How To Read Crochet Charts

Many crocheters, even experienced ones, haven’t been able to master or even attempt using a chart crochet pattern. I used to get very diScouraged when I’d find the perfect free patterns on Pinterest, just to follow the links and have my dreams crushed by a chart. Eventually, I just had to learn! Le me tell you at first they can be very intimidating. It’s almost like reading a foreign language, but, once you understand how to identify the symbols it’s almost easier then reading a written pattern.

To make it less intimidating, here is a step-by-step explanation on how to read crochet charts.

First off familiarize yourself with the symbols used in a crochet chart.

Crochet chart symbols - The Lavender Chair

Next what you want to do is take a good look at your pattern. Be able to identify the different rows/rounds. The best way to keep it organized is to color code each of your rows. That way you know to look at one thing at a time. See example below

In the chart above, you can clearly see that each row has been color coded. This enables you to identify each row individually without becoming overwhelmed.

Let’s begin with Round 1, or should I say the black round.

In this round you can clearly see that there are 4 chains and 1 slip stitch creating a circle.

So, you do just that.

Chain 4 and Join with Slip stitch into the first stitch made.

On to Round 2/Blue Round.

In this round you should be able to identify 1 chain stitch, 8 single crochets and one slip stitch.

So, begin by chaining 1. Make 8 single crochets into the chain 4 space from previous round. Then, join with a slip stitch in the chain 1 space from the beginning of the round.

Proceed to Round 3/Red Round.

Here you will notice a turning Chain 3, 8 sets of Chain 3, 7 Double Crochets and 1 Slip Stitch total.

So, begin by making your turning chain 3. *Chain 3. Double Crochet* repeat from * to * a total of 7 times. Chain 3 and Slip Stitch on top of the third chain of the turning chain.

That completes Round 3/Red Round.

Lastly Round 4/Green Round.

First identify your stitches and see that you have, turning Chain 3, 2 Double Crochet in same stitch as join, 6 sets of 3 Chain stitches, 7 sets of 3 Double Crochet in the same stitch and, lastly, Slip Stitch.

Start the round by making your Chain 3. Make 2 Double Crochet in the same stitch. *Chain 3. Double Crochet 3 in same stitch.* repeat from * to * a total of 7 times. Chain 3 and slip stitch into the third chain of the turning chain from the beginning of the round.

Finish off.

See how much less intimidating it is when you break it down? There is no need to stare at the whole chart and just drown yourself in it. Now when you are browsing on Pinterest and you come across a chart pattern in some foreign language that you don’t understand, you will be able to do it!

Leave a Reply