Crocheting is a popular hobby that many people do, creating beautiful afghans, clothes, pillows, throws, and other items.
If you’re new to crocheting, chances are all of the abbreviations and terminology on the different patterns is a little confusing. One thing to keep in mind is the level of difficulty. Each pattern has a difficulty level that is indicated, from beginner to advanced and will help you to decide, depending on your skill level, which projects and patterns you can best undertake.
The following tips will help you to better understand crochet patterns.
Learn common abbreviations
There are a large number of different stitches for crocheting, each with their own names. The following are abbreviations for some of the most common stitches that you will come across in your patterns:
• beg- begin/beginning
• bpdc: back post double crochet
• bpsc: back post single crochet
• bptr: back post treble crochet
• CC: contrasting color
• Ch: chain stitch
• ch- the is the chain or space previously made (i.e. ch-1 space)
• ch sp: chain space
• cl: cluster
• cm: centimeter(s)
• dc: double crochet
• dc dec: double crochet 2 or more stitches together
• dec: decrease/decreases/decreasing
• dtr: double treble crochet
• fpdc: front post double crochet
• fpsc: front post single crochet
• fptr: front post treble crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• hdc dec: half double crochet (decrease) two or more stitches together, as indicated on your pattern
• inc: increase/increases/increasing
• lp(s): loops(s)
• MC: main color
• Pc: popcorn; this is a type of stitch
• Rem: remain/remaining
• Rep: repeat(s)
• rnd(s): round(s)
• RS: right side
• Sc: single crochet
• sc dec: single crochet (decrease) 2 or more stitches together, as indicated on your pattern
• sk: skip(ped)
• sl st: slip stitch
• sp(s): space(s)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• tog: together
• tr: treble crochet
• trtr: triple treble
• WS: wrong side
• Yo: yarn over
There are also a number of symbols used in crochet patterns, in addition to the abbreviations. You don’t need to memorize these all at once, and many patterns will have keys you can refer to.
In addition, keep in mind that crochet patterns are worked in either one of two ways: rows or rounds. These can also be combined together. Your pattern will indicate whether you are working in rows, rounds or a combination of the two. This is important to know.
For extra help in reading patterns, you may want to take a class. These will go over the basics and fundamentals of crocheting, including how to read a pattern. Craft stores, libraries, and local college campuses often provide small classes that will teach the basics of crochet, including types of hooks and sizes to use, yarn types, technique, and so forth. Depending on the length of the class – which can range from an afternoon to several weeks – you may be able to make a project as well. Taking a class is a good way to help you familiarize yourself with crochet patterns.
The most important thing to remember as you read patterns is to remember that, like anything else, it takes practice. Be sure to do patterns associated with your skill level, which will help to minimize frustrations. The more you practice, the more you’ll be able to read crochet patterns like a pro.