Learn to Read a Crochet Pattern

The first step to learning how to read a crochet pattern is understanding the abbreviations for each stitch. 

Tip: Did you know that there are different crochet terms for US and UK stitches? We have seen this confuse many new crafters! The basic rule to tell one from the other is this: if there is a Single Crochet (sc), then the pattern is written in US terminology. A Single Crochet in UK terms is a Double Crochet. All our patterns (including the one below) are written in US terms.

A good pattern will have a chart or key with all the abbreviations that have been used. So, that’s the best place to begin when reading any new pattern. Have a look over the stitches and make sure that you understand how to do each one. If you’re stuck, YouTube is a great place to find videos on stitches and techniques. 

For our practice fidget pattern, we’re going to use the following crochet stitches and techniques:

• sc – single crochet
• ch – chain
• hdc – half double crochet
• bead sc – bead single crochet (place a bead onto your crochet hook, put the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops and the bead)
• sl st – slip stitch
• st – stitch
• fasten off – cut the yarn and pull through

As well as abbreviations, there will also be symbols in a crochet pattern. We are using the two most common ones for our example pattern:

(#) The number in brackets tells you how many stitches you should have at the end of teh round.

*  *  Two asterisks are used to indicate when you need to repeat the instruction inside the symbols. 

There may also be other symbols like [  ] for a pattern repeat or to isolate stitches that are to be repeated in different ways or crocheted all in one stitch.

Unfortunately, there is no universal way to write patterns, and every creator has their own style. There should be a key at the beginning of each pattern that explains the symbols. 

This section outlines the materials the pattern designer used to create the pattern.

For our Two-Tone Fidget Square, we’ve used an Aran weight yarn and a 3.5 mm hook. You’ll also need scissors and a tapestry needle to weave in your ends. 

As this pattern only uses small amounts, there is no meterage/yardage provided. We also don’t need to worry about gauge as your square doesn’t have to be the same size as ours. 

Let’s put together everything we’ve learned so far on how to read a crochet pattern and make a Two Tone Fidget Square. If you’d like to support us, we have a printer-friendly version of this pattern available for $1 AUD on Ravelry on our website.

Remember to go through both loops of the stitch (unless the pattern tells you otherwise). 

All of our crochet patterns are written with beginners and neurodivergent crafters in mind. We have broken down the abbreviated instructions with the instructions in italics. Learn more about our patterns (click here).

The chain 1 at the beginning of each row does NOT count as a stitch (in other words, start crocheting directly into the last stitch of the previous row – don’t skill the first stitch).

Row 1: In MC, Ch 13, starting in 2nd ch from the hook, hdc in the back bump of each ch (12)

In Main Colour, Chain 13, starting in the second chain from the hook, half double crochet in the back bump of each chain

This is the right side of the square

Tip: To find the back bump, turn over the chain and look for the little hump in the middle. Crocheting into the back bump creates a neat start to your project. 

Row 2: Ch 1, TURN, *hdc, bead sc* Repeat a total of 5 times, 2 hdc (12)

Chain 1, TURN *half double crochet, bead single crochet (place a bead onto your crochet hook, put the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops and the bead)*, Repeat a total of 5 times, half double crochet in the last 2 stitches

Remember to repeat the instructions between the *  *

hdc, bead sc,

hdc, bead sc,

hdc, bead sc,

hdc, bead sc,

hdc, bead sc,

hdc, hdc 

Row 3: Ch 1, TURN, hdc in each st (12)

Chain 1, TURN, half double crochet in each stitch of the row

You will have 12 hdc at the end of this row 

Row 5 – 8: (4 Rows) Repeat Rows 2 and 3 two times

We are going to repeat Row 2 and 3 an additional 2 times.

Row 5: Bead Row

Row 6: Half Double Crochet Row

Row 7: Bead Row

Row 8: Half Double Crochet Row 

You should now have 4 rows of beads

Rd 9: Ch 1, TURN, hdc in each st (12)

Chain 1, TURN, half double crochet in each stitch of the row

DO NOT TURN, Ch 15, sl st back into the last st

DO NOT TURN, Chain 15 and slip stitch back into the last stitch of Row 9

Fasten off and weave in all ends on the wrong side of the square