How to Read Crochet Diagrams
The art of reading a crochet diagram is a method I prefer over reading written words. For myself, my first crochet book when I was 14 had written words but also diagrams for each pattern.
Reading isn't my strong suit and it's still not today. Look at my grammar and you can see I am not kidding.
I learned to crochet through reading the diagrams as I came to understand what the symbols meant. Using a stitch key, I taught myself pretty quickly.
TIP: Give yourself time to develop the skill to read the diagrams. Once you get it, patterns across the globe will open up to you without ever having to know the language the designer is speaking.
More Pattern Ideas
- Free Learn to Crochet Ebook by Mikey
- Crochet Baby Blanket for Beginners Pattern
- Crochet Corner To Corner Afghan Pattern
The video below is a comprehensive look at learning how to read crochet diagrams. I start back at the very beginning and work towards getting more complicated. Everything from how to read them, symbols, and so much more. The video has 15 segments. I provide the minute marker near the beginning of the tutorial so you can fast forward if you want to see particular elements and learn specific information.
Video Tutorial
Learning crochet is not a race, enjoy the journey.
Isabel Evans says
Loving your website all it's lovely patterns to browse. I learnt how to use the crochet diagrams some years ago but I would love to be able to download your instructions as a pdf. Do you have it in this format or is it only as a video?
Marina King says
most patterns are downloadable, you will see a blue button on ones that are. We had a glitch in the system and are currently in the process of adding the buttons back.
Isabel Evans says
Thank you Marina I have found these but was wondering if there is a pdf for use of crochet diagrams? Not patterns but the diagrams which show the stitches as loops for chain, lines crossed according to the stitch being double, triple, etc.?
Marina King says
Gotcha, no not all patterns have the diagrams. But you could try what I do, if I find I am struggling with a pattern I diagram line by line as I go (read what it gives for instructions then draw the diagram for what you just read), it also helps me keep track of what row I'm on.