No, you’re definitely not the only one who gets overwhelmed when you see a crochet chart. All those symbols—what are they supposed to mean? In this blog post, we’ll list the benefits of a crochet chart, explain what the symbols mean, and walk you through exactly how to read one of these patterns…
The Benefits of a Crochet Pattern
We’ll start by looking at the various advantages of a crochet chart. This is also sometimes called a crochet diagram or stitch pattern. A crochet chart consists of a drawing using universal crochet symbols. The big advantage of such a chart is that even if the accompanying text isn’t in Dutch or another language you speak, you can still crochet the pattern thanks to this chart.
Even when working from a Dutch pattern, the crochet chart offers added value. It clarifies the written instructions. After all, there are as many ways of writing instructions as there are designers. Does the designer want you to crochet two single crochets in one stitch or in two consecutive stitches? The crochet chart lets you see this at a glance.
Bracket Symbols Explained
With a crochet chart, even Japanese or Russian Crochet Patterns become easy to read. This is because crochet symbols are universal and therefore the same worldwide—with some exceptions, of course. Patterns that include a crochet chart generally use only the basic stitches. Chain stitches, single crochets, slip stitches, and (double) double crochets are the most common. Below, we’ve listed the most common symbols along with their meanings:
How to Read a Crochet Chart
And now for the most important part. How do you actually read a crochet chart? We’ll explain it using a Granny Square as an example—the traditional little square used for Blankets, Cushions, Bags, Clothing, and much more. 
Above is a crocheted Granny Square and the corresponding chart. This Granny Square is crocheted in the round. It starts with a magic ring. The Granny Square consists of 5 rounds. Each number indicates the start of a round. You work each round counterclockwise. We used Yarn and Colors Epic yarn in 5 different colors and a 5 mm Crochet Hook.
Round 1 (color 084 Pistachio): You’ve made a magic ring. That’s the little circle in the middle. You’ll crochet Round 1 inside this magic ring. Start at this number and read counterclockwise. First, there are 3 circles. These represent 3 chain stitches. Then 2 double crochets. Then 1 chain stitch. Then 3 double crochets. Then 1 chain stitch. Then 3 double crochets. Then 1 chain stitch. Then 3 double crochets. Then 1 chain stitch. Then you’ll see a green dot. This represents a slip stitch. Based on the position of this green dot, you’ll see that you make this slip stitch in the top chain stitch of the first 3 chain stitches of this round. Fasten off.
Round 2 (color 052 Orchid): Join at one of the corners. This is where you start Round 2. As you can see on the left side of number 2, you start again with 3 chain stitches. Crochet the next double crochets around the chain stitch from the previous round. In order, these are 2 double crochets, 1 chain stitch, and 3 double crochets. Next, move to the next corner. Here, crochet (again around the chain stitch) 3 double crochets, 1 chain stitch, and 3 double crochets. Repeat this 2 more times, at the other two corners. Finish Round 2 with a slip stitch (the purple dot) in the top chain stitch of the first 3 chain stitches of this round. Fasten off.
Round 3 (color 073 Jade Gravel): Join the new color at one of the corners. The beginning is the same as the previous round. So you start with 3 chain stitches and crochet (around the chain stitch from the previous round) 2 double crochets, 1 chain stitch, and 3 double crochets. *Now, along the long side, crochet 3 double crochets between the 2 groups of double crochets from the previous round. Then it’s the corner’s turn again: 3 double crochets, 1 chain stitch, and 3 double crochets, around the chain stitch from the previous round.* Repeat the section between the asterisks until you return to the corner where you started. Here, close the round with the dot, which indicates a slip stitch in the top chain stitch of the first 3 chain stitches of this round. Fasten off.
Round 4 (color 038 Peony Pink): This round is almost identical to the previous one. Join the new color at one of the corners. Start with 3 chain stitches and crochet (around the chain stitch from the previous round) 2 double crochets, 1 chain stitch, and 3 double crochets. *Now, along the long side, work 3 double crochets between the 2 groups of double crochets from the previous round. Skip 3 double crochets, then work another 3 double crochets between 2 groups of double crochets from the previous round. Then it’s the corner’s turn again: 3 double crochets, 1 chain stitch, and 3 double crochets, around the chain stitch from the previous round.* Repeat the section between the asterisks until you return to the corner where you started. Here, close the round with the dot, which represents a slip stitch in the top chain stitch of the first 3 chain stitches of this round. Fasten off.
Round 5 (color 081 Lettuce): You’ve probably got the hang of it by now. The corners are the same as in the previous rounds. Along the long sides, work 3 double crochets between each group of double crochets. Repeat this three times in this round. After the last slip stitch, you can fasten off, and your Granny Square is finished. 
Free Crochet Pattern for a Shawl (Includes a Crochet Chart!)
So, how did it go? A pattern like that is a joy to crochet, isn't it?! If you're ready for a bigger challenge, we have a Free Crochet Pattern from Katia waiting for you.
Katia Australis Shawl
Hot off the press: the Katia Australis. Made from 70% Acrylic and 30% Wool, this skein will keep you nice and warm on chilly days. Each ball contains a whopping 600 meters of yarn, so you’ll only need one ball to make a colorful Shawl. Katia is treating you to a free pattern for this Shawl. You’ll crochet this Shawl back and forth, which means you’ll read the crochet chart slightly differently than you would for a Granny Square. You work the odd rows from right to left and the even rows from left to right. You also turn your work after crocheting the first 3 chain stitches of a row.
To begin, chain 4 chain stitches and join them into a loop with a slip stitch. Then start Row 1. As you can see, the rows alternate between Grey and Black, so you can clearly see which stitches make up each row. Row 1 consists of 3 chain stitches (which count as 1 double crochet), 5 double crochets, 2 chain stitches, and 6 double crochets. Row 2: Chain 3, turn your work. Work 2 double crochets in the first stitch. Work 1 double crochet in each of the next 5 double crochets from the previous row. Work 2 double crochets around the chain stitches from the previous row. Crochet 2 chain stitches. Crochet 2 double crochets around the chain stitches from the previous round. Crochet 1 double crochet into each of the next 5 double crochets from the previous round. Crochet 3 double crochets into the top chain stitch of the first 3 chain stitches from the previous round.
Continue with rows 3 through 14. After that, repeat row 1 again. In a stitch pattern, the section you need to repeat is always indicated by an R. In this case, that means all the rows. Row 15 consists of 3 chain stitches, 2 double crochets in the first stitch, 1 double crochet in each stitch until the turn, 2 double crochets around the chain stitches, 2 chain stitches, 2 double crochets around the chain stitches, 1 double crochet in each stitch until the last stitch (the top one of the 3 chain stitches from the previous row), in which you crochet 3 double crochets.
Just keep crocheting until you run out of yarn. Then all you have to do is fasten off and weave in the ends, and your new eye-catcher is ready!
Inspire us and others
The course is over, and crochet charts hold no more secrets for you. Once your Australis has come off your hook—or you’ve crocheted another beautiful project using a crochet chart—we’d love to see your creations posted on our Facebook page or Instagram with the hashtag #Yarnplaza.
