Continuing with how to read written amigurumi patterns, I will now take you through different ways to write the same instructions. Missed the first two parts of the series? Catch up here: Part 1 & Part 2.
There are no rules or specific guidelines that amigurumi designers must follow when writing up a pattern. I write mine the way I prefer to read patterns, with fewer words, so I know what I have to do at a glance. You won’t often see “make x stitches in the next x stitches” in my patterns. I don’t like having to find the numbers within the words to learn how many stitches I need to make. But, some designers prefer to write more words in order to explicitly tell the reader the exact stitch to work into, removing all ambiguity. I get the benefits of this method, too.
But then, it isn’t just the number of words that can differ from pattern to pattern, but the symbols used and positioning of numbers. Some designers write the number of stitches before the stitch type (ex. 3 sc), while others write it after (ex. sc 3). For some patterns ‘2 sc’ means ‘make 1 single crochet into the next 2 stitches’, but for others it means ‘make 2 single crochet stitches into the next stitch’.
There are also several ways to write out how to repeat a sequence of stitches. In the last post in this series I showed how I use brackets (you simply repeat what is inside the brackets a certain number of times). Other patterns will indicate a repeat using a * instead. In this case, you repeat whatever follows the * a certain number of times, after already crocheting it once. For example:
*inc, 3 sc. Repeat from * 5 times (30)
Written out fully, this means: inc, 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc, 3sc (30).
The tricky thing about this method is that the number of repeats (in this case, 5 times) is not the total number of times you do the repeat, but the total number minus 1, because you already made one of the repeats! The pattern is indicating how many MORE times you need to repeat the sequence of stitches after already crocheting the sequence once.
Let’s go through some more examples of different instructions. The first line of each will show how I write an instruction, followed by examples of how other designers may write the same thing.
- 3 sc
- sc in next 3 sts
- sc 3
- 3 x sc
- inc in each st around (12)
-
sc twice in each st. (12)
-
(sc 2 in next st) 6 times (12)
-
6 x inc (12)
-
inc rep (12)
-
inc 6 times (12)
-
2 sc in each st around (12)
-
[inc] around (12)
- inc x6 = 12 sts
-
- (dec, 5 sc) 6 times
- *sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts. Repeat from * 5 times.
- (sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts) 6 times
- *Dec, Sc 5*, rep 6 times (note: in this case, the two *’s act like brackets)
- dec, 5 sc rep
- (sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc) to end
- [dec, sc 5] around
- (1 dec, sc in next 5 sts) x6
- (inc, 4 sc) 6 times
- *sc twice in next stitch, sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * 5 times.
- (sc 2 in next stitch, sc in next 4 sts) 6 times
- *Inc, Sc 4*, rep 6 times (note: in this case, the two *’s act like brackets)
- (2sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc) to end
- *inc, 4 x sc* x 6
- [inc, sc 4] around
- [inc, sc 4] 6x
- (2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 st) six times
- (1 inc, sc in next 4 sts) x6
-
4 sc, 3 inc
-
sc in next 4 sts, *sc twice in next stitch. Repeat from * 2 times
-
sc in next 4 sts, [sc twice in next stitch] 3 times
- sc 4, inc x 3
-
sc 4, [inc] 3 times
-
-
6 dec
-
*Sc2tog. Repeat from * 5 times.
-
(sc2tog) 6 times
-
dec 6 times
-
[dec] around
-
[dec] 6x
-
There are even more ways to write each set of instructions than those listed here, but I hope these give you an idea of the variety that is out there and help you with deciphering a pattern you may be having trouble with.
There is no right or wrong way to write an amigurumi pattern, each method works, as long as it is clear within the pattern how to read it. Make sure you read the abbreviations key and notes at the beginning of each pattern you work with, and read the entire pattern thoroughly before beginning to crochet. These simple steps may save you some time and frustration in the long run.
Happy amigurumi making! Let me know if you have any questions on reading patterns.
hookabee 
Hi! I am making a cats head but it isn’t coming together right. I am restarting it and if I am understanding how to read amigurumi patterns, do you know the reason why you can’t do same stitching in reverse? Beginning of head reads: (18 sc, 3 sc in next stitch, 13 sc, 3 sc in next stitch, 6 sc) x2
Bringing end of head together similar line: (18 sc, sc 3 tog, 13 sc, sc 3 tog, 6 sc) x2. The 3 sc in next stitch verses sc 3 tog is where my questions at. Thanks
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Hi Abbie,
I am not completely sure what your question is, but I can try and clear things up for you! It looks to me like the first round you wrote out is an increase round, so the head is getting bigger due to the increases (the increases are the “3 sc in next stitch”), then, the next round you wrote out is a decrease round, so it is making the head get smaller again due to the decreases (the decreases are the “sc 3 tog”). Does that make sense? Let me know if you need more help!
Megan
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Sorry. Maybe it’s me. Thought the stitching should look similar whether you increase or decrease when making the head. It looks like I maybe didn’t need to undo most of my work! (Sigh). Gives me more practice. 😉
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Practice is always a good thing! Happy crocheting 🙂
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Hi Megan,
I’m stuck.
Round 16) (54)………
What does
Round 17) {In front loops 3 sc, 6 inc, 3 sc}, 42 Sc (60)
Am I crocheting 6 stitches into the one stitch in the front loop?
I would love to hear back from you.
I appreciate your time and knowledge.
Thanks.
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Hi Nicole,
It looks to me like you do all the stitches within the { } brackets into the front loop of each stitch you are crocheting into, and then the last 42 stitches of the round are done normally. So, first you do 3 sc, each into a separate stitch, but in the front loop only, then you do 6 increases in a row, also in separate stitches but in the front loop only, and then 3 more sc stitches into separate front loops. Then proceed with the last 42 stitches like normal. Does that make sense?
Megan
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Hi Megan,
Thank you for responding to my question.
If I can clarify, when I increase, I should just use three stitches to do the increases in, right, making six stitches?
Thank you.
Nicole
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Yes! So across 3 stitches, you will make three increases (2 st in each of the 3 stitches you are crocheting into).
Megan
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You’re the best.
Thank you for helping me understand. I can now proceed.
I appreciate your help.
Nicole
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Heyy im having a problem what does (SC, inc) x 8 (24) mean?
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Hello Maheen,
You repeat what is inside the brackets 8 times. So, if you write it out, it would look like this: sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc (24)
Hope that helps!
Megan
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Hi Megan, can you help me out on this crochet pattern 9sc(sc,inc)*3,6sc(sc,inc)*3,9sc and i should have 42 sts. I just can’t really figure it out
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Hello! It looks like you repeat what is in each set of brackets three times, so if I wrote the whole row/rnd out it would look something like this: 9 sc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, 6 sc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, 9 sc = 42 st total. Does that make more sense?
Take care, Megan
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Hi could you please help me out with crochet pattern?
It reads: sc, inc, (2sc,inc) x5, sc (24)
Ik I should have 24 stitches at the end of the round I just don’t know if I should sc increase then 2sc and inc and then repeat that 4 more times to have 24 stitches at the end.
Also what does it mean sc next to the x5?
Could you please tell me if that is right, I’d really appreciate it. 🙂
Thank you
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Hello Angie!
It looks to me like like you repeat what is in the bracket 5 times, so if I write the whole round out without the brackets, it would look like this: sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, sc.
So yes, you repeat the 2 sc, inc 4 MORE times, after doing it once, and then once you have completed that, you do that last “sc” of the round that comes after the “x5”
Hope that helps!
Megan
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Hi, I’m following a pattern for a small bear that says
R5 : 5x,2x,5x,2x =14 2ch between the legs
In this pattern x means sc
And I don’t get it if it’s all sc why did they put commas in between? And where do I chain 2? May you help please I can’t reach the pattern owner 😦
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I am sorry Rawan, I don’t know what it means either! I haven’t seen a pattern written this way before. I can’t tell where the 2 ch is placed…
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I’m trying to follow a pattern for a Peppa Pig and I’m lost on round eighteen. It reads: 15 sc [sc, inc] 6 times 15 sc. it’s supposed to have 48 stitches at the end of this round but it’s not working for me. Any help?
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Hello Ty,
When I do the math, that round does add up to 48 stitches (15 sc + 18sc + 15 sc = 48). I got the 18 sc in the middle from the [sc, inc] 6 times repeat, which written out would look something like this: sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc = 18 stitches. Hope that helps!
Megan
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Hello! Do you know what this means? ([3sc], sc)x2. Thank you!
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Hmm, without seeing the pattern I can’t be sure. Is there an abbreviations list in the pattern to see what the short forms mean? My guess would be [3sc] means you crochet 3 single crochet stitches into the next stitch, then you do one sc in the next stitch, and then repeat all of this (so 3 sc into next stitch and then sc into the next) one more time. Does that add up for the stitch count (8 stitches total)?
Take care, Megan
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Hi Megan, I read your article but still have problems with reading the pattern I’m doing, would you mind helping me with this?
sc, 3-sc inc, [sc × 2, 3-sc inc] × 3, sc
I don’t know what it means…it’s from this free pattern: https://www.craftybunnybun.com/cube-ocean-friends-amigurumi-pattern
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Ok, it looks like based on the abbreviations list, “3-sc inc” means you sc three times into the next stitch. If I wrote that rnd out fully, it would look like this: sc, 3 sc into next stitch, sc, sc, 3 sc into next stitch, sc, sc, 3 sc into next stitch, sc, sc, 3 sc into next stitch, sc. That should equal 20 stitches. Does that make more sense?
Megan
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Yes! Thank u sm ❤
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What would (sc in 3, inc) X 5 times and (sc in 3, dec) X 5 times mean? Can anybody help me make sence of this?
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Without seeing the whole pattern and the stitch counts it is hard to say. Maybe it means single crochet into the next 3 stitches, then increase, and then repeat those steps 4 more times (so 5 times total)? But I can’t be sure!
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Need help what does it mean when the patter says inc previous bookmarks (3 inc in a row)
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Hello! Sorry, I have never seen this before in a pattern. Have you tried reaching out to the designer?
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I’m doing and amigurumi crochet pattern row 5 says -6.(sc) and is some how supposed to be (30) 2 rounds? How can that be? Not sure what the minus sign and the period mean in the pattern.
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Hi Silvia, Sorry, I don’t know what the minus or period means either – I have never seen that before! Have you reached out to the designer?
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Hi, I found you by doing a search for help with a particular issue with my first amigurimi and I was good until about line 9 of the pattern. I have frogged this thing so many times and reworked the latter. It just doesn’t matter how I do it doesn’t matter how many times I correct it I’m still coming up short.this is how it is written:
Sc in the next 11 sts, inc, sc, inc, sc in the next 8 sts, inc, sc, inc, sc in the next 11 sts. (40 sc) Any help for ould be great. Thank you
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Hi Tracy! Hmmmm, well, the numbers add up (there are 40 stitches in the round). Maybe you aren’t starting with the correct number of stitches? Do you have 36 stitches before you start this round? Check that first! Then you have 4 increases in this round that you have written out for me, which would leave you with 40 stitches.
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Hi my pattern says rc 1 sc in same st, 5 inc ,sl any ideas?
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Sorry, without looking at the pattern itself, I am not sure what it is asking for! Maybe contact the designer? Take care!
Megan
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I’m trying to make a baby seal but I’m a little lost at row 7 it says (inc, 2 sc)x6, 12 sc(36) do I do 1 increase and 2 single crochets and then 12 single crochets next??
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It looks like to me that you would repeat the (inc, 2 sc) 6 times before doing the last 12 sc stitches. So like this: inc, 2sc, inc, 2sc, inc, 2sc, inc, 2sc, inc, 2sc, inc, 2sc, 12 sc
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Hello! I came across a pattern for a cat amigurumi. But it says (1 sc, 1 inc)*8 (24). Does these mean that I have to repeat the 1 single crochet for a total of 24 sc 8 times (row)?
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Hello! It looks to me like you have to repeat what is inside the brackets 8 times, not just the sc. So, repeat 1 single crochet AND 1 increase a total of 8 times for that one row. Then you should have 24 stitches at the end of the row. It would be like this: 1 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc (24)
Hope that helps!
Megan
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Sc in next 4 st, [2 sc in next st, sc in next st] 3 times, sc in
next 6 st, [2 sc in next st, sc in next st] 3 times, sc in next 2 st
i have try this so many times i cant get it
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Is there a particular part you are struggling with? I can try to help!
Megan
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Hi! I’m new to crocheting and the pattern I’m using has this step: 1: *sc, inc* (7x), 30 sc, *inc, sc* (7x). (72sc). Can you help me translate this?
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Hello Bryn. Welcome to crocheting! Hope you are enjoying the craft 🙂 It looks like for your pattern you repeat what is between the stars 7 times before moving on to the next instructions, so it would go something like this: sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, 30 sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc. That should then equal 72 stitches total at the end of the round. Hope that helps!
Megan
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R3: inc, sc 3, inc, sc 3, inc 2, sc 3, inc, sc 3, inc (24), not sure what is meant by inc 2
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Hello! Based on the stitch count, it looks like you do 2 increases in a row. So, in each of the next two stitches, make an increase.
Hope that helps! Megan
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Hello. My pattern says for trow 3: INC, SC, INC*3, SC INC*4 (12) So I’m thinking I do an increase, 2 SC in one stitch (an increase), then a SC in the next stitch, then -INC @3- i’m thinking is 2 SC (inc) in the next three stitches. Then a SC in the next stitch, then INC @2 so 2 SC in then next 2 stitches. however, I’m coming up with 14 stitches??? not 12. What am I doing wrong.
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Hello! Sorry you are struggling with a pattern. Without seeing the pattern it is difficult for me to say. Does the pattern have a description at the beginning telling you what each stitch means? Can you contact the designer of the pattern for help?
Take care,
Megan
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Hi, Megan.
I’m trying to do the Disney Zootopia crochet kit and this is my very first time crocheting. You probably already explained this is your previous tutorials, but I don’t want to read this wrong.
Can you please explain what [inc, sc 8] two times (20) mean? This instruction is stated to be done in round 6, but the “two times” throws me off. Can you please help? Thank you in advance.
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Hi Shawna! The two times just means you do what is inside the brackets twice in a row. So, if you write it out fully, you would: inc, sc 8, inc, sc 8
That totals 20 stitches for the entire round: 2 stitches for the increase, 8 single crochet stitches, 2 stitches for the increase, 8 single crochet stitches = 20 stitches
Does that make more sense now?
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Yay!!!!! That DOES make better sense!!! Thank you so very much!!!
~ Shawna
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This is a great article Megan! I am the same as you. I like a brief pattern so I can see at a glance what I need to crochet next. The problem I found is that when I wrote like that, people would email me asking for explanations! So I have started writing it out in a longer explanation. Perhaps it comes down to the experience of the person crocheting? Thanks for taking the time to write these articles. Love getting your newsletter!!
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Thank you Louise! I have not had many emails about how to read my patterns (maybe 1?), but then I do have a little explanation within each pattern on my style of writing, so maybe that helps? I agree, though, it likely depends on the skill level of the crocheter reading the pattern. Some people love more detailed patterns!
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