While crocheting is a universal craft, the language and terms of crochet can vary between countries.
The easiest way to translate a pattern between languages is to chart it using symbols that are recognized globally.
Crochet patterns use two different types of charts, colorwork charts and stitch charts. In this article, we will talk about stitch charts and how to read them.
What are stitch charts?
Stitch charts are especially popular in the international community because they transcend language barriers and make patterns accessible to crafters of any nationality.
These charts utilize symbols to represent each stitch used in the pattern and arrange the symbols to give a visual representation of the finished product.
How to read stitch charts
Learning to read stitch charts is similar to learning to read crochet patterns.
Like with most new pursuits, start with a simple pattern with a few stitches. This will help you learn the symbols more quickly.
Have a cheat sheet on hand
When you begin working with stitch charts, you will want to keep a cheat sheet showing all the stitches and symbols close at hand. Whenever you run into a symbol you don’t recognize, you can refer to this sheet for answers.
The symbols and what they mean
Notice that the symbols mimic the way the stitches themselves are made. This article uses U.S. terminology for the stitches. If you are more familiar with U.K. terms, you can read more about crochet abbreviations here.
A finished chain stitch looks like a simple oval loop of yarn. Similarly, the symbol for the chain stitch is an oval loop.
A single crochet stitch is characterized by a single post and the top. The stitch is visually represented by a short cross or an x.
Half Double Crochet
The half double crochet is similar to the single, but a little taller. This one is symbolized by a short post with a line across the top.
At this point, we being to see a pattern in how the symbols are written. The double crochet is made with a single yarn over. Similarly, the post of the double crochet symbols has a single line through it to represent the yarn over.
Treble Crochet and beyond
The treble crochet has two yarn overs, so the symbols have two slashes through the post. The number of slashes through the post of the symbol is the number of yarn overs used to make the stitch.
The simple stitches above can be combined in many ways to show more complex techniques.
Shell stitches are symbolized by a grouping of double crochet symbols fanning out from the stitch the shell is worked into.
Work Two Together
A decreasing stitch or two stitches worked together, is symbolized by two stitches leaning into each other with a single top line.
Crossed stitches are used to make cables, x-stitches, and more. These are symbolized by double or treble crochet stitch drawn over the others it crosses over.
A popcorn stitch consists of many double crochet stitches all worked together. The symbol will show the number of double crochet stitches needed all looped together with a single top stroke.
Bobble Stitch or Puff Stitch
The bobble or puff stitch varies from the popcorn stitch by having many yarn overs worked together instead of many double crochet stitches. Notice with the symbol that the vertical strokes of the symbol do not have any slashes to indicate the double crochet.
Many patterns utilize front or back post stitches to create depth and texture.
Front Post Stitches
These stitches are worked in front of your work around the post of the stitch below it. The front post stitch is symbolized by a hook at the bottom of the stitch that opens to the left.
Back Post Stitches
Back post stitches are worked behind your work around the post of the stitch below it. The back post stitch is pictured by a hook at the bottom of the stitch that opens to the right.
Tunisian Stitch Symbols
Tunisian stitch symbols follow a similar pattern to traditional crochet chart symbols. Each little picture is an indication of how the stitch is made or what it looks like complete.
The simple stitch and purl stitch, some of the most fundamental stitches in Tunisian crochet, are illustrated with a vertical line and a horizontal line respectively. The horizontal line mimics the little bump created by the purl stitch.
Twisted stitches are indicated by a little loop that crosses over itself, much like a twisted stitch does in reality.
To reduce the number of stitches in a row, stitches are worked together. This is charted by illustrating two different stitches that join together.
Reading the pattern
Looking at a chart can be overwhelming. Where do the rows begin? What stitches should you make first?
If the pattern is worked in rows, look for where the turning chains (two vertical ovals) are located. Those turning chains are the beginning of those rows.
If the pattern is worked in rounds, look for the joining slip stitch or the starting chains to find the beginning and ending of each round.
Don’t get lost
You might easily get lost in a sea of symbols. Many charts have helpful additions to assist you in finding your place.
Color coded rows
Many charts are written in alternating colors with the odd rows being one color and the even rows being another color. This helps you easily see which row or round you are currently working on.
Many charts have small numbers at the beginning of each row to show what order the rows should be worked in.
Some charts even have tiny arrows at the beginning or end of each row pointing the direction the row should be worked, so you know you are going the right way through the chart.
Are you ready to get started working from charts? Check out these charted patterns for practice.
This afghan pattern features both written and charted techniques, so you can easily switch between the two pattern styles as you get more comfortable reading charts.
This beautiful shawl pattern can be downloaded for free as a charted pattern and is available as a written pattern on the blog for free as well.
Most of the beautiful Tunisian crochet stitch tutorials on our website are charted along with the written directions. This is a great place to get some practice reading Tunisian crochet symbols.