Reading Patterns

To a beginner, a crochet pattern looks like encrypted code: R3: *sc next 2, inc; rep from * 6 times (24). It’s intimidating, but there is a strict logic behind it.

Think of a crochet pattern as a script or computer program for your hands. Once you learn the syntax, you can build anything.

1. The Shorthand (Abbreviations)

Crochet designers use shorthand to save space. Instead of writing “Single crochet into the next stitch,” they simply write sc.

Before you start any project, you must be familiar with the “alphabet” of crochet. Note: LoopStep uses US Terminology.

• View the Full Abbreviations List

The most common ones you’ll see are:

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• inc: Increase (putting two stitches where there was only one)
• dec: Decrease (joining two stitches together into one)

2. The Grammar (Syntax & Symbols)

If abbreviations are the words, symbols are the punctuation. They tell you how many times to do something.

• Asterisks ( * ): Used for repeats. Everything after the * gets repeated.
• Parentheses ( ): Usually show the total stitch count at the end of a row, or a group of stitches to be worked into one spot.
• Brackets [ ]: Used for “nested” repeats (a repeat inside a repeat).

For a deeper dive into these symbols, check out Syntax and Symbols.

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3. Anatomy of a Pattern

A well-written pattern is broken into specific sections. Don’t skip the “boring” stuff at the top!

Materials & Tools

This tells you the Yarn Weight (how thick the yarn is) and the Hook Size.

• If you use a hook that is too big, your project will be loose and floppy.
• If you use a hook that is too small, it will be stiff and tiny.

Gauge

Gauge is a “test” measurement used to ensure your size matches the designer’s size. It might say: Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches.

• The Test: You crochet a square and measure it.
• The Fix: If your 20 stitches measure 5 inches (too big), your tension is loose, and you should try a smaller hook.

Notes

Read this first. This section contains “secrets” like whether you should join your rounds with a slip stitch (common in hats) or work in a continuous spiral (common in amigurumi/toys).

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4. Interpreting the Instructions

This is where most beginners get stuck. Let’s look at the two most common ways instructions are phrased:

“Sc in next 2” vs “2 sc in next”

These look identical but mean opposite things:

• sc in next 2: This is a command to keep the fabric the same size. You put 1 single crochet in stitch A, and 1 single crochet in stitch B.
• 2 sc in next: This is an Increase (inc). You put two single crochets into the same stitch. This makes the fabric grow wider.

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5. Walkthrough: The “Simple Sphere”

Let’s break down a real pattern for a small ball.

Round 1

Round 1: 6 sc in Magic Ring (6)

• What to do: Create a Magic Ring, then work 6 single crochets into it.
• The Result: You have a tiny circle with 6 stitches.

Round 2

Round 2: *inc in each st; rep from * around (12)

• The Logic: The * tells us a repeat is starting. The instruction is inc (put 2 sc in one st).
• What to do: Put 2 sc in the first st, 2 sc in the second, and so on.
• The Result: Since you did 2 stitches in every one of your original 6, you now have 12 stitches (6 x 2 = 12).

Round 3

Round 3: *sc in next st, inc in next; rep from * around (18)

• The Logic: We are alternating. This sequence uses 2 stitches from the previous round to create 3 new stitches.
• What to do:
  • 1 sc in the first stitch.
  • 2 sc in the second stitch (the increase).
  • Repeat that sequence (1, 2) six times total.
• The Result: You added 6 more stitches, bringing your total to 18.

Round 4

Round 4: sc in each st around (18)

• The Logic: No increases or decreases here.
• What to do: Just put one single crochet in every stitch from the previous round.
• The Result: Your circle will stop growing flat and start to “cup” or curve upwards into a bowl shape.

Round 5

Round 5: *sc in next st, dec; rep from * around (12)

• The Logic: This is the opposite of Round 3. We are shrinking the circle.
• What to do:
  • 1 sc in the first stitch.
  • Use a Decrease (dec) to turn the next two stitches into one.
• The Result: You are back down to 12 stitches. The “bowl” is closing up.

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Pro-Tip: The “Stitch Count” Safety Net

Always look at the number in parentheses at the end of the line, e.g., (18).

If you finish a round and count 17 or 19 stitches, stop immediately. It is much easier to “frog” (rip out) one round now than to realize ten rounds later that your project is lopsided!