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Lately, crochet diagrams (or charts) have been appearing alongside many crochet patterns. These diagrams help take the confusion out of more complicated patterns and show at a glance what a finished pattern will look like. They can also be helpful in crochet patterns for beginners.

In crochet diagrams, symbols are used to signify each type of stitch. Diagrams will have their own stitch key, but most use the same (or very similar) symbols. You should always check the diagram key on a new pattern to be sure what each symbol means.

Commonly, in American crochet diagrams, a chain is often shown with a flat oval, a single crochet is an X, and a double crochet looks like an elongated narrow T with a small diagonal cross-bar. Symbols can also be used for special stitches, such as clusters or puff stitches.

Note: crochet terminology is different in different countries. Be sure to check if patterns written in English are from the United States or the United Kingdom.

Photographs often accompany crochet patterns, but are usually taken at a distance which makes it difficult to see individual stitching. When looking at a crochet diagram, you can see the clearly see the details of a pattern. This is especially helpful in lace patterns, when it may be difficult to visualize the finished result while reading the pattern.

Crochet diagrams usually appear alongside the full pattern (written out in standard crochet abbreviation). They are not meant to replace a written pattern, but rather to be used as an aide to make the pattern easier to understand. Although, a well drawn diagram may be all you need to follow a very simple crochet pattern.

To read a diagram in rows:

Start at the bottom of the diagram and read from left to right. At the end of the row, turn your work and read the next row of the diagram from right to left. Brackets at the side of the pattern will indicate rows that need to be repeated.

To read a diagram in rounds:

Begin at the center. The pattern should tell you whether to follow the diagram counterclockwise or clockwise around the circle. With a little practice, it will be easy to work out the direction of the rounds yourself.

Crochet Today! Magazine provides diagrams with nearly all of their crochet patterns. They also alternate the color for each row (or round) to make the diagrams even easier to follow.

Even if you are adept at reading crochet patterns, crochet diagrams can help you visualize the pattern and simplify your work.

Learn more about this author, Susan Quilty.
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