Reference chart
Crochet symbol chart: what each chart symbol means
A crochet symbol chart shows each stitch as a standard symbol. A chain is an oval, a slip stitch is a small filled dot, a single crochet is an X or plus sign, a half double crochet is a T, and a double crochet is a T with one diagonal line across its stem.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy
| Symbol description | Stitch (US) | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Open oval | Chain | ch |
| Small filled dot or filled oval | Slip stitch | sl st |
| X or plus sign (+) | Single crochet | sc |
| T | Half double crochet | hdc |
| T with one diagonal line across the stem | Double crochet | dc |
| T with two diagonal lines across the stem | Treble crochet | tr |
| T with three diagonal lines across the stem | Double treble crochet | dtr |
| Circle or loop at the chart center | Magic ring | mr |
| Two X symbols sharing one base (V shape) | Single crochet increase | sc inc |
| Two X symbols meeting at the top (inverted V) | Single crochet 2 together | sc2tog |
| Two dc symbols fanning from one base | Double crochet increase | 2 dc in same st |
| Two dc symbols joined at the top | Double crochet 2 together | dc2tog |
| Several dc stems joined at top and base | Bobble or cluster | bob / cl |
| Elongated oval over a short stem | Puff stitch | puff |
| Stem symbol with a curved hook at its base | Front or back post stitch | FP / BP |
| Small arc drawn beneath a stitch symbol | Back loop only or front loop only | BLO / FLO |
| Small loop of chain ovals closed with a dot | Picot | picot |
How do you read a crochet symbol chart?
Read a crochet symbol chart by starting at the foundation chain or center ring and following each row or round in the direction of the row numbers.
- Find the starting point: the bottom chain for rows, or the center ring for rounds.
- Read rounds counterclockwise for right-handed crochet, following the round numbers.
- Read flat rows right to left on odd rows and left to right on even rows.
- Count the symbols in each row and match them to the chart key.
Are crochet symbols the same in US and UK patterns?
Crochet symbols are the same in US and UK patterns, which makes charts useful for crocheters reading patterns written in either terminology or another language entirely.
How do left-handed crocheters read charts?
Left-handed crocheters read rounds clockwise and flat rows in the mirror direction of right-handed crocheters. Some left-handed makers flip the chart image horizontally to follow it directly.
Source and method: Symbols follow the internationally used crochet chart symbol conventions, including those published by the Craft Yarn Council. Designers sometimes vary post-stitch and loop-only marks, so always check the chart key supplied with the pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What does an X mean in a crochet chart?
An X or plus sign in a crochet chart means single crochet in US terms.
What does a T with a line mean?
A T with one diagonal line across the stem is a US double crochet.
What is an oval in a crochet chart?
An open oval represents one chain stitch.