Cracking the Code

Learning to read a crochet pattern can be tricky if no one has taught you how to break the code. When I first learned to crochet it was by rote. There was no written pattern that I followed. My mother told me how to make a ripple afghan, how many chains, then how many single crochets up the peak, how to make the peak, number of single crochets into the valley and how to make the valley. I spent a long time just repeating this pattern over and over. Then, one day, many years later, I discovered a pattern book with an afghan that I wanted to make. Fortunately, the book was thorough enough that I was able to crack the code of pattern reading.

This past weekend, I spent Saturday with my mom working with her on a new pattern that she wanted to try. The pattern claimed that it was in US terms, but when I started to read it, I couldn't make out what in the world the designer wanted. I considered the fact that the designer was from a different country than I am and it may be the way they word things there, but I still couldn't figure it out. The designer included a video tutorial in the pattern, and I was eventually able to figure out what to do. So, I re-wrote the pattern in terms that were understandable and familiar to me. This is a sample of the finished square after the pattern re-write.

Reading a pattern is really just code breaking, and once you understand it, you can read most patterns. Note that I stated "most" patterns. In over 25 years of crocheting, this is the first pattern that I was not able to crack just by taking my time and reading it again. Honestly, if the designer had not posted a YouTube tutorial, I am not sure I ever would have understood the pattern.

Most patterns when you purchase from a website like ravelry.com or from a crochet magazine or hobby store have a list of abbreviations in the beginning of the book or pattern. For special stitches, there are often explanations of how to execute these stitches. If the pattern calls for a 3dccl (3 double crochet cluster), since this is not a common stitch, the designer will often write out directions for how to complete the stitch. It is helpful before you begin working on any pattern to familiarize yourself with the abbreviations and designer's instructions before you get started.

A few common abbreviations for crochet:

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

tr = treble crochet

hdc = half double crochet

sp = space

st/sts = stitch/stitches

bp = back post

fp = front post

lp = loop

blo = back loop only

flo = front loop only

Pattern reading should not be something to avoid. It isn't usually too difficult if you understand the basics. Just take your time be thorough, don't skim, and give it a go. You'll find that you can actually accomplish more than you initially thought. Good luck, and Happy Hooking!