When starting out crocheting, the terminology and words and numbers looks like a foreign language. I mean, it is a different language! But once you learn how to understand the words, you’ll feel like a real master.
Let’s start here:
[inc, sc 2] repeat 6 times (18)
Ahh! Don’t panic! The part in brackets, we are going to repeat. It’s a way to section pieces off and separate what needs to be repeated. The comma (the little one between inc and sc), is used to show what goes into different stitches. In one stitch, inc. In the next stitch, sc 2. Wait! A twist! Sc 2 means single crochet in two different stitches. That means, inc, sc 2 happens over 3 stitches.
As weird as it is “sc 2” means single crochet over two stitches. “2 sc” means place two single crochet in the same stitch.
Alright, so now we know that [inc, sc 2] means we are going to inc, sc, sc. We are going to repeat this a total of 6 times (usually through the whole round but depending on the circle that might not be true).
In the parenthesis, that is the total number of stitches you will have at the end.
Overall, that is the general idea of reading crochet patterns. Every artist and pattern designer has their own version of writing patterns and you might seem some variation but most stick to similar language.
Let’s break down a few more:
mr 6 sc (6) – make a magic ring with 6 single crochet stitches on it. You will have 6 stitches at the end
sc round (24) – place 1 single crochet in each of the stitches around. You will have the same amount of stitches in the end and in this case, it was 24.
ch 21 and turn. Sc in each stitch down (20). Ch 1 and turn – Start with your 21 chains. In the second chain from the hook, single crochet and single crochet in each stitch down. You should have 20 stitches. Once you reach the end, make 1 chain and turn your piece. This type of pattern creates a rectangle or square.
Have you come across something in a pattern that didn’t make sense? Comment below and we will try to help!
Lousy Llama 