How to read a Crochet Pattern plus Granny square and Puff stitch patterns

Growing up I couldn’t understand why my Grandmother didn’t crochet things other than blankets, even though they are the most sought after pieces I have come to understand.  The reason being was that she never learned how to read a pattern!  Well I am going to make sure that you can.

First things first, you need to know your basic stiches, and the shorthand or abbreviations next to them is what you will see in patterns, even as far back as the 1900’s (possibly further).  This is the universal (English[American at least]) Pattern language, study it, know it.  Just for future reference if they do use a stitch not listed here, they generally state so and have an explanation for it.  And because most Crochet patterns are worked row/round by row/round(for the most part) I like to keep a PENCIL handy to mark off each row I do.  Or make tally marks in the margin to account for those instances where the next rows are the same as the current, so I don’t get lost or have to recount a thousand times if I need to set my work down.

Slip knot

Chain=ch

Slip Stitch=slst

Single Crochet=sc

Half Double Crochet=hdc

Double Crochet=dc

Treble (or Triple) Crochet=tc

Picot stitch

Yarn Over =YO

Round(s)=Rnd(s)

Space=sp

Beginning=beg

Skip=sk

The decreases of each=dec

The increases of each (this is just 2+ stitches in the top of One stitch of the previous row)=inc

And of course some sewing can be involved, so that can be good to know as well.

But this is all for another day, today you are going to learn how use the skills you may already know to make something from a pattern.

I am going to show you a simple pattern, and then walk you through the steps:

Granny Square, Something that you MUST know how to make to be a true Crocheter. :P

Rnd 1: Ch 5, Slst in first chain, ch2.  2 dc in ring(ch2 counts as first st),  ch2, *3Dc, ch2* repeat ** 2 times, slst in beg ch2.

Rnd 2: ch2 turn, 2Dc in ch2sp, ch2, 3Dc, ch2 in same ch2sp *3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2 in next ch2sp* repeat ** around, slst in beg ch2.

Ok let’s stop here.  With the help of the legend above, do you understand what is going on so far?  You should be holding in your hands a square.  And as you probably learned in the second row, you might need to read the whole of the instructions of each row before you continue; I learned this the hard way MANY times. Ripping out my stitches and starting over gets a little frustrating lol.

Ready to continue?

Rnd3: Ch2 turn, 2dc in ch2sp, ch2, *3dc in ch2sp, ch3,* repeat **  2x in each corner ch2sp, then once in each side ch2sp. 

Now the square is a bit bigger.

Rnd4+: Repeat Rnd3 with one **  in each side ch2sp and Two ** in each corner Ch2sp.

The traditional granny square would stop at about 5 rnds or so.  You can make a ton in different colors, piece them together how you like and then sew them all together to make a beautiful throw blanket.  After about 2 or 3 this pattern will most likely be imprinted in your memory bank and you will have it to use at your will.

Here is another even simpler pattern:

Row 1: Ch in a multiple of 3 (12, 15, 18, 21, etc.) then ch 2 more.  2Dc in 3^rd ch from hook, *sk 2ch, 1sc & 2dc in 3^rd ch* repeat ** across, sc in last ch, ch2, turn.

Row 2: 2 dc in first sc, *1sc 2Dc in next sc,* repeat ** across, sc in top of ch2, ch2 turn.

Row 3+: repeat row 2 to desired length, fasten off, weave in ends.

This pattern I ABSOLUTELY LOVE!!  It gives the fabric a nice texture and makes it look fancy and hard, but is super easy and can get really fun to do. If you start with a ch of 24 you can use a whole Red Heart with Love 8oz skein to make a gorgeous warm scarf, and/or sew the ends together (or slst the ends together) and made an awesome Infinity scarf.

Now go forth with your new skills and find a pattern to try.  Most are labeled with their experience level that’s needed.  So start with a couple beginners then easy, then medium and so on.  If you have any questions shoot me an email and I will be happy to help.  Babystewart88@gmail.com  And just because here is a link to my Etsy for the purchase of my Granny Square and Puff Stitch Beanie if you like.

Good Luck In your Crafting Adventures!!