When I first started crocheting I had hundreds of questions and searched even more websites to find the answers. On this page I would like to share some commonly asked questions about crocheting and the answers to those questions.
If you have a question you would like answering please go to my contact page and I will do my best to answer it for you.
Q. How do I read a crochet pattern?
A. The instructions for crochet patterns look very difficult as there are lots of abbreviations, asterisks and brackets. Here are some hints and tips for following written patterns.
Abbreviations: The names for instructions and stitches of a pattern are abbreviated otherwise the pattern would be too long and too difficult to follow. A list of abbreviations should be given at the beginning of the pattern. You should check the list to make sure you know what each stitch is and what each abbreviation means. You can find a list of the abbreviations and their meanings in the suggested web pages at the end of this question.
Tension: Before you begin you should work a tension square. This is a square worked in the yarn and hook you will be using for the pattern. The correct number of stitches and rows over a given measurement is given at the beginning of the pattern.
Reading the pattern: First follow the instructions for making the foundation chain and double check that you have the correct number of chains. The pattern will then be given either row by row or round by round. Follow each row or round carefully paying particular attention to the turning chains.
Brackets: Square brackets [ ] are used to indicate the different sizes for the garment. Round brackets ( ) are used to contain instructions that make up a stitch, for example (1tr, 2ch and 1tr) is called a V stitch; when instructions have to be repeated a certain number of times, (1tr into each of next 2st, 4ch) 3 times; or when an instruction need further clarification, 3ch (counts as first tr).
Asterisks: These are used to make patterns shorter and are placed at the beginning of a set of instructions that are to be repeated. A single asterisk marks the beginning the patterns repeat sequence, for example, *2ch, miss 2ch, 1dc, repeat from * around.
Brackets: Square brackets [ ] are used to indicate the different sizes for the garment. Round brackets ( ) are used to contain instructions that make up a stitch, for example (1tr, 2ch and 1tr) is called a V stitch; when instructions have to be repeated a certain number of times, (1tr into each of next 2st, 4ch) 3 times; or when an instruction need further clarification, 3ch (counts as first tr).
Asterisks: These are used to make patterns shorter and are placed at the beginning of a set of instructions that are to be repeated. A single asterisk marks the beginning the patterns repeat sequence, for example, *2ch, miss 2ch, 1dc, repeat from * around.
Here is an example of a few lines of a pattern and what they mean:
Ch 2 (chain 2)
Rnd 1: 6 dc in 2nd ch from hook (6) (Round 1: 6 double crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook; you should now have 6 stitches in total)
Rnd 2: 2 dc in each st around (12) (Round 2: 2 double crochet in each of the 6 stitches from the previous round; you should now have 12 stitches in total)
Rnd 3: (1 dc, 2 dc in next st) around (18) (Round 3: 1 double crochet in the next stitch and 2 double crochet in the next available stitch – this is the repeated for the remaining stitches from the previous round; you should now have 18 stitches in total)
Note: When working in rounds use a stitch marker to mark your first stitch and the point where the round ends and the next round begins.
Tips:
You should always do the following unless instructed otherwise:
1. Work into the next available stitch in the previous row.
2. Insert the hook under both loops of a stitch unless it is a chain space or loop.
3. Count the turning chain as a stitch.
4. The instruction ‘1dc into next stitch’ means work one double crochet into the next stitch and the instruction ‘4tr into each of next 4 sts’ means work 1 treble into each of the next 4 stitches.
5. Count the number of stitches you have at the end of each row/round. This will show you id you have worked that part of the pattern correctly.
Useful web pages:
Reading patterns takes practice, so don’t be discouraged in the beginning if you don’t understand all of the patterns you would like to crochet or if you make a mistake. The more you practice, the easier it becomes and before long, you’ll be able to follow any crochet pattern you wish.
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Q. I find it difficult to remember how to do each stitch. I have to look them up every time. Is there a good way to remember them?
A. It can be confusing to remember how many times to wrap the yarn over the hook, how many loops to draw up and how many times this is repeated for each stitch. The following table may be a useful quick reminder of the basic stitches and don’t be afraid to check before you start your project if you can’t remember.
UK | US | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6&7 | Step 8&9 |
Chain (ch) | Chain (ch) | Yarn over hook | Pull yarn through loop on hook | |||||
Slip Stitch (s stl) | Slip stitch (sl st) | Insert hook into next stitch | Yarn over hook | Pull yarn through stitch and loop on hook | ||||
Double crochet (dc) | Single crochet (sc) | Insert hook into next stitch | Yarn over hook | Pull yarn through stitch (2 loops on hook) | Yarn over hook | Pull yarn though both loops on hook | ||
Half treble crochet (htr) | Half double crochet (hdc) | Yarn over hook | Insert hook into next stitch | Pull yarn through stitch (3 loops on hook) | Yarn over hook | Pull yarn through 3 loops on hook | ||
Treble crochet (tr) | Double crochet (dc) | Yarn over hook | Insert hook into next stitch | Pull yarn through stitch (3 loops on hook) | Yarn over hook | Pull yarn through 2 loops on hook | Repeat steps 4&5 | |
Double treble crochet (dtr) | Triple crochet (trc) | Yarn over hook twice | Insert hook into next stitch | Pull yarn through stitch (4 loops on hook) | Yarn over hook | Pull yarn through 2 loops on hook | Repeat steps 4&5 | Repeat steps 4&5 |
Ref, The Art of Crochet
