How to read a crochet pattern

A crochet pattern lists materials and gauge first, then gives instructions row by row or round by round in abbreviations. Read it in order: check whether it uses US or UK terms, make the gauge swatch, then follow each line and compare your stitch count with the number in brackets at the end of the line.

The parts of a pattern

Skill level: beginner, easy, intermediate or experienced.
Materials: yarn (weight, amount in metres or yards), hook size, notions such as markers and a tapestry needle.
Gauge: stitches and rows in 10 cm (4 in). Check it before starting anything that has to fit.
Finished size and sizes offered.
Abbreviations and special stitches: read these before you start.
Notes: whether the turning chain counts as a stitch, whether rounds are joined or worked in a spiral.
Instructions: row by row or round by round.
Finishing: seaming, borders, weaving in ends and blocking.

Worked example

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (18 sts)

Round 1: make a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into it.
Round 2: work two single crochets into every stitch, doubling the count to 12.
Round 3: the part between * and ; is the repeat: one single crochet, then two in the next stitch. Repeat it all the way around: 6 repeats of 3 stitches each give 18.

The rule behind it: a flat circle in single crochet grows by 6 stitches every round. If your circle ruffles you have too many; if it cups, too few.

Brackets and repeats

(sc, ch 2, sc) in next st: work everything in the brackets into the same stitch.
[sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] 4 times: repeat the bracketed group four times.
rep from * to last 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts: repeat until two stitches remain, then finish as written.

Stuck on an abbreviation? See crochet abbreviations, US and UK.

Common questions

What does a number in brackets at the end of a row mean?

It is the stitch count you should have when the row or round is finished, for example "(18 sts)". Count your stitches and compare before moving on.

What is the difference between rows and rounds?

Rows go back and forth: you turn the work at the end of each one. Rounds go around in a circle without turning, as for hats and amigurumi.

What should I do when a pattern line makes no sense?

Check the abbreviation list and the special stitches section first, then whether the pattern is US or UK. If it still does not work, look for an errata page from the designer.

Stuck on this step? In the YarnPath app you can photograph your work and the coach tells you what went wrong and how to fix it. Get YarnPath

Updated 5 November 2026.