Chart reading
How to read crochet charts
Charts are a map of stitches. Learn a few symbols and you can follow diagrams without translating every abbreviation.
Three things to know
- One symbol = one stitch. Each mark stands for a single action with your hook — not a whole row of fabric.
- Read in the working direction. In rows, odd rows usually go right→left (or follow the arrows). In rounds, you work around the circle.
- Learn stitches first, then symbols. Open a technique page to see the symbol next to the how-to — then come back here for the full legend.
Common symbols
Same glyphs we use in Pattern Studio diagrams.
Basic stitches
ch
Oval — chain.
sl st
Filled oval — slip stitch.
sc
X or + — single crochet.
hdc
T — half double crochet.
dc
T with one slash — double crochet.
tr
T with two slashes — treble crochet.
dtr
T with three slashes — double treble.
trtr
T with four slashes — triple treble.
Ring & circle
MR
Circle with center — magic ring.
spiral
Spiral — continuous rounds, no join.
adj ring
Dashed oval — adjustable ring.
Increases & decreases
inc
V with crosses — 2 stitches in one.
dec
Inverted V — two stitches together.
3 in 1
3-prong V — three stitches in one.
4 in 1
4-prong V — four stitches in one.
5 in 1
5-prong V — five stitches in one.
inv dec
Crossed decrease — invisible decrease.
Clusters & special
bo
Grouped posts — bobble.
pc
Popped cluster — popcorn.
shell
Fan with arc — shell.
cl
Joined posts — cluster.
V-st
V with bars — V-stitch.
Stitch placement
BLO
Lower arc — back loop only.
FLO
Upper arc — front loop only.
both
Paired arcs — both loops.
FP
T with front hook — front post.
BP
T with back hook — back post.
Skip & space
sk
Wide arc — skip.
ch-sp
Three ovals — chain space.
sp
Oval — space.
Join, turn & direction
join
Filled dot — join.
turn
Curved arrow — turn.
rows
Right arrow — row direction.
rnds
Opposed arrows — round direction.
Edges & finishing
picot
Loop knot — picot.
fpdc
Slashed T + front hook — fpdc.
bpdc
Slashed T + back hook — bpdc.
FO
Crossed loop — fasten off.
SS
Parallel slashes — surface sl st.
Other symbols
rep
Dashed circle — repeat section.
[×N]
Bracket — repeat N times.
or
Opposed arrows — alternative.
start
Star — start.
end
Triangle — end.
…
Vertical dots — continue.
Practice with a technique
Each page shows one symbol with the stitch you’re learning.