Do you love to crochet but you’re frustrated with reading and following crochet patterns? Are the abbreviations difficult to follow? Do the instructions blur and merge into one?
In this article, I’m sharing practical tips and resources designed to support dyslexia (but work for anyone feeling overwhelmed) in getting to grips with reading crochet patterns.
From visual aids and digital tools to simplified instructions and community support, these techniques will help you to read crochet patterns with confidence.
Why I Know these Strategies Work
I qualified as a Dyslexia Therapist 20+ years ago and I’ve taught many children and young adults, both as a private tutor and in a school environment.
Dyslexia can make working out the abbreviations, terms, and detailed instructions in crochet patterns particularly challenging.
Multi-sensory strategies, breaking material down into chunks, minimizing distractions on a page and other helpful strategies that work in a learning environment will also help with reading crochet patterns (or any type of patterns).
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, these insights should help you or someone you know overcome the hurdles. With the right strategies and tools, I believe crocheting in its written form can be made accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Crochet Pattern Reading Strategies
The strategies and tips below are set out with a heading that tells you the strategy followed by what you can do.
You don’t have to use all the strategies but I do recommend trying them to find what works for you.
Note: I use a Microsoft Edge browser to access my PDFs and use this in my examples. The language and icons will be general across all browsers.
This article is printable (you can also save as a PDF), look for the print friendly button at the end.
Enjoy exploring!
Visual and Organizational Aids
These strategies reduce visual confusion and will help your brain process information more clearly.
They help to reduce the stress of having to decode and understand text, making it less mentally exhausting to read.
Highlighting and Colour Coding
Use different colours to highlight different abbreviations or steps in the pattern.
This can make it easier to tell the difference between similar-looking terms and steps.
Most patterns are in PDF format. You can easily highlight different parts of the pattern.
Open the PDF with the browser you prefer, choose the highlight icon and highlight the text.
The example below is opening one of my crochet patterns using Microsoft Edge.
I’ve highlighted one of the stitches. Throughout the pattern, whenever this stitch is abbreviated, I will highlight in yellow.
This strategy will also work if you print out the pattern. Print it out and use different colours to highlight the different stitches and abbreviations.
Large Print
Larger font sizes improve readability by making text clearer and reducing the strain on your eyes.
Larger text can make it easier to track lines and words, reducing the likelihood of skipping or misreading parts of the pattern.
How to print the PDF crochet pattern in a larger font size
Open the PDF in your browser and click on the print icon.
You will see options on the left of the panel with a print preview on the right.
Depending on how large you would like the font, you might need to change the layout to landscape.
Click on more settings and under ‘Scale,’ click on where it says 100. Scale up and you will be able to see how the pattern looks in the panel on the right.
Change the font size of a PDF to read on your device.
Open the PDF in your browser. Clicking the plus sign on the top tool bar will zoom in to make the font larger.
Line Tracking Tools
Once printed out, use a ruler or piece of blank paper to cover lines above and below the one being read. This will help you to focus on one line at a time, reduce distractions and helps to maintain a steady reading flow.
You can also use a dyslexia overlay to place over the text. Dyslexia overlays are cheap to buy these days such as this dyslexia overlay pack from Amazon. You could also try coloured cellophane sheets as another alternative but be careful of the transparency – you want to be able to see the words clearly.
Pattern Mapping
Create a visual map of the pattern. This can involve drawing diagrams or using symbols to represent different stitches and sequences. Use symbols that you will associate with the terms and abbreviations. This way of setting out information has been very popular for the children and young people I’ve supported over the years.
Watching this video on how to mind map will give you inspiration for creating your visual map of a crochet pattern.
Digital Tools
Hearing the instructions read aloud can really help auditory learners and can help reinforce the written instructions.
Text-to-Speech Software
Use text-to-speech tools to have the pattern read aloud. Many devices have built-in accessibility features that can assist with this.
One word of warning, these tools can find it difficult to read the abbreviations. I think it’s worth a try though, especially if it helps you!
How to Use Adobe Reader as a PDF Audio Reader
Easily activate Text-to-Speech to have a PDF read aloud in Adobe Reader with these simple steps:
Open your PDF file in Adobe Reader to get started.
Click the Menu on the top left of the screen.
Enable Audio Reading by going to View > Read Out Loud and select Activate Read Out Loud to begin PDF Text-to-Speech.
Please see screenshot below
Crochet Pattern Apps
Crochet apps are designed to help follow crochet patterns and many have features like row counters, stitch counters, and the ability to track progress.
This will help you with organizing and keeping your place in a pattern.
The free crochet apps below are popular. Read the reviews before you download.
Apple Crochet Row Counter and Patterns – preview and store PDF patterns, count rows, track progress, upload patterns from other areas
Android/Play Store Crochet and Knit Stitch Counter – preview and store PDF files, count rows with steps, track progress, upload patterns from other apps or marketplaces like Etsy, Ravelry etc.
Apple Pocket Crochet and Android/Play Store Pocket Crochet – helps you keep track of your projects with multiple row counters. Additionally the app has multiple language options and you can add reference photos and pictures to a project.
Apple My Row Counter, Knit and Crochet and Android/Play Store My Row Counter, Knit and Crochet – keep track of where you are in complex patterns, track pattern repeats within a larger project, and prevents you from losing your place. You could use it to track individual stitches if you needed to. You can sync it with Ravelry and download your patterns to your phone/device.
Speech Recognition Software
Use speech recognition tools to dictate the pattern into a text document, which can then be changed for easier reading.
This bypasses the need to read and decode text.
You might already have this on your device.
Zapier have an article ‘The Best Dictation Software’ which has lots of useful information on speech to text apps, including reviews.
Simplified Patterns
Translating a pattern into simpler terms can make the instructions more relatable and easier to follow.
Removing abbreviations and jargon can make clear the instructions and reduce misunderstandings.
Personalized Instructions
Rewrite the pattern in your own words or have someone help you translate the abbreviations and terms into full, understandable sentences.
Example of Personalizing a Pattern
Here’s an example of how you might rewrite a pattern in long form to make it more accessible:
Original Pattern:
Make a MR
Rnd 1: ch 2, 6 sc in center, sl st to top of ch2 to join (6 sts)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sts)
Personalized Pattern:
Make a Magic Ring
Round 1: Chain 2. Make 6 single crochet stitches into the center of the ring, slip stitch to the top of chain 2 to join (I will have 6 stitches now.)
Round 2: Make 2 single crochet stitches in each stitch around. (I will have 12 stitches at the end of this round.)
Education and Practice
Teaching yourself the abbreviations and terms will make pattern reading easier for you.
Learn the Abbreviations
Spend some time learning the common crochet abbreviations and terms. Flashcards can be helpful.
Download and print off my free set of 30 cards (postcard size). Ideal for using as flashcards, you can choose how to use them in a way that helps you to remember the abbreviations and terms.
- I have abbreviations I use in my crochet patterns in my stitch library.
- Use this master list of crochet abbreviations (US crochet terms) from the Craft Yarn Council to help you.
- Use this list from Gathered for UK terms.
You could write your text and symbols in bright colours or use drawings. This is about doing what works for you.
Once you’ve chosen how you will write down what you need to know, repetition is the key for hooking that into your long-term memory.
One way you could use the flashcards is to play a memory game.
Write the abbreviation or term on one card with what it means on another. Keep the cards separate. Shuffle the abbreviations and terms deck. Pick a card and match it with the meaning.
You could do this alone or with family, or a friend.
If you get frustrated, put it to one side and do something else, coming back to it when you feel ready.
Learn the Symbols
If you prefer to work from a stitch diagram, you will need to remember the symbols.
Use the flashcards. Draw the symbol in a colour. As you draw the symbol, say what the stitch is called. Use the same colour to write what the stitch is called on another card and as you write it, say the stitch name.
Play the memory game to build repetition.
- Use this chart symbols list from the Craft Yarn Council (US crochet terms). You can download this as a PDF.
- Use this chart symbols tutorial from LoveCrafts for UK crochet terms.
For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.
| US Crochet Terms | UK Crochet Terms |
|---|---|
| single crochet (sc) | double crochet (dc) |
| half double crochet (hdc) | half treble crochet (htr) |
| double crochet (dc) | treble crochet (tr) |
| treble (tr) | double treble (dtr) |
| double treble (dtr) | triple treble (trtr) |
Did you know? The UK terminology of crochet stitches refers to the number of loops on your hook, while the US terminology refers to the number of yarnovers when pulling up your first loop. Trivia you might find helpful!
Practice with Small Projects
Start with small, simple projects to build your confidence and familiarity with the pattern language.
Join a Community
Take part in online forums, social media groups, or local crochet clubs.
Other crocheters can offer tips, support, and sometimes even customized help.
If you live in Bournemouth or the surrounding area, I lead a welcoming craft club! You are invited to come along for support 🙂
Jera’s Jamboree Crochet Community on Facebook is a positive space for crocheters to give or receive help and support, share crochet projects (including sharing WIP photos and finished projects) and tips and advice for anything crochet or yarn related. I’d love to welcome you to the group! You’ll find us here.
Online Forums
Ravelry Community – forums for patterns, yarn and fiber, techniques, news and events, tools and equipment.
Crochetville – an online place for crocheters to gather and encourage each other. Everyone is welcome, from the self-taught beginner to the experienced crocheter. Members can get help with a crochet question, join in on a crochet-along , show-and-tell projects, and more.
Reddit r/Crochet – this sub is for crocheters to share their work, discuss, swap ideas, and support each other.
Knitting and Crochet Forum – this is a forum community dedicated to all levels of knitters, crocheters and enthusiasts. Discussion, how-tos, patterns, tutorials, styles, scales, reviews, swaps, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Is there a forum you use that you could recommend? Please leave a comment to share.
The journey to mastering crochet patterns is unique for everyone, and with patience and the right resources, anyone can find success. By trying out these tips and tools, you will be able to confidently tackle patterns, grow your skills, and get involved in the creative and therapeutic world of crochet.
Happy crocheting!
Did you find this article helpful? Have you tried any of the strategies or tips? Did they work for you? I would love to know! You’re welcome to leave a comment.
I have dyslexia and have been crocheting for nearly 20 years. It took me some time to get used to reading patterns and even now I still struggle at times depending on how the pattern is written. I use most of the tips you have given to help me. This is the first time I’ve seen an article that focuses on dyslexia and other problems with reading and that gives good advice to help people overcome the difficulties they may be having. So thank you so much for this article.
Hi Sarah, thank you for sharing your personal experience and that you use most of my tips and strategies already. I am sure this will be helpful to others who are struggling to read crochet patterns. I’ve seen dyslexia and other learning differences become more accepted and mainstream over the years (when I first qualifed, dyslexia was very rarely spoken about) and I’m in admiration that you pushed through and learned what works for you. Could you share what works better for you in a written pattern? No pressure to do so though!
Really useful tips for reading crochet patterns, thank you!
Thank you Jen. Glad you found it useful
Shaz