Whether you’ve been crocheting for 30 days or 30 years, you might not realize that crochet repeat symbols—those sneaky asterisks (*), brackets ([]), and parentheses (())—each mean something completely different when used in a pattern.
Maybe you’re totally comfortable with patterns that use just one or two of these repeat symbols, but the moment they all show up together, it feels like a puzzle missing half the pieces.
If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—I’ve got you!
This topic is all about crochet pattern symbols for repeats—what they mean, how they work, and, most importantly, how to confidently read a pattern when multiple symbols are used within the same line of instructions.
Let’s break it down so you can stop second-guessing and start crocheting with confidence!
And, if you are looking for help to read and follow crochet patterns in general (I have 3 simple tips that will help). Check this out: How To Read Crochet Patterns
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
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What is a Crochet Repeat Symbol?
When a crochet pattern features a complex stitch or pattern, repeat symbols aren’t just decorative.
They play a crucial role in keeping the instructions as clear and concise as possible.
Without them, you’d be reading a novel instead of a pattern!
Seeing two or even all three (yes, just 3) of these symbols together in one pattern?
That’s your clue that the design is stepping into intermediate or experienced territory.
The more symbols in play, the more intricate the instructions become.
In fact, the presence of multiple symbols at the same time is what makes a pattern feel complex!
But don’t let that intimidate you.
Think of crochet instructions like math equations—they have an order of operations that must be followed to make sense of the design.
Once you crack the code, you’ll see that these symbols aren’t there to confuse you; they’re the key to unlocking the pattern’s full potential!
Why Use Crochet Repeat Symbols?
“I can read patterns just fine… aren’t these symbols just making things more complicated?”
I hear you!
You might feel like you don’t need extra repeat symbols to tell you what to do, but let’s take a step back and look at a classic example: the granny square (or any multi-sided crochet motif worked in the round).
Most crocheters can probably look at the first few rounds and easily work up a granny square.
No problem, right?
But, this four-sided motif is not equally created on all four sides, and that’s why brackets and parentheses are used at the same time.
This motif starts with a chain 3, which typically counts as the first stitch.
From there, a few more stitches have to be worked before an equal part of the pattern can actually begin.
That’s why brackets and parentheses appear together—to break the pattern down into logical sections.
Example – Crochet Granny Square
For example, let’s look at Round 2 of a basic granny square:
Round 2: Sl St into each of next 2 Dc, Sl St into Ch-3 space, Ch 3, (2 Dc, Ch 3, 3 Dc) into same Ch-3 space, Ch 1, [(3 Dc, Ch 3, 3 Dc) into next Ch-3 space, Ch 1] 3 times, Sl St into top of beginning Ch-3 to join – (24 Dc + 4 Ch-3 spaces + 4 Ch-1 spaces)
Now, let’s break it down:
- The first few steps get you to the right starting point.
- The instructions inside ( ) are worked in one space.
- The section inside [ ] is what gets repeated three times.
- Even within the repeat, there are two distinct actions: one for the Ch-1 spaces (sides) and one for the Ch-3 spaces (corners)—which is why parentheses are needed inside the brackets!
Without these symbols, this round would be written out in a much longer, harder-to-follow way.
The symbols help us see exactly what needs to be repeated (and where) so the instructions stay as short and clear as possible.
So, next time you see parentheses and brackets in a pattern, don’t panic!
They’re not there to confuse you—they’re actually making things easier by organizing the instructions into bite-sized, logical steps.
What are Crochet Repeat Symbols Telling Me To Do?
Crochet patterns are essentially worded math problems, and certain symbols are needed to designate what you do, and in what order.
There are 3 types of repeat symbols in crochet: Asterisk, Bracket, Parenthesis.
Crochet Pattern Repeats Chart
Each of these has a different meaning, and they are not interchangeable.
As soon as you think about symbols this way, understanding the order of operations to follow will become easier to do!
Example – Sundial Throw Motif
For the next section, I’ll define each crochet repeat symbol by using instructions from the Sundial Motif and Throw.
How To Read And Follow an Asterisk
Symbol: *
Definition: Repeat entire section of instructions; may include parentheses, brackets.
Example: *[skip 2 Sts, (3 Dc, Ch 1, 3 Dc) into same St, skip 2 Sts, Sc] 2 times, skip 2 Sts, (3 Tc, Ch 1, 3 Tc) into same St, skip 2 Sts, Sc*. Repeat * to * 3 times
How to follow the example:
- *[skip 2 Sts,
- (3 Dc, Ch 1, 3 Dc) into same St,
- skip 2 Sts, Sc] 2 times,
- skip 2 Sts,
- (3 Tc, Ch 1, 3 Tc) into same St,
- skip 2 Sts, Sc*.
- Repeat from * to * 3 times
How To Read And Follow Brackets
Symbol: [ ]
Definition: Indicates when instructions should be worked a certain number of times.
Example: [skip 2 Sts, (3 Dc, Ch 1, 3 Dc) into same St, skip 2 Sts, Sc] 2 times
How to follow the example:
- [skip 2 Sts,
- (3 Dc, Ch 1, 3 Dc) into same St,
- skip 2 Sts, Sc]
- Repeat from [ to ] 2 time
How To Read and Follow Parenthesis
Symbol: ( )
Definition: Indicates when stitches are worked together, into one stitch or space.
Example: (3 Dc, Ch 1, 3 Dc) into same St
How to follow the example:
- (3 Dc, Ch 1, 3 Dc)
- Work from ( to ) into same stitch
Crochet Repeat Symbol Tips
- Read the entire piece of instructions first.
- Then, follow each instruction to the comma and do not move on until your stitch work matches the written pattern.
- Break long pieces of instruction into separate bullets so you can read and follow each one individually and note where repeats should start and stop.
- Keep practicing!
And remember, no matter how long you’ve been crocheting…
Math is hard.
Crochet is hard.
Crochet repeat symbols are hard!
The beautiful thing about crochet is that patterns can come from anywhere, and from anyone.
When these universal crochet rules are followed, hopefully patterns can be presented with greater ease and clarity, and then followed with greater ease and clarity.
Video Chat
Watch my video chat on this subject for even more details on this topic: How to Read Crochet Repeat Symbols – Asterisk, Bracket & Parentheses.
Now that you have a few tips, do you feel more confident about reading and following crochet repeat symbols on your own?
Let me know in the comments or CLICK HERE to start a conversation in the community!
Peace, Love & Crochet
Salena
I’ll take any help….I can’t continue because my stitches are not aligning up.
Happy to share information that helps with pattern reading! However, if you have questions about a specific pattern, be sure to reach out to the pattern author for help and support (publicly sharing pattern instructions in any way is not allowed). Happy crocheting!