Patterns look like code until someone shows you the key. Here is exactly how to work through one, what every bracket and asterisk means, and how to never lose your place.
By Susi, founder of Crochets · left-handed since day one · updated September 2026
To read a crochet pattern, work through it in order: check the materials, hook size and gauge first, learn the abbreviations it uses, then work the numbered rows or rounds one at a time. Anything inside ( ) or [ ] is a group to repeat, a * marks a section to repeat, and the number at the end of a row is your stitch count to check against. Tick off each row as you go so you never lose your place.
Before a single stitch, a pattern tells you what you need: yarn weight and amount, hook size, gauge (how many stitches and rows make 10 cm), and the finished size. Gauge is the one beginners skip and regret — if your tension does not match, the project comes out the wrong size. Work a small swatch and compare.
Patterns are worked in rows (back and forth, turning at each end) or rounds (in a spiral or joined circle). Each line starts with its number: "Row 4:" or "Rnd 4:". The number in brackets at the end, like (24 sts), is how many stitches you should have when the row is done. Count every few rows — catching a mistake early saves hours.
This is the part that looks like code. Here is all of it:
The same pattern can be written in words or drawn as a symbol chart, where each stitch is a little symbol on a grid. Charts are quicker to read once you know the symbols and are common in Japanese and European patterns. If a chart confuses you, the stitch dictionary shows the symbol next to each named stitch. Left-handed? Read charts right-side first and see the left-handed guide.
Start at the top: gather the yarn, hook and gauge it lists, learn the abbreviations, then work each numbered row or round in order. Repeat anything between ( ) or after a *, and check the stitch count in brackets at the end of each row.
Brackets ( ) or [ ] group stitches worked into the same place or repeated as a unit, for example (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in one space.
An asterisk marks the beginning of a sequence to repeat. Repeat from * as many times as the pattern says, or to the end of the row.
It is the stitch count: how many stitches you should have after finishing that row or round. Count yours to make sure they match before moving on.
Yes if size matters, like a garment or a blanket to fit a bed. Work the swatch the pattern gives and match its stitches and rows per 10 cm, changing hook size until you do.
Crochets follows any pattern row by row, ticks off your place, and shows each stitch in your terms.
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