Are you struggling understanding crochet patterns? If so, I hope this article will answer some of your questions & clear out the meanings behind common marks and punctuations used for abbreviating repeats in the patterns.

At the beginning of each IraRott® pattern, you will find a list of abbreviations used in the pattern. Special stitches & techniques are also explained right after abbreviations. You may have noticed that beside stitch abbreviations, there are some special marks, such as (Parentheses), [Brackets], {Braces}, *Asterisks, & Equal = Sign. These marks are very important as they are used for indicating sequence repeats, groups of stitches, and total stitch count. Let’s check them all out.

( PARENTHESES )

In IraRott® patterns we use (Parentheses) in explanations or to indicate a group of stitches.

EXAMPLE 1:

Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a st now & throughout)…

The explanations written within parentheses clarify that the beginning “Ch 1” is not included in the total stitch count of Row 3 & every following row that begins with “Ch 1”.

EXAMPLE 2:

(Dc, ch 5, dc) in stitch between large shells

In this example, the group of stitches written within parentheses needs to be worked in the same stitch (as shown in the photo below), which is basically a short version of:

Dc in stitch between large shells, ch 5, dc in same stitch between large shells

[BRACKETS] 

In IraRott® patterns we use [Brackets] for indicating simple pattern repeats.

EXAMPLE: [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 2 times

This means – you need to repeat 2 times the combination of stitches written within brackets as follows:

• Step 1 –> Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st
• Step 2 –> Repeat Step 1

{BRACES} & *ASTERISKS

When it comes to complex repeats in crochet patterns, you will find additional marks, such as {Braces} or *Asterisks, that are used along with the [Brackets].

A complex repeat is a pattern sequence that includes one or more simple repeats within each complex repeat. You already know how to  follow simple repeats, so let’s review this complex repeat, written in 2 different styles.

EXAMPLE 1:

{Bpsc around second dc of next shell, ch 5; [skip 2 dc, bpsc around next dc, ch 5] 2 times} 5 times

In this example the complex repeat is indicated by {Braces}, which means you need to repeat 5 times the combination of stitches written within braces as follows:

• Step 1 –> Bpsc around second dc of next shell, ch 5; [skip 2 dc, bpsc around next dc, ch 5] 2 times
• Step 2 –> {…} 5 times means: Repeat Step 1 four more times

EXAMPLE 2: 

*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* to**

This can also be written as:

*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*

In this example I wrote the exact same pattern as in EXAMPLE 1, but using *Asterisks instead of {Braces} for indicating the complex repeat. The repeats will read identically to the first example:

• Step 1 –> Bpsc around second dc of next shell, ch 5; [skip 2 dc, bpsc around next dc, ch 5] 2 times
• Step 2 –> repeat 4 more times from* means: Repeat Step 1 four more times

If you still have difficulty visualizing complex repeats, here are a few TIPS:

1. PRINT: If you print patterns, you can use markers for highlighting repeats.
2. MOBILE: If the pattern is in your Ravelry library, you can download this awesome App from LoveKnitting & link your ravelry patterns with the app. You will find many helpful tools there, including highlighter, stitch counter, line ruler, and sticky notes. Use highlighter tool to mark complex repeats and make your own notes as you go.
3. WRITE: You can also break down the pattern in smaller steps by writing each step on a piece of paper.
4. CROCHET: Use stitch markers as you go to mark each complex repeat.

EQUAL = SIGN

Finally, in IraRott® patterns we use Equal = Sign for indicating the total stitch count at end of the rows/rnds.

EXAMPLE: 

Row 2: Sc in each st across = 25 sts

This means – After finishing Row 2, your total stitch count will be 25.

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I hope you found some answers here, but if you need more help with IraRott® patterns, please feel free to post your questions below or send me an email.