How to Read Stitch Diagrams (Symbol Crochet)

Crochet symbols are a universal language and are an alternative to written instructions. If you are a visual stitcher this style of pattern instructions is perfect for you. It allows you to see where the stitches go and how they come together.

The Symbols

In symbol crochet, each stitch is represented by a little picture or symbol. For example, below is a list of basic symbols for a practice project provided on this page, the Melody Mini Doily.

represents a chain (ch) -- and resembles a chain stitch.

represents a single crochet (sc).

represents a half double crochet (hdc).

represents a double crochet (dc).

represents a treble crochet (tr).

represents a slip stitch (sl st) -- this symbol resembles the chain symbol, but is filled in.

represents a 4-treble crochet cluster (4-tr cl).

Sometimes there is a special symbol for a group of stitches, such as a bobble or a popcorn, used in a symbol crochet diagram. These symbols are either defined in the pattern or are included in a stitch glossary.

A glossary of all symbols used in this article is included at the bottom of this page.

The Diagram

When symbols are arranged to form a “picture” of the work to be done, it is called a diagram. The diagram looks similar to the finished crocheted piece and shows at a glance how it is constructed.

On circular designs such as doilies, the diagram is followed starting at the center, working from right to left (counterclockwise) if you are right-handed and from left to right (clockwise) if you are left-handed.

The number 6 in the center of the ring shows the number of chains needed to start; the symbol for slip stitch indicates joining in a ring. The number of the round is indicated at beginning of the round.

This mini doily practice piece will let you practice following the symbols and show how a diagram is made.

Melody Mini Doily

Materials

Size 10 crochet cotton
Size 7/1.65mm steel crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge

9 tr = 1 inch

Pattern Notes

Below, you will find the symbols that tell you what to work in each row. Below each illustration, the instructions for the symbol diagrams are written out. First try to work from the symbols, then check your work against the text.

Ch 6, sl st in first ch to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 4 (counts as first tr), 23 tr in ring, join with sl st in 4th ch of beg ch-4. (24 tr) Image:

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same ch as joining, ch 5, *sk next tr, sc in next tr, ch 5, rep from * 10 times, join with sl st in beg sc. (12 ch-5 sps)

Rnd 3: Sl st in next 3 chs, ch 1, sc in same ch as last sl st, ch 5, [sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, ch 5] 11 times, join with sl st in beg sc.

Rnd 4: Ch 4, keeping last lp of each tr on hook, 3 tr in same sc, yo and pull through all 4 lps on hook (beg cl), ch 2, tr in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, ch 2, keeping last lp of each tr on hook, 4 tr in next sc, yo and pull through all lps on hook (cl), ch 2, *tr in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, ch 2, cl in next sc, ch 2, rep from * 9 times, tr in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, ch 2, join with sl st in top of beg cl.

Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in top of same beg cl, *ch 3, sc in next tr, ch 3, sc in top of next cl, rep from * 10 times, ch 3, sc in next tr, ch 3, join with sl st in beg sc. (24 ch-3 sps)

Rnd 6: Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in same ch sp and in each ch-3 sp around, join with sl st in beg sc. Fasten off. Secure ends.