How to Read a Crochet Chart

When I first started to crochet, charts terrified me. I avoided any pattern with a chart and wanted nothing to do with them. But, I’ve changed my ways. I’ve slowly practiced and learned and now I really appreciate a chart for what it is, a visual representation of a crochet pattern. The benefit of a chart is that, once you can understand the symbols, you can tell exactly how the stitch pattern will work up. Now what do those symbols mean? Here is a stitch guide.

Once you understand what each symbol means, take a look at this post from Craftsy.com: Understanding Crochet Diagrams: The Key to Breaking the Code

If you are a chart newbie, I recommend 2 patterns that will really help you to practice your chart reading skills.

The Harlequin Scarf by A la Sascha is made in one piece with a few colors for a beautiful finished project. It has both written directions and a chart. This scarf uses only basic stitches so it is a great beginning chart pattern.

The DreamCatcher Shawl by A la Sascha looks complicated but it is just a series of chains and double crochet. It has a written pattern and a chart. 

How do you feel about charts? Have you tried to work from a chart before? Let me know in the comments 🙂 Should we do some more chart tutorials?

Happy Crocheting!

~Emily

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9 Comments

1. 

   BearMtn

   January 14, 2016 at 3:10 pm

   I prefer symbol Crochet rather than text. It’s a universal language which is used all over the world! I can read virtually any pattern, whether it be in Portuguese, Swedish, German, Greek or even Japanese!!

   Reply
2. 

   Marsha

   January 14, 2016 at 3:38 pm

   I love the large illustration and the explanations. Extremely helpful. Please do more on charts.

   Reply
3. 

   Lynne

   January 14, 2016 at 3:54 pm

   Charts are terrifying and confusing! I’ve crashed on the rocky shoals of charts several times and I don’t think that there is any hope of being able to successfully complete even the simplest project from a chart.

   Reply
4. 

   chrissy

   January 15, 2016 at 10:37 pm

   Do more on charts!!!! I have many chart patterns from my. Grandma and great grandma and dont understand any of them…

   Reply
   • 

     Emily Truman

     January 18, 2016 at 4:55 pm

     Thanks for the feedback! I will put some more info together!

     Reply
5. 

   Doris Honeman

   January 16, 2016 at 3:54 pm

   I’ve been trying to figure out a chart for an Eiffel Tower for a while and been unable to!!! I’ll see if this helps me. Thanks

   Reply
6. 

   Irene Harrison

   January 19, 2016 at 5:40 am

   Dear Emily
   such help, thank you so much, although more new charts will be so useful for the beginners ( as I am ).
   Irene

   Reply
   • 

     Emily Truman

     January 20, 2016 at 4:02 pm

     You’re very welcome! I will put together some more tutorials!

     Reply
7. 

   suzanne

   January 21, 2016 at 4:11 pm

   where get those pretty needles?

   Reply