How to Read a Crochet Pattern: Abbreviations, Rounds and US vs UK Terms

The first time you open a crochet pattern, it can look like a secret code: Rnd 3: *sc in next st, inc* rep 6 times (18). The good news is that almost every pattern uses the same small set of building blocks. Once you can read those, you can follow nearly any pattern, whether it is a tiny keychain or a full blanket.

This guide walks through a crochet pattern from top to bottom: the information at the start, the abbreviations, how rows and rounds are written, what the brackets and asterisks mean, and the US vs UK terms trap that confuses so many beginners.

1. Start with the pattern information

Before the first stitch, a good pattern tells you what you need and what to expect. Read this part fully before you begin.

• Skill level. Usually Beginner, Easy, Intermediate or Advanced. As a first project, choose Beginner.
• Materials. Yarn weight and fibre, the amount of yarn, the hook size, and extras such as stuffing, safety eyes, a key ring or buttons.
• Gauge (UK: tension). How many stitches and rows fit in a set measurement. It matters for wearables like hats and cardigans; for small items such as coasters and ornaments, a slightly different gauge only changes the size a little.
• Finished size. The size of the sample made with the listed yarn and hook.
• Terminology. Whether the pattern is written in US or UK terms. This is more important than it looks (see section 5).

2. Learn the core abbreviations

Patterns shorten stitch names to keep instructions readable. These are the ones you will meet most often in US-term patterns:

Every pattern should include its own abbreviation list. If a pattern uses a special stitch, such as a puff stitch or a cluster, it is usually explained in a "special stitches" section at the start.

3. Rows vs rounds

Crochet is worked either back and forth in rows or around in rounds.

• Rows are used for flat pieces such as scarves, bags and blankets. At the end of each row you turn the work and usually make one or more chains (the "turning chain") before starting the next row.
• Rounds are used for circles, squares worked from the centre and 3D pieces like amigurumi. You start from a magic ring or a ring of chains and work outward.

Rounds can be joined (you finish each round with a slip stitch into the first stitch) or worked in a continuous spiral (you never join, you just keep going). Amigurumi is almost always worked in a spiral, so place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round to keep count.

4. Brackets, asterisks and stitch counts

These symbols are how patterns describe repeats without writing the same instruction over and over.

• Asterisk * marks the start of a repeat. "*sc in next st, inc* rep 6 times" means: do the part between the asterisks, then do it 5 more times.
• Parentheses ( ) or square brackets [ ] group stitches that are all worked into the same stitch or space, or a sequence that is repeated a set number of times. "(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-sp" means all of that goes into one chain space.
• The number at the end, for example "(18)", is the stitch count: how many stitches you should have when the row or round is finished. Count your stitches at the end of every round, especially at the start. It is the easiest way to catch a mistake early.

Example: reading one line

Rnd 3: *sc in next st, inc* rep 6 times (18)

1. Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch.
2. Work 2 single crochet in the following stitch (the increase).
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have done them 6 times in total.
4. You now have 18 stitches in the round: 6 × (1 + 2) = 18.

5. US vs UK crochet terms

This is the most common source of "my piece looks nothing like the photo". The US and UK use the same stitch names for different stitches. A UK "double crochet" is a US "single crochet", and a UK "treble" is a US "double crochet".

A quick way to tell which system a pattern uses: if it mentions "dc" but never "sc", it is very likely written in UK terms, because single crochet has no name in UK terminology. All HandTrendy patterns use US terms, and most of them include a conversion chart for UK, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese terms.

6. Follow the photos and the finishing notes

Many modern patterns, including ours, show a photo for most steps. Compare your work with the photo after each round. If the shape looks different, count your stitches before going further. At the end of the pattern you will usually find assembly notes (sewing parts together, adding eyes or a key ring) and how to weave in the yarn ends.

Common beginner mistakes and how to fix them

• The piece is curling or rippling. A flat circle that curls into a bowl has too few stitches; one that ripples has too many. Recount each round against the stitch count.
• The rows are getting shorter or longer. This usually means the first or last stitch of the row is being skipped or doubled. Mark the first and last stitch of each row.
• The finished size is wrong. Check the hook size and yarn weight. A tighter or looser hand also changes the size; go up or down a hook size if needed.
• The stitches look different from the photo. Check whether the pattern uses US or UK terms.

Good first patterns to practise on

Small, flat projects let you practise reading a pattern without a big commitment:

• Granny square patterns: rounds, chain spaces and repeats in one small motif.
• Coaster patterns: quick rounds and a clear finished size.
• Granny heart pattern: a flat motif with simple shaping.
• Mini amigurumi patterns: the next step, with spiral rounds, increases and decreases.

Frequently asked questions

What does the number in brackets at the end of a round mean?

It is the stitch count, the number of stitches you should have when that row or round is finished. If your count is different, check the round before moving on.

What is the difference between "inc" and "dec"?

An increase (inc) means working 2 stitches into the same stitch, which adds one stitch. A decrease (dec) means working 2 stitches together into one, which removes one stitch.

Do I need to make a gauge swatch?

For wearables such as hats, slippers and cardigans, yes. For coasters, appliqués, ornaments and keychains it is usually not necessary; the item will simply come out a little larger or smaller.

Are HandTrendy patterns written in US or UK terms?

US terms. Most of our patterns include a conversion chart for UK and several other languages. See our FAQ page for more about our patterns.