How to read crochet patterns in charts.

Crocheting in rows.

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Crochet patterns can be described either in written form or in charts. It is a matter of personal preference which method to use. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. We won't discuss them now.

Everybody can benefit using them together. The majority of people understand things better when they can visualize them. This page is for them - visual learners.

Let's look at the pattern below. I used different colors for alternate rows to make better understanding in which row every stitch is worked. There are some general rules to follow while you are reading patterns in charts.

1. Each stitch in the crochet pattern is represented by its symbol. There are three of them which were used in this chart: chain, single crochet, and double crochet. Here are a few International Crochet Symbols for your reference.



2. Pattern for crocheting in rows is charted row by row. It starts from the foundation chain. Rows are usually numbered. The very first row is always the bottom one.


3. As you run the work, follow the odd rows from right to left. Follow the even rows from left to right. See the chart.


4. Very often a crochet pattern has a section which can be repeated as necessary for width. Repeats are indicated with a brackets below the section which needs to be repeated.


5. Stitches in pattern chart are placed over the stitches in which they have to be worked.

Keeping in mind these general rules, let's read our pattern.

Work a foundation chain. Length of chain is equal to 50 + 3 (turning chain) chains.

Row 1: Make 1 double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook, 2 chains, skip 2 chains,1 double crochet, 2 chains, 10 double crochets, 8 chains, 10 double crochets. Follow the pattern to the end of the row. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Row 2: 3 turning chains, 1 double crochet, 3 chains, 1 single crochet into 1 double crochet of the first row, 3 chains, 1 double crochet, 2 chains, 4 double crochets into 4,5,6,and 7 double crochets of the first row, 5 chains, 2 single crochets into 4 and 5 chains of the 1 st row, 5 chains. Follow the pattern to the end of the row. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Row 3: 3 turning chains, 1 double crochet, 7 chains, 1 double crochet into 1 double crochet, 2 chains, 1 double crochet, 5 chains, 6 single crochets into the 4, 5 chains, 2 single crochets, 1,2 chains of the 2 row, 8 chains. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Row 4: 3 turning chains, 1 double crochet, 2 chains, 1 single crochet into 1 single crochet, 2 chains, 1 double crochet, 2 chains, 4 double crochets into 1,2,3 chains, 5 chains, 2 single crochets into 3 and 4 single crochets, 5 chains. Follow the pattern to the end of the row. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Row 5: 3 turning chains, 1 double crochet, 3 chains, 1 single crochet into 1 single crochet, 3 chains, 10 double crochet, 8 chains, 10 double crochets. Follow the pattern to the end of the row. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Row 6: 3 turning chains, 1 double crochet, 8 chains, 1 double crochet into 1st double crochet, 2 chains, 4 double crochet into 4,5,6,7 double crochets, 5 chains, 2 single crochet into 4 and 5 chains, 5 chains. Follow the pattern to the end of the row. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Here is the result

Now you have the idea about the rules crochet patterns can be described in charts. It will help you to save time while you are working on your projects. It doesn't really matter whether you are going to use written instructions or charts. The most important is your enjoyment from what you are doing. Be creative.

You do not necessarily need to have complicated crochet patterns to make your project. In most cases a real masterpiece is made with simple techniques, good taste, and basic crochet pattern. Here is the library of free crochet patterns - from "easy to do" to "high skilled".

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