Crochet chart symbols
Author: Crochetly · Last updated: May 16, 2026
Sources: Craft Yarn Council crochet chart standards
Crochet patterns often use stitch charts alongside words (or instead of them) to show how stitches fit together. Here are the standard chart symbols used by designers and publishers.
What are the standard crochet chart symbols?
Section titled “What are the standard crochet chart symbols?”Answer: Crochet charts use symbols like × for single crochet, T for half double crochet, and | for double crochet. Each symbol represents one stitch visually.
| Symbol | Stitch Name / Meaning | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Slip Stitch (sl st) | Insert hook, yarn over, pull through all loops |
| ○ | Chain (ch) | Yarn over, pull through loop |
| × or + | Single Crochet (sc) | Insert hook, yarn over, pull through loops twice |
| T | Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Yarn over, insert hook, pull through all loops |
| or Ɨ | Double Crochet (dc) | |
| TT | Treble Crochet (tr) | Yarn over twice, insert hook, pull through loops 3 times |
| TTT | Double Treble Crochet (dtr) | Yarn over 3 times, insert hook, pull through loops 4 times |
| V | Increase | Two stitches worked in the same base stitch |
| ∧ | Decrease | Two stitches worked together as one |
| ⊙ | Bobble Stitch | Cluster of stitches worked together into one stitch base |
| ◇ | Puff Stitch | Yarn overs pulled through loops held together |
| ◯ | Popcorn Stitch | Group of stitches worked into same stitch, popped out |
| ├ | Front Post Stitch | Worked around the front of the post of the stitch |
| ┤ | Back Post Stitch | Worked around the back of the post of the stitch |
| → or ↷ | Turning Chain | Chain stitches to start a new row |
| ●●● | Cluster | Multiple stitches worked together, partially completed |
| ▪ | Slip Knot | Starting knot |
How do you read crochet chart symbols?
Section titled “How do you read crochet chart symbols?”Answer: Symbols show stitches visually in crochet charts. Direction indicators (front or back post) use line placement around the stitch symbol.
- Directions (front or back post) are shown by line placement around the stitch symbol.
- Increases use V shapes; decreases use ∧ or diagonal connections.
- Special stitches (bobble, puff, popcorn) often use circles or filled shapes with small lines.
What is the difference between bobble, puff, and popcorn stitches?
Section titled “What is the difference between bobble, puff, and popcorn stitches?”Answer: Bobble stitches use a cluster worked into one stitch base. Puff stitches hold yarn overs together before pulling through. Popcorn stitches are a group worked into the same stitch and popped out.