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 
127 responses to “How to read amigurumi patterns: Part 3”
I’m working on a pattern but am confused as to what this means on step 14:
14. each 7 and 8 sc together (42)
15.- 24. 42 sc (42)=x10
25. each 6 and 7 sc together (36)
26. each 5 and 6 sc together (30)
27. each 4 and 5 sc together (24)
28. each 3 and 4 sc together (18)
Stuff head, fasten off
would it mean to sc2tog-?
Hello! This is so interesting to me because I have never seen a pattern written like this before. To me, it looks like you crochet every 7th and 8th stitch together (so yes, essentially sc2tog or dec). I would write rnd 14 as: (sc 6, dec) 6 times (42).
Does that help?
Megan
What does 37 sc, 2 sc by ch, 7 sc, 2 sc by ch, 30 sc (78)
I don’t understand what the “by” means.
Can you tell me please?
Hello! I am sorry, I have never seen “by ch” before either…Do you make chains in the previous round/row that you can then crochet into?
Sorry I can’t be of more help. Have you tried contacting the designer?
Take care,
Megan
Hello! I have a pattern where round 1 is 14 chains. Easy! But round 2 reads: 14+3+14. What does this mean?
Hello,
Sorry, but I am not sure either! Is that all the info they give you?
Megan
hi, how do you read ch 1, (sc, inc) x 2 , 6 sc, (sc, inc)x 3?
does ch 1 mean ? On the first chain you do a sc then Inc?
Hmm, I would need to see what comes before these instructions to understand more what you need to be doing here. Can you provide more?
Megan
Please help I’m a beginner at crochet and I’m really wanting to make this pig! But I’m so so confused by the instructions can somebody please help me!
01. start 6 sc into a magic ring [6]
02. *sc, inc* [9]
03. sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 2 times, sc [12]
04 – 05. sc in each st around [12]
06. *sc 3, inc* [15]
07. inc, sc, inc, sc 9, inc, sc, inc [19]
08. sc, inc, sc 15, inc, sc [21]
09 – 12. sc in each st around [21]
13. *sc, dec* 2 times, sc 9, *sc, dec* 2 times [17]
14. *sc, dec* 2 times, sc 9, dec [14]
Hello! So happy you have started to crochet! Is there anything specific about the instructions you don’t understand? There is a lot of info there. Maybe a term you are unsure about?
Megan
Hi! This is probably a silly question, but when a pattern reads ‘rds 15-17’do you repeat the steps the follows the location for rounds 15, 16, and 17? So, it would be 3 rounds with the same steps? I hope this makes sense.
Hello! Not a silly question at all! You are right, rnds 15-17 means the instructions that follow are the same for each of those rounds. So, for rnds 15, 16, and 17 you do the same thing.
Hope that helps!
Megan
Hi. I’m making a ramen cup LOL. I’m having a hard time comprehending the part where you wrote the following. The first line of yours is exactly my instructions.
*inc, 3 sc. Repeat from * 5 times (30)
Then you added “Written out fully, this means: inc, 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc, 3sc (30).”
What I’m not getting is how many stitches are in the “increase”? In this scenario, is it 3 separate sc (sc/sc/sc) and then 3 sc in the next stitch, (equalling 4 total sc)?
If i do that then my total stitches don’t end up at my stitch marker. Unless I’m just supposed to stop at 30 stitches even if I’m not back at my marker??
Im teaching myself. Thank you.
Hello!
So, in my example, an “inc” is 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch. Then, “3 sc” means you make 1 single crochet into each of the next 3 stitches. So one repeat is “inc, sc, sc, sc” which equals 5 stitches and you do this repeat a total of 6 times (=30).
Hope that helps!
Megan
hi! Im really confused on a certain meaning.
so normally when I use a pattern if I want an amount of sc it’s sc # but in a certain part it’s (sc 1) 5 times so I don’t know if that means I just do sc 5 or a different instruction because just doing sc 5 isn’t looking correct
Hello,
That does look different to me, too. Maybe it is a typo? Sorry I can’t be of more help! Are you able to ask someone else who has made the pattern, or the designer?
Megan
I’m wondering if you can help! This is my first time following a pattern. And I really don’t know what I’m doing. I’m at 24 stitches and my pattern says I need to do this 6 dec, (1 sc, dec)*4(14). I think I have to decrease it from 24 to 14 stitches? But I just can’t figure out how to do it. Can you help?
Hello Teressa,
Ok, so in this next round, you will do 6 decreases in a row (across the next 12 stitches), and then do what is in the brackets a total of 4 times (so 1 sc followed by a decrease, 4 times). You will then have made 10 decreases total, which brings your stitch count from 24 down to 14.
If you wrote the round out fully, it would look like this: dec, dec, dec, dec, dec, dec, sc, dec, sc, dec, sc, dec, sc, dec = 14 stitches
Hope that helps!
Megan
omg that actually makes sense to me lol. I will give it a go. Thanks so very much!
yay! Glad it was helpful ☺️
I am not sure what to do here
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 Sc, inc] 6 times – 36 sts
~~~~~~~~~
Rnd: 15: [Sc in next 24 Sc, inc] 2 times – 50 sts
Hopefully you can help otherwise I messed my whole project up!😭
I can help! Don’t fret too much – the lovely thing about crochet is that you can unravel it easily and try again (which just means more fun crocheting and lessons learned!).
Ok, so for RND 6, you are repeating what is within the brackets 6 times total, where inc means you make 2 sc stitches into the same stitch . If I wrote it all out fully, it would look like this: sc, sc, sc, sc, inc, sc, sc, sc, sc, inc, sc, sc, sc, sc, inc, sc, sc, sc, sc, inc, sc, sc, sc, sc, inc, sc, sc, sc, sc, inc (36 stitches total)
RND 15 is similar, but you only repeat what is in the brackets 2 times total. It would look like this written out fully: sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, inc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, inc (50 stitches total)
Hope that is helpful. Let me know if you have more questions.
Take care,
Megan
That makes a lot more sense! Thank you so much!!
Before I had done 4 inc in each stitch all the way around. When I looked forward into my pattern and it replaced the 4 with 24 I knew I had messed up. My yarn will not unravel though… not quite sure what to do then… I would appreciate any help you give very much!!!!❤
Hmm, that is unfortunate that your yarn will not unravel! If you are really sure it can’t, I guess your only options are to redo that particular piece completely, or maybe try cutting the part you did incorrectly and reattach the yarn at a point before the mistake? But it might be tricky to not cut too much (I have never done this before). Maybe someone else has a suggestion?
Sorry I can’t be of more help!!
Megan
I’m having some trouble figuring out what to do in Rnd14 it goes like this sc2, ch-8, sk ch-8, sk8, sc6, ch-8, sk ch-8, sk8, sc4, ch-7, sk ch-7, sk7, sc2, ch-7, sk ch-7, sk-7, sc4, ch-8, sk ch-8, sk8, sc4 (60)
Hi! Sorry, I would need to see more of the pattern in order to interpret this round. Are you able to reach out to the designer of the pattern?
Megan
Thank you so much for doing this!!! It has helped me complete the head of a cat! This takes time and commitment and obviously that is something you have. Keep up the good work!❤
oh yay! So glad it was helpful for your cat! Happy crocheting 🙂
Megan
not sure what I’m meant to do here
Ears (2pcs pink and 2pcs blue): 1)
8ch, unfold the crocheting from 7 sts, crochet 6sc, in the first stitch 3sc, unfold the crocheting and crochet 6 sc, in the last stitch 3sc.
2) inc, 5sc, inc, sc, inc, 6sc, inc, sc, inc
3) sc, inc, 6sc, inc, sc, inc, 7sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, 8sc. We put together one blue and one pink and crochet together 2sc in one loop,
huh, to be honest I am not sure what “unfold the crocheting from…” means. I have never seen this before! Is there a description of techniques somewhere else in the pattern? Have you tried asking the designer?
Sorry I can’t be more help!!
Megan
hi i am having trouble understanding what this means: blo [4sc, dec]x4 (20)
i just don’t understand if i’m supposed to repeat the blo 4 times as well or if i just do it once
hmmm, good question. If I was making that pattern, I would make the entire round blo, so for all 4 repeats. Can you tell from the photos within the pattern?
Take care,
Megan
Hi May I ask again how to do this raffles or upper part of the dress, i cannot understand this part pf the dress🥲
Row 1: start in second ch from hook, hdc in next 6 st, (hdc inc in next st, hdc in next 3 st) repeat 6 times, hdc in next 2 st, ch 5, turn [38]
Row 2: start in sixth st from hook (this creates the buttonhole), sc in next 5 st, inc in next st, (sc in next 6 st, inc in next st, sc in next 6 st) repeat 2 times, inc in next st, sc in next 5 st, ch 1, turn [42]
Row 3: work this row in BLO: sc in next 5 st, ch 3, skip next 10 st, inc in next st, sc in next 10 st, inc in next st, ch 3, skip next 10 st, sc in next 5 st, ch 1, turn [24 + 6 ch] (picture 9)
Row 4: sc in all 30 st, ch 1, turn [30]
Hello! Is there any part in particular you are struggling with? It is a bit too much to try and explain here, but if there is a specific section, I can try!
Take care, Megan
Hi! I am a newbie for crocheting the doll may I ask how to understand this pattern?
start in second ch from hook, inc in this st, sc in next 4 st, 4 sc in next st. Continue on the other side of the foundation chain, sc in next 4 st, inc in next st [16]Rnd 2: (inc in next 2 st, sc in next 4 st, inc in next 2 st) repeat 2 times [24]
Ch 7. Stitches are worked around both sides of the foundation chain
start in second ch from hook, hdc in next 6 st, (hdc inc in next st, hdc in next 3 st) repeat 6 times, hdc in next 2 st, ch 5, turn [38]
Hello! For this pattern you are working into both sides of a foundation chain. Have you done this before? Maybe check out this video to get an idea of what it is like, though for your pattern the placement of the increases will be different: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kJvgJDJefo
For your pattern, you start with an increase, single crochet into the next 4 stitches, and then make a double increase (4 stitches in the same stitch) at the end before rotating. Then you single crochet in the next 4 stitches before ending with an increase.
Hope this helps!
Megan
Try your best and don’t give up! I am currently working on a cat from needle creations level intermediate even though I am a beginner. I wish you the best of luck and if you need any help google and YouTube do great!!😉
Hi! I am a newbie for crocheting a doll may I ask how to understand this pattern?
Ch 7. Stitches are worked around both sides of the foundation chain
start in second ch from hook, inc in this st, sc in next 4 st, 4 sc in next st. Continue on the other side of the foundation chain, sc in next 4 st, inc in next st [16]Rnd 2: (inc in next 2 st, sc in next 4 st, inc in next 2 st) repeat 2 times [24]
hello! I’ve been reading a pattern and i just started and im sort of new to reading patterns, and theres one where it says (2sc,inc) x2 (8) and im not sure what it means.
Hi! Hope you are enjoying crochet! So, that means you repeat what is in the brackets two times total. If you wrote it out, it would look like this: 2 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc
The (8) at the end is the total number of stitches you should have in your round when you are done. With 2 SC + an increase (so, 2 more stitches) + 2 sc + another increase (so, 2 more stitches) = 8 stitches total.
Does that make more sense? If there is anything else that is unclear, let me know!
Megan
Hi.
The pattern I’m looking at is 3 sc in the next 30st, 3hdc in the next 25, 3dc in the next 20 st, 1ch, turn.
The only thing I’m confused about is the sts in the next 30, 25, or 20 sts. I’ve never seen a pattern like this.
Huh, I haven’t seen anything like that either. Almost looks like you are doing double increases (so 3 stitches into one stitch) for all those stitches, which seems odd. Does it have a stitch count at the end of the row/round?
Megan
I am having this same problem on my crochet project right now!😬
I am working on a pattern I need help with this
(dec, 4 sc) x3, dec, 16 SC [32]
the problem is if I do the parenthesis 3 times and the single dec, there isn’t enough room for 16 sc in the round
Am I reading it right?
Hmmm, how many stitches are you starting with? What are the instructions for the previous round?
Megan
Hello I’m trying to figure out what
Rnd 3: Sc in next st, 2sc in next (1 sc besides increase)
I’m just not understanding what’s in the parentheses. I’m making piglet and it has these type of directions in parentheses, I have not seen this writing style before.
It looks like the brackets are telling you how many stitches there are in the Rnd total. Normally it would be written (3) or (3 sts), but this designer chose to write it differently.
Hope that helps!
Hi, I can’t understand a step in a pattern. I have tried many different ways but it doesn’t work out. Rnds 22: (SC in next 18sc, sc2tog) 3 times. So I went from 60 stitches to 57. All is good here. But the next steps don’t work for me.
Rnds 23-37: Work as Rnd 22, working 1 fewer sc between decreases each rnd, to decrease 3 sc, each rnd – 12 sc after Rnd 37. Thanks Rosanne
Looks like, for the next 15 rnds you will decrease by 3 stitches each round, so 15×3 = 45, and if you start with 57 stitches, you will then have 12 stitches in the end (57-45 = 12). As for the “work 1 fewer sc between decreases each round”, the 18 number in rnd 22 will go down by one for each subsequent round. So for rnd 23, that number will be 17. Like this: rnd 23: (SC in next 17sc, sc2tog) 3 times. Then for rnd 22 the 17 will be 16. Hope that helps!
Megan
(sc x 20, inc x 2 ) x 2 (48)
This is how the pattern i have is written. Ive. Been trying to understand it but my brain won’t let me.
Please help if you can
Looks like you do 20 sc stitches, then 2 increases, and repeat that all again to get 48 stitches total. Does that help?
Megan
What does this mean
8. sc around
I know SC means single crochet but I don’tKnow what the “.” Means
I am not sure! Maybe a typo?
I need some help with this pattern:
(1 sc, 1 dec) 3x, 1 bobble st, dec, 1 st, dec, 1 bobble st, dec, 1 st, dec (16)
There might be an error in the pattern, because I am only counting 14 stitches for that round, not 16….
Hi! I need some help deciphering a pattern. It goes like so:
(1sc, Inc) x 6 (18)
(1 sc, Inc, 1 sc) x 6 (24)
(3 sc, inc,) x 6 (30)
(2 sc, inc, 2 sc) x 6 (30)
(2 sc, dec, 2 sc) x6 (30)
(3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
(1 sc, dec, 1sc) x 6 (18)
( 1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
I know this is a lot so I really do appreciate it if you could take a quick second to look over it, thank you so much.
Also, this isn’t the full pattern just some parts I had trouble with, if you need the whole pattern just let me know.
Hello!
Is there a particular part or abbreviation you don’t understand? It is written in a pretty standard way. For each round, you repeat everything within the brackets 6 times. So, the first round could be broken down like this: 1sc, inc, 1sc, inc, 1sc, inc, 1sc, inc, 1sc, inc, 1sc, inc. All the numbers seem to add up correctly at first glance, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
Megan
Yes, the part where it says 3 sc or 2 sc. What exactly does it mean by that?
ok! So, 3 sc means you do one single crochet stitch in each of the next three stitches, so the sc stitches in a row. Does that make sense?
Megan
Ok yeah, now it makes sense, I had thought it meant 3 single crochets into 1 stich but now I get it. Thanks!
Yes. The abbreviation that say 3 sc or 2 sc that’s the part I don’t get
Hello, I hope you are able to assist me. I am stuck on this row.. I am making a cow. What does 2SC, (1SC, 2dec) x 5, 1SC (18)
Hello Becka,
So in this case, you repeat what is in the brackets 5 times. Based on the total stitch count, I think 2SC means you do a single crochet into each of the next two stitches, and the 2dec means you do two decreases in a row. Written out fully, it would look something like this: 2 sc, 1 sc, 2 dec, 1 sc, 2 dec, 1 sc, 2 dec, 1 sc, 2 dec, 1 sc, 2 dec, 1 sc (18). Does that make sense?
Megan
Hello, what it’s mean:
ch1, sc in same, 0 (1,2)sc, *bobble, 5sc * repeat from *to* 2x, bobble, sc in last 1 (2,3)st.
Don’t understand this 0 (1,2)sc, and sc in last 1 (2,3)st
hmm, I am not sure, but to me it looks like there are three different sizes of what you are making (maybe a small, medium, and large?). Could that be the case? If so, then 0 (1, 2) would mean that for the small size you make 0 sc, for the medium size you make 1 sc, and then large size you make 2 sc. Let me know if that helps!
Megan
Hi what does 4 sc, increase, (12sc, inc) repeat 5 times, 8sc = 84 sc, mean. I’m trying to figure it out
Thank you
What I see for crocheting: sc, sc, sc, sc (4); 2 sc in next space for increase; then sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc (12), next space sc, sc for increase; You repeat the 12sc & inc four more times; sc, sc, sc, sc, sc, sc,sc, sc(8) this totals (84 stitches). Hope this helps
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
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
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. 😉
Practice is always a good thing! Happy crocheting 🙂
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.
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
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
Yes! So across 3 stitches, you will make three increases (2 st in each of the 3 stitches you are crocheting into).
Megan
You’re the best.
Thank you for helping me understand. I can now proceed.
I appreciate your help.
Nicole
Heyy im having a problem what does (SC, inc) x 8 (24) mean?
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
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
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
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
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
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 😦
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…
I think this means 5sc & 2ch, 2sc & 2ch, 5sc & 2ch, 2sc (14) and the chains don’t affect the final stitch count at all. They just make the final sc taller.
Broken down step step:
5sc and chain 2 (5)
2sc and chain 2 (2)
5sc and chain 2 (5)
2sc (2)
14 resulting stitches in total.
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?
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
Hello! Do you know what this means? ([3sc], sc)x2. Thank you!
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
It doesn’t say how many stitch total, I will try it thanks
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
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
Yes! Thank u sm ❤
how about the increase..?
The ‘inc’ in 3-sc inc? When you are crocheting 3 stitches into the same stitch, that is considered an increase (which is why the term ‘inc’ is there).
Hope that helps!
Megan
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?
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!
Need help what does it mean when the patter says inc previous bookmarks (3 inc in a row)
Hello! Sorry, I have never seen this before in a pattern. Have you tried reaching out to the designer?
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.
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?
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
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.
Hi my pattern says rc 1 sc in same st, 5 inc ,sl any ideas?
Sorry, without looking at the pattern itself, I am not sure what it is asking for! Maybe contact the designer? Take care!
Megan
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??
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
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)?
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
You make so much sense I’m about to go insane trying to figure out the sc inc. total beginner here but the explanations I find make no sense at all
So happy it was helpful!! It can be so frustrating when you can’t understand a pattern.
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
Is there a particular part you are struggling with? I can try to help!
Megan
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?
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
R3: inc, sc 3, inc, sc 3, inc 2, sc 3, inc, sc 3, inc (24), not sure what is meant by inc 2
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
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.
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
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.
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?
Yay!!!!! That DOES make better sense!!! Thank you so very much!!!
~ Shawna
[…] that is not explained here, please let me know in the comments below. Next, I will go through some examples of written instructions that are different from my own […]
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!!
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!