Reading crochet charts

Hi everyone!

I think I’m finally ready—I’ve improved my crocheting skills enough that I can produce pretty decent results just by following standard instructions... Now I’d love to be able to read crochet charts, which I can already do somewhat for simple rows. But I don’t understand rounds or slightly trickier patterns at all. Take the pineapple pattern, for example. I don’t understand a single thing here, and that’s a shame. Could anyone maybe give me some tips or recommend a pattern that covers both? Maybe I can figure it out by comparing the two…
Love, Mel

@Mel
It’s great to see you making progress.

@Everyone
I’m moving this thread to the Recommendations section so suitable patterns with crochet charts can also be promoted there. Have fun!

Dear Mel,

reading crochet charts isn’t always that easy. I’m good at it, and I always had a lot of help at home while learning. By now, I actually prefer them.
But most people I know have the same problem as you.

However, there are also some very good websites on the internet where both are explained well. Just enter this into Google: "crochet chart explanation pattern".

For my baby blanket, I described the pattern step by step in words with pictures, and right at the end I also added the crochet chart in nice bright colors (matching the colors of the blanket’s rows).

Here is the link: https://www.crazypatterns.net/de/items/15276/babydecke-izzi-mit-kapuze-in-muschelmuster


If you ever have very specific questions about certain symbols, feel free to ask me directly. Replies may take longer over the weekend, but during the week you’ll have them by the next day.

And good luck too — with a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

Hi :-)

Unfortunately, I can’t offer you a crochet chart, but I’ve been “practicing” this myself this weekend.
For me personally, it’s easiest when I have a pattern as written instructions (text) or a video, as well as a crochet chart.
Then I crochet following the written pattern (or the video), and while I’m doing that, I keep glancing at the crochet chart to see where I am and what each step looks like.
After a few rounds or rows, I try to continue crocheting using just the chart.

I think that’s a good way to do it :-)

Hi everyone,
I actually prefer to crochet lace patterns—like the pineapple pattern—using a crochet chart. I can look at it until I get the hang of it, then just start working, and after a few rows, the pattern pretty much falls into place on its own.
It’s the same with complicated knitting patterns—just follow the knitting chart, and after a few rows, you’ve got it.
Best, Birgit

Hello Nadeleule,

In the patterns for my shawls "Be my Valentine", "Peara", "Rosa Wölkchen" and "Dance with Dolphins", I include both the written pattern and a professional crochet chart. The first 3 patterns mentioned even include photo tutorials.

Maybe you'd like to try one of these patterns. For starters, I would recommend Peara, since it uses almost only double crochet.

If you have any questions, you can contact me anytime.

Best regards,
Michaela

Here’s the pattern

Thank you so much for your answers! I’ll take a look at the patterns you suggested and pick one.
Best regards, Mel