If you ever feel confused by the symbols used in crochet patterns, you’re not alone. This guide breaks down the most common marks and punctuation you’ll see in IraRott® patterns and explains how they help organize repeats, stitch groups, and stitch counts.
Every IraRott® pattern begins with a list of materials, a list of abbreviations, and special stitches & techniques (explained after the abbreviations) Alongside stitch abbreviations, you’ll also see:
- ( ) Parentheses
- [ ] Brackets
- { } Braces
- * Asterisks
- = Equal sign
Here’s what each one means.
1. ( Parentheses )
Used for clarifying notes or grouping stitches that are worked into the same place.
Example 1
Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a st now & throughout)…
The note inside parentheses explains that the Ch‑1 is not included in the stitch count for this row or any row that begins with Ch‑1.
Example 2
(Dc, ch 5, dc) in stitch between large shells
Everything inside the parentheses is worked into the same stitch.
2. [ Brackets ]
Used for simple repeats.
Example
[sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 2 times
This means:
- Step 1: sc in next st, 2 sc in next st
- Step 2: repeat Step 1 once more (for a total of 2 repeats)
3. { Braces } and * Asterisks
Used for complex repeats, which often include smaller repeats inside them. A complex repeat is a larger sequence that contains one or more simple repeats. Below is the same instruction written two different ways. Both versions mean the same thing, just written with different punctuation.
Example 1 — Using { Braces }
{Bpsc around second dc of next shell, ch 5; [skip 2 dc, bpsc around next dc, ch 5] 2 times} 5 times
Breakdown:
- Step 1: Work everything inside the braces
- Step 2: Repeat Step 1 five times total
Example 2 — Using * Asterisks
*Bpsc around second dc of next shell, ch 5; [skip 2 dc, bpsc around next dc, ch 5] 2 times*; repeat 4 more times from *
Breakdown:
- Step 1: Work everything between the asterisks
- Step 2: Repeat Step 1 four more times (for a total of 5 repeats)
Tips for Following Complex Repeats
- Highlight repeats with colored markers if you print your patterns
- Use apps like KnitCompanion to mark repeats digitally
- Break long instructions into smaller written steps
- Place stitch markers to track each repeat as you go
- These small habits make a big difference when working through detailed patterns
4. = Equal Sign
Used to show the total stitch count at the end of a row or round.
Example
Row 2: Sc in each st across = 25 sts
This means your finished row should contain 25 stitches.
