How to Read a Crochet Graph

Crochet graphs are visual crochet patterns. Each square on the graph represents one stitch. Instead of following a series of written instructions, you follow a graph.

Crochet graphs are used to add designs and images to your crochet project. Once you know the basics, crochet graphs are very easy to follow.

Read the simple step-by-step guide below and you will be crocheting patterns and images in no time!

HOW TO READ A CROCHET GRAPH

SQUARES

Each square represents one stitch.
Each row in your graph equals one row in your crochet project.
Squares are either colored or not colored.
Colored squares indicate the color of yarn to use for that stitch.
For squares that are not colored, use the main color for the stitch.

DIRECTION

Working flat in rows (right-handed):

Read the graph from the bottom to the top.
Read the graph from right to left for odd rows.
Read the graph from left to right for even rows.
The bottom right square is the first stitch.
The top left square is the last stitch.
The odd rows are the right or front side of your project.
The even rows are the wrong or back side of your project.

Working flat in rows (left-handed):

Read the graph from the bottom to the top.
Read the graph from left to right for odd rows.
Read the graph from right to left for even rows.
The bottom left square is the first stitch.
The top right square is the last stitch.
The off rows are the wrong or back side of your project.

Working in the round

Read the graph from right to left for all rows (right-handed)
Rad the graph from left to right for all rows (left-handed)

TOTALS

The horizontal numbers on the graph indicate the number of stitches in each row.
The vertical numbers on the graph indicate the number of rows in your graph.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

Look for additional instructions or legends that accompany the graph. These instruction may provide alternate information that modifies how you would typically read the graph.

COLOR CHANGE

Remember that the color change starts in the previous stitch.

COLORWORK TECHNIQUES

Before you get started, you need to decide which colorwork technique is best for your project: fair isle, intarsia or tapestry. To learn more about these three main techniques for working with more than one color of yarn, click here.

Example: Reading a Crochet Graph

In this example, we are using a single crochet stitch, and our crochet project is worked flat in rows. This graph has six stitches per row and four rows in total.

ROW 1

Working in rows from right to left:

Stitch 1 = sc (main color)
Stitch 2 = sc (green)
Stitch 3 = sc (main color)
Stitch 4 = sc (green)
Stitch 5 = sc (main color)
Stitch 6 = sc (main color)

At the end of the row, chain 1 and turn.

ROW 2

Working in rows from left to right:

Stitch 1 = sc (main color)
Stitch 2 = sc (green)
Stitch 3 = sc (main color)
Stitch 4 = sc (green)
Stitch 5 = sc (main color)
Stitch 6 = sc (main color)

At the end of the row, chain 1 and turn.

EXAMPLE: COLOR CHANGE

Remember, the color change starts in the previous stitch:

ROW 1

Stitch 1 = sc (main color)

Insert your hook into the first stitch.
Yarn over with the main color and pull through the stitch (two loops on your hook).
Yarn over with your new color (green) and pull through both loops to complete your single crochet.

The first stitch will be in your main color, but you now have the new color (green) on your hook in preparation for the second stitch.

Stitch 2 = sc (green)

Insert your hook into the second stitch.
Yarn over with your new color (green) and pull through the stitch (two loops on your hook).
Yarn over with your main color and pull through both loops to complete your single crochet.

The second stitch will be green, but you now have your main color back on your hook in preparation for your third stitch.

Stitch 3 = (main color)

Insert your hook into the third stitch.
Yarn over with the main color and pull through the stitch (two loops on your hook).
Yarn over with your new color (green) and pull through both loops to complete your single crochet.

The third stitch will be in your main color, but you now have the new color (green) on your hook in preparation for the fourth stitch.

These are all the basics you need to know. If you have already checked out the section on crochet colorwork you are ready to try crocheting your first graph! I am designing a new pattern using a crochet graph, so check back soon for the free pattern.

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