How to Read a Crochet Pattern Written for Multiple Sizes
When a crochet pattern is written for several sizes, the numbers for every size sit side by side on one line. The smallest size comes first, and the larger sizes follow in parentheses, in the same order as the size list at the top of the pattern. So ch 41 (45, 49, 53) means chain 41 for the first size, 45 for the second, 49 for the third and 53 for the fourth. Pick your size once, note its position, and read only that position for the rest of the pattern.
That is the whole trick. The rest of this guide is about doing it without getting lost halfway down page three.
Start with the size list and the finished measurements
Near the top, a multi-size pattern lists its sizes in a fixed order, for example S (M, L, XL), or 2 (4, 6, 8) years for children's wear. Just below that you will usually find the finished measurements in the same order, such as finished chest: 36 (40, 44, 48) in.
Choose by finished measurement, not by the size label. One designer's M can be another designer's L. The easiest check is to measure a sweater or top you already own and like the fit of, then pick the size whose finished measurement is closest. The gap between the finished measurement and your body is called ease, and many patterns tell you whether they were designed to fit snug, standard or oversized.
Once you have chosen, write down its position: first, second, third or fourth. That position is all you need from now on.
How to read a line with several numbers
Take this row:
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (40 (44, 48, 52) sts)
The instruction is the same for everyone. Only the stitch count changes. If you are making the third size, your count is 48.
Now a shaping line:
Rep Rows 2 and 3 another 4 (5, 6, 7) times.
Third size again: repeat those two rows 6 more times. The words never change between sizes. The numbers carry all the difference.
When your size gets a 0 or a dash
Sometimes a position holds a 0 or a dash instead of a number, as in dec 0 (0, 2, 4) times or work 2 (-, -, 4) rows. A 0 means do that step zero times for your size. A dash means the instruction does not apply to your size at all, so move straight on to the next line.
You will also see whole blocks introduced with a heading like For sizes L and XL only:. If your size is not named, skip the entire block and pick up again where the pattern says All sizes:.
Parentheses doing two jobs at once
Crochet patterns already use parentheses for other things: the stitch count at the end of a row, and groups of stitches that all go into one stitch. A multi-size line can carry two or three sets at once:
(sc, ch 1, sc) in next st, sc in next 10 (12, 14, 16) sts.
The first set holds stitch names, so it is a group worked into a single stitch. The second set holds only numbers that climb steadily, so it is the size list. That is the quick test: size parentheses contain nothing but numbers in size order. If brackets and repeats still feel slippery, our guide to brackets, parentheses and asterisks in crochet patterns covers each one in detail.
Five habits that stop you reading the wrong size
- Highlight your size before you start. On a printed copy, or with a PDF annotation tool, mark every number in your position. It takes ten minutes and saves hours.
- Remember that outside comes first. The number before the parentheses is the first size. People making the smallest size sometimes read the first number inside the parentheses by mistake, which quietly turns their project into the second size.
- Make a cut-down copy for big projects. Rewriting each line with only your numbers turns a crowded page into a simple, single-size pattern.
- Check the stitch count at the end of every row. The bracketed totals tell you exactly where you should be. Our post on counting crochet stitches has tips for keeping your place.
- Swatch for gauge first. This is where sizing really lives. If the pattern's gauge is 16 stitches over 4 in and you get 18, every piece shrinks by the same ratio, so a 40 in chest comes out at about 35.5 in (40 x 16 / 18). Match gauge and the size you chose is the size you get.
A quick worked example
Say a pattern lists sizes S (M, L) and starts like this:
Ch 61 (67, 73).
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (60 (66, 72) sts)
Making the M? Chain 67, work Row 1, and you should finish with 66 stitches. Notice the sizes jump by 6 each time. That is often a clue that the stitch pattern repeats over 6 stitches, so each size adds exactly one more repeat. Our guide to stitch multiples in crochet explains how that maths works.
Why amigurumi patterns are usually one size
If you have mostly crocheted stuffed toys, a sweater pattern with four numbers per line can look like a new language. Amigurumi patterns are almost always written in a single size, because a toy is usually resized with yarn and hook rather than stitch counts: the same pattern worked in thicker yarn with a bigger hook simply gives a bigger toy. Our post on gauge in amigurumi explains why tight, even stitches matter more than exact size there.
The good news is that nothing else changes. Garment patterns use the same abbreviations, the same repeats and the same stitch counts you already know. They just add a few extra columns. If you want a refresher on the basics first, start with how to read a crochet pattern.
Practise reading patterns for free
Pattern reading is a skill you build by reading real lines until they stop looking like code. The Pattern Trainer in the Yon Crochet app walks through stitch counts, repeats and complete patterns as short interactive lessons. When you are ready to put it into practice with your hands, our beginner crochet kits come with everything you need for your first character, and the FAQ answers the common questions about getting started.