How to read a crochet pattern: Your simple step-by-step guide

by Alison Woods February 11, 2025

Reading a crochet pattern for the first time can feel a bit daunting. With abbreviations, stitch counts, and unfamiliar terms, it’s understandable if you’re unsure where to start. Yet once you grasp the basics, a world of creative possibilities unfolds. In this post, I’ll walk you through the essentials of how to read a crochet pattern using UK terms, from common vocabulary to helpful tips that make the process more enjoyable. Do note that many crochet patterns you may come across on the web may be American and they use US crochet terms which as you guessed are different to ours in the UK! The stitches are the same but they call them different names!

Your guide to reading crochet patterns

1. Picking the right pattern

Before diving into the details, choose a pattern that suits your experience level. Many patterns specify whether they’re ideal for beginners or for those who prefer more of a challenge. If you’re looking for a starting point, browse our Crochet Kits at Knit One Kits, where each kit contains everything you need to begin a fun, user-friendly project.

Tip: If you’re new to crochet, opt for patterns that feature simple stitches such as double crochet (dc) or half treble (htr) like Simple Stripe cushion kit. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore patterns that introduce additional techniques like my Wave stitch cushion kit.
Tip: If you are new to crochet avoid patterns that rely on charts or diagrams - the ones that looks like spiders webs! They are not for everyone and personally I feel that until you are happy with most of the common stitches they are the domain of an experienced crocheter. I will cover these patterns in another blog.

2. Common crochet pattern terminology

Most crochet patterns begin by listing the materials and the recommended hook size. You’ll also see references to tension—ensuring your finished piece matches the intended dimensions. Here are some terms you’re likely to encounter:

RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side. These terms indicate the front and back of your work.
Tension: Essentially another term for gauge, referring to how tightly or loosely you work your stitches.
Rep: Short for ‘repeat’, meaning you duplicate a sequence of stitches or rounds.

If you require extra hooks or new yarn for your project, take a look at our Crochet Kits. They come with patterns and high-quality yarn, allowing you to focus on enjoying your work without the hassle of sourcing materials.

3. Abbreviations Table

Decoding abbreviations can be the trickiest part when you’re learning how to read a crochet pattern. I’m going to confess here I currently do not have any video tutorials to illustrate crochet stitches but I am planning on changing that! If you are unsure of a stitch I would suggest either investing in a crochet book making sure it uses UK terms or use Youtube tutorials again ensuring you follow a UK one. Below is a handy reference table featuring common UK abbreviations:

Abbreviation	Meaning (UK)	Explanation
st	Stitch	A single loop on the hook or in the current round.
sts	Stitches	Refers to more than one stitch.
ch	Chain	A foundation stitch made by creating loops of yarn.
sl st	Slip Stitch	Used to join stitches, often for finishing rounds or moving across a row.
dc	Double Crochet	The basic crochet stitch in the UK, worked by yarning over and pulling through two loops.
htr	Half Treble	A stitch slightly taller than a double crochet, worked by yarning over once and pulling through two loops.
tr	Treble	A taller stitch than double crochet, involving additional yarn overs to add height.
inc	Increase	Working two stitches into one to add width.
dec	Decrease	Combining two stitches into one to reduce the number of stitches.
YO	Yarn Over	Looping the yarn over the hook to create an extra stitch, often used for increases or decorative holes.

4. Reading the Instructions

Crochet patterns can vary in format, but most follow a similar structure:

Materials List: Yarn weight, hook size, and any extra items (for example, stitch markers).
Tension: This ensures your finished piece turns out the correct size.
Stitch Guide: Descriptions of any special stitches used.
Instructions: Typically written round-by-round or row-by-row.
Finishing: Directions for fastening off, weaving in ends, and, if necessary, blocking your work.

Watch for repeats in the pattern—for instance, instructions might say, “Repeat Rounds 2–5 until work measures 15cm.” It can help to make a small note each time you complete a round, so you can easily track your progress.

5. Checking Your tension

Tension is crucial to ensure your project turns out the correct size. Each pattern specifies how many stitches and rounds should fit into a 10cm square. Over the years of teaching and observing people's techniques I can see how varied tension can be! Personally I am quite a tight crocheter so almost without fail I would use a hook size bigger than recommended. If you are more fluid you might want to use a smaller hook size, say a 4mm instead of a 5mm. To check your tension:

Create a tension square: Crochet a small swatch in the recommended stitch pattern.
Measure: Count how many stitches and rounds you have in a 10cm by 10cm area.
Adjust if needed: If you have more stitches than specified, try a larger hook. If you have fewer, try a smaller hook.

Taking the time to check your tension can prevent a project from coming out too large or too small and most likely you running out of yarn!

6. Useful Tips for Success

Highlight key sections: Take a photocopy of the pattern and use a highlighter to mark complex rounds or important repeats.
Practice first: Very often at shows when I’m talking to customers about crochet kits I advise them to use some scrap yarn and practice the new stitch first and practice turning the end of the row and starting the new one. The end and beginning of a row are often tricky to master especially if you are used to knitting, placing the hook in the right place is crucial.
Don’t get overwhelmed: It’s very easy to look at the whole pattern and all the terms and instructions can appear to jump around and seem like double dutch! Take each row one at a time. Take your time.
Keep a row tally: Tracking your rounds or rows helps avoid confusion and keeps you on course.
Stay organised: Keep your pattern, yarn, and tools in one place. Our Emma Ball Project Bags are perfect for this.

If you’d like to practise your pattern-reading skills on a manageable project, try our Simple Cushion Cover Kit. It’s an excellent way to build confidence while creating something you can enjoy.

Where to find patterns

Knit One Kits: We offer clear, straightforward patterns and kits that include yarn, making it easy to dive into your next project.
Online resources: There are numerous websites and digital libraries offering both free and paid patterns. Always check reviews or comments to ensure the instructions are well-written and reliable and always check that they are written using UK terms.

Get ready to crochet with confidence

Once you learn how to read a crochet pattern using UK terms, you’ll have the freedom to create anything—from cosy blankets to elegant garments. By understanding the abbreviations, checking your tension, and following instructions step by step, you’ll feel more at ease tackling a variety of designs.

Simple crochet kits with patterns

For a project that’s both fun and rewarding, explore our range of Crochet Kits at Knit One Kits. Each kit is designed to help you practise your pattern-reading skills while creating something you’ll be proud of.

Ready to master your pattern reading and start a new project? Visit Knit One Kits today and discover a range of carefully curated crochet kits that make every row a pleasure.

And as always if you need further assistance you can email me on knitone247@gmail.com