pattern reading
Crochet patterns use a combination of abbreviations, symbols, and numbers to describe how to make the project. They may look complicated at first, but it only takes a little practice to become a pro.
The basics
- PATTERN SETUP - Projects are done in rows. For amigurumi, the rows are often circular, meaning each row ends where it started.
- REPITITION - There is a lot of repitition in patterns. There are different ways pattern authors show a repeating pattern, but the idea is the same. The pattern will show a repeated section wrapped in a sympbol, then will define how many times it should be repeated. Ex:
*sc, inc* (6 times)means to stitch one single crochet, then an increase, and repeat that pattern six times.
Example pattern with explanation
| row | instruction | count | explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | sc 6 in magic circle | 6 | Increase in each of the next six base stitches, which is all of the stitches from the previous row. |
| 2 | *inc* (6 times) | 12 | Increase in each of the next six base stitches, which is all of the stitches from the previous row. |
| 3 | *sc, inc* (6 times) | 18 | Make one single crochet in the first stitch, then increase in the next. Then repeat that six times. Written another way: sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc. |
| 4 | *sc 2, inc* (6 times) | 24 | Make one single crochet in each of the first two stitches, then increase in the next. Repeat that pattern six times. |
| bind off | Cut the yarn several inches away from the last stitch. Sometimes a pattern will ask you to leave enough of a tail to sew the piece to another. But if not specified, four to five inches will work. | ||
Abbreviations
| abbreviation | definition |
|---|---|
| blo | back loop only |
| bo | bind off |
| ch | chain |
| dec | decrease |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| inc | increase |
| sc | single crochet |
| slst | slip stitch |
| yo | yarn over |