Understanding Pattern Repeats in Crochet

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All of my current crochet projects include pattern repeats. There are a few things that I really love about crochet pattern repeats. First, they are generally really easy to memorize and visualize the progression of the design. Second, I just love the look of crochet fabric created with crochet patterns, from rows of shells and lace to tapestry crochet designs. But before you start one of the many incredible designs featured below, let’s take a look at how crochet pattern repeats appear in patterns.

Above: Andemento Throw by Quayln Stark

Stitch and Row Repeats

There are two main types of repeats in crochet patterns: stitch and row repeats.

Stitch repeats refer to stitch patterns repeated across a row. For example, you may work a pattern of one shell and three double crochets, repeated ten times across a row. Be sure to pay attention to where the repeat starts and ends. Often, you will work a few stitches before the repeat starts, and then leave a few stitches at the end of the row to be worked differently.

Row repeats mean that an entire row of crochet is repeated. Sometimes, this means one row is repeated over and over again. Sometimes, however, you may be asked to work a few rows and then repeat a row or a number of rows which appeared previously. In patterns with increases or decreases, for example, you may need to work your decrease row or rows in between a set number of regular pattern rows.

Row and stitch repeats are popular for allover stitch patterns like those used for Morass Shawl, Beach Shelling Tee, and Summer Breeze Hoodie.

How Pattern Repeats Appear

There are three main ways that crochet stitch and row repeats may appear in patterns. Which one is chosen will often depend on the complexity, techniques used, and publishing constraints of the specific pattern.

Written Instructions

If a row or stitch pattern repeat is relatively straightforward, it may be only indicated textually. In a row repeat, for example, you might work Rows 1-4, then Rows 5 & 6, then be instructed to repeat Rows 1-4. Finally, you might be instructed to repeat Rows 1-6 eight times. Or across one row, you might be asked to repeat a specific set of stitches, often set apart in brackets. You might also see “Repeat from *” where there is an asterisk partially through the row instructions. In that case, you will work from that asterisk to the end of the indicated section.

Crochet Charts

Crochet stitch charts are another very popular way to illustrate pattern repeats in crochet pattern. Very popular with visual crocheters, stitch charts are a visual representation of the stitches used to create crochet patterns for designs. Find them in patterns like the Dunraven Lane Tunic, Tahitian Shawl, Speakeasy Shawl, or Veronica Shawl. In some patterns like the Morass Shawl, more than one type of stitch pattern repeat is represented.

Related: How to Read a Crochet Chart

Most patterns with stitch diagrams also include written instructions, so you can choose whichever one works best for you. I generally read the written instructions to get a general idea of the pattern, but rely mostly on the stitch diagram.

Each stitch chart includes a key that will show you what each stitch looks like. You need to be able to tell a double crochet from a single crochet and quickly identify a shell. Your chart, like the one above, might even highlight or box the stitch repeat within the diagram. But even if it doesn’t, it is pretty easy to visually see the repeat with the brackets. You’ll repeat the 12 stitch pattern repeat across the row, and then repeat rows 2-9 as many times as indicated.

Graphs

Crochet graphs are the best way to illustrate crochet pattern repeats for colorwork, tapestry and filet crochet projects. Find them in projects like the Andamento Throw, the Tweedy Bag, and the Floral Filet Ruana. Graphs represent stitch colors or stitch placement (in the instance of filet crochet) with the use of graphs. Some of these patterns also include written instructions; some may only include written instructions for beginning and ending the piece, with the rest of the pattern represented by the graph.

You will see that the above graph includes a section in a red box. The section in the red square is the pattern repeat. The way it’s read is to work across the row in the red box and then repeat across the project. Then, once you’ve worked all of the rows in the red box—in this case, rows 3-24—you’ll start again from Row 3 and work again, as many times through as indicated by the pattern.

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Which crochet stitch pattern repeat can you not crochet without? Start one of these amazing crochet patterns today and see why stitch pattern repeats make crochet projects easier and more enjoyable to make.

Happy crocheting,
Toni

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Projects to Practice Your Crochet Pattern Repeats