This is the first post in a tutorial series on how to read amigurumi crochet patterns. There are no set rules or guidelines for writing amigurumi patterns. Each designer has his/her own format, so if you like to make amis from many different designers (which you probably do!), than things can get confusing. This series will allow you to decipher a number of different patterns and help clear things up.
Amigurumi patterns can be written out (the usual method for designers in North America) or be in graphic form, such as charts and tables (more common for Japanese patterns). These blog posts will focus on written instructions, as that is how I design my patterns.
Lets start with the basics: pattern abbreviations for written instructions. Written patterns can get pretty long if you don’t shorten some of the words. A well written pattern will have a key telling you what all the abbreviations in the pattern mean, but you may come across some that just jump right in without any guidance. Below are the most common abbreviations found in amigurumi patterns:
Is there anything major I missed? Let me know in the comments below! Did you catch that one appreviation is repeated in two different locations with two different meanings? MC can mean “main colour” or “magic circle”, so be aware!
Next time, I will take you through how to read a hookabee pattern that uses some of these abbreviations.
hookabee 
I am making hookabee and am stuck on the instructions for the body. The instruction for the line does not add up to the number of stitches at the end. I’m sure it’s just how I’m reading it. Please help
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Hello Doris, Sorry you are having trouble with the pattern! Which pattern are you making, and which round are you on? I would love to help you!
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I am making Hookabee .I am now doing the body and for some reason I’m stuck
If you would give some explanation on rows 4 and 5. I think I will understand the pattern
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Are you making one of my bee patterns? The small one or the large one? I have many patterns, so knowing which one you are making would be helpful so I can better help you. Thank you!
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(Sc 2, invdec) 6times (18 set)?
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Are you asking what this means? Without seeing the pattern, I would say this means you repeat what is in the brackets 6 times, so you end up with 18 stitches at the end of the round/row. So you would do this: sc, sc, invdec, sc, sc, invdec, sc, sc, invdec, sc, sc, invdec, sc, sc, invdec, sc, sc, invdec
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What does P and Prs mean? Also D and UB. I’m trying to do the Emma doll from knitting day. I have searched the internet and cannot find hardly anything on amigurumi terms.
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Sorry Kim, I am not familiar with those short forms in amigurumi. Is there a terms list in the pattern that describes them? You will need to contact the original designer if not.
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Can you tell me what is meant by the following -” Chain 8. – sc6, 3sc in one stitch, sc5, inc (16)
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Hello Mary! Sorry, but because this is not my pattern and I do not have it in front of me, I am not sure what is being asked. Are you able to contact the designer of the pattern you are working on? I hope they are able to help out!
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your posts are very interesting and so colourful…you are doing very well, my daughter!!
Hélène :o)
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