How to read crochet patterns in

charts.
Crocheting in rows.

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 crochet 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.