Starting out with crochet can feel like a lot to take in, especially all the strange words and shorthand used in patterns. But fear not, fellow beginner! To make things easier, I'm here to share the most common crochet abbreviations you'll encounter in your crocheting adventures.
What are the benefits of learning to read crochet patterns?
Although crochet video tutorials offer a helpful introduction, they restrict your pattern choices. These videos are time-consuming to produce and often aren't provided by pattern designers. Mastering the art of reading crochet patterns unlocks a vast world of possibilities. Contrary to popular belief, crochet patterns aren't as complex as they seem.
Parts of a Crochet Pattern
Crochet patterns often follow a similar structure, although different designers may have their own unique format. To understand a crochet pattern, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with its common sections. Let's break down these sections together.
Materials and Details
Before you start any crochet project, it's crucial to review the pattern's initial section. This area typically outlines essential information like the necessary materials (crochet hook, yarn, stuffing), the pattern's difficulty level, the finished product's size, and any specific stitch tension requirements. To illustrate, I've included a sample from one of my crochet pattern PDFs that displays these details.
Stitches
Patterns use abbreviations, like "sc" for single crochet and "hdc" for half double crochet, to make instructions shorter and easier to read. Designers, publishers, and companies all rely on these abbreviations. Understanding these abbreviations is especially important if you use my patterns, since I rely on them heavily.
Example
The following example will break down each line of the pattern. Beginning at the top, you'll find the recommended crochet hook size of 3.5mm and the color to use for the arms, legs and eyes.
Start with the arm:
R1: Begin with 5 SC in a magic ring. (5 sts)
This round very simply states that you should create a magic ring with 5 single crochet stitches.
R2-7: 5 SC in next st around. (5 sts)
This indicates that from Row 2 to Row 7, you should continue to crochet 5 single crochets in each row. This will create a tube-like shape for the arm.
Stuffing
Once you've completed Row 7, you should stuff the arm with your chosen stuffing material, such as polyester fiberfill.
Fasten off and leave a tail to sew
After stuffing, fasten off the yarn, leaving a long tail of yarn to sew the opening of the arm closed.
Then do the same with the legs and eyes.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to read a crochet pattern, endless projects await you! You can find crochet patterns on
Hooktasy, find instruction on
YouTube, contact us on
Facebook and many more!
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