How to Read a Craft Pattern: Symbols, Abbreviations, and “What Does This Mean?

How to Read a Craft Pattern: Symbols, Abbreviations, and “What Does This Mean?

How to Read a Craft Pattern: Symbols, Abbreviations, and “What Does This Mean?”

Craft patterns are supposed to save you time. But the first time you open one, it can feel like you’re reading a secret code:

  • “Ch 21, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sk, inc, rep…”

  • “RS/WS, seam allowance, notch, grainline…”

  • “2.5mm hook, CO 40 sts, k2tog, pm…”

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not creative enough for this,” pause right there.
Pattern language is just shorthand—and once you learn the basics, patterns become calming and predictable.

This guide explains the most common symbols, abbreviations, and pattern phrases across popular crafts (crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery, paper crafts), plus how to translate them into plain English.

Step 1: Start here (the 5 things every pattern tells you)

Almost every good pattern includes:

  1. Materials list (what you need)

  2. Tools (needle/hook size, scissors, machine, etc.)

  3. Measurements/finished size

  4. Gauge or test (optional in some crafts but important for fit)

  5. Instructions (written steps + sometimes a chart/diagram)

If you only read one section first, read materials + finished size. It prevents 90% of “why doesn’t mine look like the photo?” frustration.

Step 2: The tiny glossary that clears up a lot

RS / WS

  • RS = Right Side (the “front” you want showing)

  • WS = Wrong Side (the back/inside)

Stitch marker / PM / SM

  • PM = place marker

  • SM = slip marker
    Markers help you track repeats, corners, and rounds.

Repeat / Rep / *

Patterns often use symbols like:

  • * = start of a repeated section

  • rep = repeat

  • to end = keep doing it until you run out of stitches/space

Example:
“*k2, p2; rep from * to end”
= Knit 2, purl 2, then keep doing that over and over.

“Work even”

Keep going without increasing/decreasing or changing anything. (Just continue the pattern.)

“At the same time”

This phrase scares beginners, but it just means: you’ll do two things in the same section—like shaping and also adding a detail.

Crochet pattern basics (common abbreviations)

The core stitch abbreviations

  • ch = chain

  • sl st = slip stitch

  • sc = single crochet

  • hdc = half double crochet

  • dc = double crochet

  • tr = treble crochet

Beginner translation tip:
Crochet patterns are written like recipes. Each stitch is an action you do into a specific place.

The most common “shaping” terms

  • inc = increase (add stitches)

  • dec = decrease (remove stitches)

  • tog = together (combine stitches)

Example:
“sc2tog” = single crochet 2 together (a decrease)

Working in rounds

  • rnd/round = a full circle of stitches

  • join = connect end to beginning

  • continuous rounds = keep going without joining (spiral)

Watch for: “Join” vs “do not join.” It changes the look.

Knitting pattern basics (common abbreviations)

The core stitch abbreviations

  • CO = cast on

  • k = knit

  • p = purl

  • BO = bind off

  • st(s) = stitch(es)

  • RS/WS = right side / wrong side

Common shaping

  • k2tog = knit 2 together (decrease)

  • ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease, leans the other way)

  • yo = yarn over (increase + creates a hole for lace)

Beginner rule:
If your pattern has both k2tog and ssk, it’s shaping symmetrically.

Sewing pattern basics (symbols + phrases)

Common sewing symbols (what they usually mean)

  • Grainline (long arrow) = align pattern with fabric grain

  • Fold line = place pattern edge on fabric fold

  • Notches = little triangles/marks to help pieces match

  • Darts = triangle-ish shapes for shaping

  • Cut on bias = cut diagonally (more stretch/drape)

Phrases beginners ask about

  • Seam allowance (SA): extra fabric beyond stitching line

    • If pattern says “5/8 inch SA included,” you cut on the line and sew 5/8" in.

  • RST: right sides together (fabric facing inward)

  • Finish raw edges: prevent fraying (zigzag, overcast, serger, or bias binding)

Embroidery pattern basics (simple translation)

  • Backstitch = outline stitch

  • Satin stitch = filled smooth stitch

  • French knot = small knot detail

  • Split stitch = clean outline (great for text)

Most embroidery patterns also include:

  • Thread colors

  • Stitch guide

  • Transfer method (trace, iron-on, water-soluble pen)

Pattern reading skills that make everything easier

1) Identify the “repeat”

Most patterns are built from a small repeat. Find it and you’ve found the whole project.

Look for:

  • “Repeat rows 3–6”

  • “Repeat between * … *”

  • “Work pattern as established”

2) Count as you go (so mistakes stay small)

You don’t need to count every stitch forever, but counting early prevents mystery problems later.

3) Highlight or rewrite one step at a time

Patterns feel overwhelming when you read them like a novel. Instead:

  • highlight the current step

  • finish it

  • then move on

4) Make a tiny test first

Before you commit:

  • crochet/knit a small swatch

  • sew a mini sample seam

  • stitch a small embroidery section

A 5-minute test saves a 2-hour redo.

“Help, I don’t understand this line” — quick translation examples

Crochet example

“Ch 21. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (20 sc).”
= Make 21 chains. Skip the first chain. Single crochet into each remaining chain. You should end with 20 single crochets.

Knitting example

“CO 40 sts. K2, p2 to end.”
= Cast on 40 stitches. Knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeat until the end of the row.

Sewing example

“Sew side seams RST with 1/2” SA. Press.”
= Put right sides together. Sew the side seams with a half-inch seam allowance. Iron the seam afterward.

The Craft Bloom takeaway

Patterns aren’t “advanced.” They’re just condensed instructions written for speed. Once you learn the core abbreviations and the idea of repeats, you’ll read patterns with confidence—so you can spend less time decoding and more time enjoying the making.

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