The Froggy Façade

I think we can all agree that when we started crocheting that trying to read patterns was like looking at ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. But guess what? People used to be able to read those, and people still learn to read them to this day. That means you can learn how to read those crazy crochet patterns no problem!

Now there are two types of patterns you will see, abbreviations and symbols. They both are great in their own ways and also have their downsides.

1. Abbreviation Patterns
   1. Pros
   2. Cons
   3. List of Abbreviations
      1. Basic Need to Know Abbreviations
      2. Stitch Abbreviations
         1. Basic Stitches
         2. Advanced Stitches
2. Visual Patterns
   1. Pros
   2. Cons

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Abbreviation Patterns

With an untrained eye these pattern types can look like “abdt prdt ooo34”, but we are going to go over so many of these that your head might explode with knowledge. Frist let’s go over the pros and cons of these patterns.

Pros

• Rows are clearly noted so it is easy to remember where you are at.
• It has listed stitch numbers.
• Great for 3D patterns, like really the only way to go!
• The abbreviations make sense are are very closely related to each word.

Cons

• It can get confusing very quickly.
• You are unable to visually compare your progress with the pattern.
• SO many abbreviations, sometimes you even see multiple abbreviations for the same stitch or measurement.

List of Abbreviations

Basic Need to Know Abbreviations

• St: stitch
• Sk: Skip
• YO: Yarn Over
• Lp: Loop
• RND: Round
• Sp: Space
• Cl: Cluster
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Beg: Begin
• Bet: Between
• Rem: Remaining
• Rep: Repeat
• *: Repeat as directed by notes
• 2tog: 2 Together

Stitch Abbreviations

Basic Stitches

To learn how to do the 7 Basic Crochet Stitches every Beginner Needs to Learn First, click HERE!

• MR: Magic Ring
• Sl St: Slip Stitch
• Ch: Chain Stitch
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Hdc: Half Double Crochet
• Dc: Double Crochet
• Tr: Treble Crochet
• Dtr: Double Treble Crochet
• Ttr: Triple Treble Crochet
• Dec: Decrease
• Inc: Increase

Advanced Stitches

• 3 Dc Sp: 3 Double Crochets in One Space
• 3 Dc St: 3 Double Crochets in One Stitch
• 3 Dc Cl: 3 Double Crochet Cluster
• Pc: Popcorn
• BO: Bobble
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• FPdc: Front Post Double Crochet
• BPdc: Back Post Double Crochet

Continue reading for a quick guide crochet cheat sheet!!!

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Visual Patterns

Visual patterns can be very confusing if not read correctly. Without understanding all the symbols it is just looking and bad abstract art. Fear not though because Froggy is here!

Pros

• Fantastic for learning!
• Perfect for 2D or blocking based projects.
• The BEST for granny squares!!
• You have the ability to compare your progress with the picture of the pattern.

Cons

• You need to keep consistent track of your own progress and rows.
• A lot of symbols that cannot easily be connected to stitches unless memorized.

Despite its cons, visual patterns are a great tool for learning granny squares. And I am a believer that mastering the granny square is the first step to crochet success. All the visual patterns will be shown and listed below in the cheat sheet.

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7 Basic Crochet Stitches You Should Learn First

I hope this has helped you! Feel free to visit the pond again anytime you need a refresher! Stay froggy my friends!!!

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