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Crochet Chart Symbol Decoder
A crochet chart symbol decoder explains what each symbol in a crochet diagram means. Search by name, US or UK abbreviation, or by what the symbol looks like — an X, a T with bars, a small oval — to see the stitch, its abbreviations in both terminology systems and how to work it.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy
21 of 21 symbols
| Symbol | Stitch | US | UK | How to work it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small open oval | ChainSmall open oval | ch | ch | Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook. |
| Small filled dot or oval | Slip stitchSmall filled dot or oval | sl st | ss | Insert hook, yarn over, pull through the stitch and the loop on the hook. |
| Plus sign or X | Single crochetPlus sign or X | sc | dc | Insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops. |
| Letter T | Half double crochetLetter T | hdc | htr | Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all three loops. |
| T with one diagonal bar across the stem | Double crochetT with one diagonal bar across the stem | dc | tr | Yarn over, insert, pull up a loop, then (yarn over, pull through two) twice. |
| T with two diagonal bars | Treble crochetT with two diagonal bars | tr | dtr | Yarn over twice, insert, pull up a loop, then (yarn over, pull through two) three times. |
| T with three diagonal bars | Double treble crochetT with three diagonal bars | dtr | trtr | Yarn over three times, insert, pull up a loop, then (yarn over, pull through two) four times. |
| Large circle, often dashed | Magic ringLarge circle, often dashed | MR | MR | Adjustable loop worked into and pulled closed; used to start rounds without a hole. |
| Two X or V-shaped plus signs sharing a base | Single crochet increaseTwo X or V-shaped plus signs sharing a base | sc inc / 2 sc in next | dc inc | Work two single crochet into the same stitch. |
| Two barred Ts fanning from one base | Double crochet increaseTwo barred Ts fanning from one base | 2 dc in next | 2 tr in next | Work two double crochet into the same stitch. |
| Two X signs joined at the top | Single crochet two togetherTwo X signs joined at the top | sc2tog | dc2tog | Pull up a loop in each of the next two stitches, yarn over and pull through all three loops. |
| Two barred Ts joined at the top | Double crochet two togetherTwo barred Ts joined at the top | dc2tog | tr2tog | Work two incomplete dc (stop with two loops each), yarn over and pull through all remaining loops. |
| Arc below the stitch, open side up | Back loop onlyArc below the stitch, open side up | BLO | BLO | Work the stitch into the back loop only, leaving the front loop as a ridge. |
| Arc below the stitch, open side down | Front loop onlyArc below the stitch, open side down | FLO | FLO | Work the stitch into the front loop only. |
| Barred T with a hook curving forward at the base | Front post double crochetBarred T with a hook curving forward at the base | FPdc | FPtr | Work a dc around the post of the stitch from the front, raising it forward. |
| Barred T with a hook curving backward at the base | Back post double crochetBarred T with a hook curving backward at the base | BPdc | BPtr | Work a dc around the post of the stitch from the back, pushing it back. |
| Tall narrow oval with a bar on top | Puff stitchTall narrow oval with a bar on top | puff | puff | Pull up several long loops in one stitch, then yarn over and pull through all loops. |
| Several barred Ts joined at top and base, filled oval | BobbleSeveral barred Ts joined at top and base, filled oval | bob | bob | Work several incomplete dc into one stitch, then close them all together. |
| Fan of barred Ts with a closed oval on top | PopcornFan of barred Ts with a closed oval on top | pc | pc | Work several complete dc into one stitch, remove hook, insert into first and pull the last loop through. |
| Three small chain ovals in a loop | PicotThree small chain ovals in a loop | picot | picot | Chain 3 (or as stated), slip stitch into the first chain to form a small point. |
| Five barred Ts fanning from one base | ShellFive barred Ts fanning from one base | shell | shell | Work several dc (usually 5) into the same stitch or space. |
How do you read a crochet chart?
Charts show one symbol per stitch, drawn in the position it sits in the fabric. Rows are read alternately right to left and left to right; rounds are read counter-clockwise from the centre for right-handed crocheters.
The number of bars across a stitch stem tells you its height: no bar for half double crochet, one bar for double crochet, two for treble.
Why use charts instead of written patterns?
Symbols are the same in US, UK and Japanese patterns, so a chart avoids terminology confusion. Charts also show stitch placement at a glance, which makes lace, doilies and granny squares easier to follow.
Frequently asked questions
What does an X mean in a crochet chart?
An X or plus sign is a single crochet (UK double crochet).
What does a filled dot mean?
A small filled dot or oval is a slip stitch.
How do left-handed crocheters read charts?
Read rounds clockwise and rows in the opposite direction, or mirror the chart.