3: *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* rep around (18).” The good news is that the code is small. Once you know a dozen abbreviations and a few punctuation rules, almost every pattern becomes readable.
This guide walks through how a typical written pattern is laid out, what the common abbreviations mean, and how to use stitch counts to catch mistakes before they grow.
The Parts of a Crochet Pattern
Most patterns follow the same order:
- Materials: yarn weight and amount, hook size, and notions such as stitch markers, stuffing or a tapestry needle.
- Gauge: how many stitches and rows fit in a set measurement. Gauge matters most for things that need to fit, like hats and garments.
- Abbreviations and notes: the terms the pattern uses, plus any special stitches.
- Instructions: worked row by row (for flat pieces) or round by round (for pieces worked in circles, like amigurumi).
- Finishing: fastening off, sewing pieces together, and adding details.
Always read the whole pattern once before you start. It is much easier to spot a tricky step on paper than halfway through a round.
Common US Crochet Abbreviations
These are the terms you will see most often in US patterns:
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble (triple) crochet
- st / sts: stitch / stitches
- rnd: round
- rep: repeat
- inc: increase, usually 2 stitches worked into the same stitch
- dec: decrease, usually 2 stitches worked together into one (for example, sc2tog)
- MR: magic ring, an adjustable starting loop for working in the round
- BLO / FLO: back loop only / front loop only
- sk: skip
If a pattern uses a stitch you do not recognise, check its abbreviations section first. Designers often define special stitches there.
US vs UK Terms: The Big Beginner Trap
US and UK patterns use the same names for different stitches. A US single crochet is called a double crochet in UK terms, and a US double crochet is a UK treble. If you follow a UK pattern with US stitches, your work will come out taller and looser than intended.
Before you start, check which terms the pattern uses. Most designers state it near the top. All PaxmaHub crochet patterns use US terms and include a stitch abbreviation key.
Reading Repeats, Brackets and Asterisks
Patterns save space by grouping steps that repeat:
- Asterisks: “*sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* rep around” means work everything between the asterisks, then repeat that same sequence until you reach the end of the round.
- Parentheses or brackets: “(sc, ch 2, sc) in next st” means work all of those into the same stitch. Brackets are also used for repeats, as in “[sc in next 2 sts, inc] 6 times.”
- “Rep from * to end”: go back to the asterisk and repeat until the row or round is complete.
Read groups slowly the first time and say each step out loud. It sounds silly, but it works.
Use Stitch Counts to Catch Mistakes
Most patterns end each row or round with a number in parentheses, such as (18). That is the number of stitches you should have when the round is finished. It is your built-in checkpoint.
Count after every row or round, especially in the early parts of a project. If your number does not match, the mistake is almost always in that row, so you only need to undo a little. Placing a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round makes counting much easier, particularly for amigurumi worked in a continuous spiral.
Tips for Your First Few Patterns
- Start with a simple shape. A flat square, a coaster or a small ball teaches the basics without too many special stitches.
- Match the yarn weight and hook size. Changing them changes the size of the finished piece.
- Mark your place. On a printed pattern, tick off each row as you finish it. On a phone or tablet, keep the PDF open at the row you are working.
- Keep a notes column. Write down any changes you make so you can repeat them on a matching piece.
Ready to Try a Pattern?
Once you can read abbreviations, repeats and stitch counts, you have everything you need to follow most beginner and intermediate patterns. Browse our Crochet Patterns collection for printable PDF patterns, or explore Knitting & Quilting if you also work with needles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sc” mean in a crochet pattern?
In US terms, sc means single crochet. In UK terms the same stitch is called double crochet, so always check which terms a pattern uses.
What do the numbers in brackets at the end of a round mean?
They are the stitch count: how many stitches you should have when that row or round is finished. Use them to check your work as you go.
Are PaxmaHub crochet patterns in US or UK terms?
PaxmaHub crochet patterns use US crochet terms and include a stitch abbreviation key.
