1 of 5

Write now Article Tools

So you've wandered into your local yarn or craft shop and you start browsing through the many patterns available to purchase there. You find a pattern for an item you would just love to crochet, and you start to read the instructions.

Ch 10, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across to last ch, 3 sc in last ch, turn (13 sc). At first glance, it looks like an unknown foreign language doesn't it?

A crochet pattern consists of sentences with many standard abbreviations being used within each sentence. Somewhere within that pattern booklet will be a listing of what those abbreviations mean. Use a bookmark if you need to flip back and forth between the page (pages) your instructions are on, and where the definition for those abbreviations are located in the booklet.

Writing down the abbreviations, you'll need and what they mean, on a separate piece of paper or on a post-it note can make it easier to read and interpret a crocheted pattern when you're a beginner. You might not need all the abbreviations the pattern booklet gives you for the specific pattern you plan to start. The post it note can be stuck to the pages of your pattern, and moved if it's covering up further instructions you'll later need to read.

Some of the basic abbreviations that are commonly used include:

Ch = Chain Stitch
Sc = single crochet

Here's the abbreviated sentence:
Ch 10, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across to last ch, 3 sc in last ch, turn (13 sc)

Here's how those abbreviated directions actually read as a complete sentence.

Chain ten, three single crochet in the second chain from the hook, single crochet in each chain across your row, to the last chain, three single crochet in the last chain, turn (thirteen single crochet).

You turn your work at the end of that row, to start your next row. The thirteen single crochet as listed in parenthesis, (13 sc) means you started with a chain of ten stitches. The way that pattern row is worked, means you should have thirteen single crochets stitches (13 sc) at the end of your row. You may need to frequently count your stitches to make sure your completed stitches agree with what the directions say you should have for that row, segment, or round. (rnd).

Other common abbreviations used in crocheting include:

Ch Sp = Chain space
Inc = increase
Dec = decrease
RS = right side
WS = wrong side.
St (s) = stitch (stitches)

The chain space (ch sp) is usually referred to a chain stitch of varying quantities that you made in the previous row or round. Work 3 sc

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Guide to basic crochet patterns?
We want to hear your view. Write now!