How to Read Crochet Pattern Sizes for Multiple Sizes (S, M, L)
Quick Recognition
You’ve found the perfect cardigan pattern. You’re ready to start, but then you see a row that looks like this: “Ch 102 (110, 118, 126, 134).” You think, “Wait, do I chain all of those? Is this some kind of code?” At Dailyhandmade, we call this the “Mathemagical Parentheses.” For a beginner, a page filled with bracketed numbers can look more like a tax form than a craft project. But these numbers are actually your best friend—they are the GPS coordinates for your specific body shape. Understanding how to read crochet pattern sizes for multiple sizes is the difference between a custom-fit masterpiece and a sweater that fits your cat.
Direct Answer
When a pattern lists multiple sizes, the numbers are always presented in ascending order from smallest to largest. The first number (outside the parentheses) is for the smallest size. The numbers inside the parentheses correspond to the progressively larger sizes. If a pattern is for S (M, L, XL), and it says “Ch 20 (25, 30, 35),” a person making a Small chains 20, a Medium chains 25, and so on. In HOW TO READ CROCHET PATTERNS, the rule is simple: Pick your number and ignore the rest.
The Anatomy of Multi-Size Instructions
In the technical world of How to Read Crochet Patterns for Beginners, designers use a standard hierarchy to save space. Here is how you decode the “Size String”:
1. The Key/Legend
At the very beginning of a garment pattern (the “Notes” section), the designer will define the sizes.
- Example: Sizes: Small (Medium, Large, 1X, 2X)
- The Translation: Throughout the entire pattern, the 1st number is Small, the 2nd is Medium, the 3rd is Large, etc.
2. The Chain-Start
This is usually where the confusion begins.
- Example: Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across—21 (25, 29) sts.
- The Translation: If you are making a Large (the 3rd size), you look at the 3rd number. You should have 29 stitches.
3. The “Work Even” Instruction
Sometimes, a larger size needs to work more rows to reach the armpit or the waist.
- Example: Work even for 10 (12, 12, 14) inches.
- The Translation: Notice that the Medium and Large both say “12.” This happens often when the “body” of the garment is the same length for those two sizes.
Size Mapping Table (Example: S – XXL)
| Pattern Position | Small | Medium | Large | XL | XXL |
| Placement | Outside | 1st in ( ) | 2nd in ( ) | 3rd in ( ) | 4th in ( ) |
| Example Count | 40 | (45, | 50, | 55, | 60) |
The Dailyhandmade “Sizing Protocol”
To master how to read crochet pattern sizes for multiple sizes without getting a headache, use this 3-step professional setup:
- The Highlighter Hack (Mandatory): Before you pick up your hook, print the pattern. If you are making a “Large,” take a colored highlighter and go through the entire pattern, circling or highlighting only the third number in every string. This prevents you from accidentally switching to “Small” instructions halfway through a sleeve.
- The “Zero” Rule: Occasionally, you will see a
0in a size string, like2 (0, 4). This means for that specific size (Medium in this case), you skip that instruction entirely. Do not crochet anything for that step. - Check the Stitch Count : Every time you finish a major section (like the back panel), check the stitch count in the parentheses. If you are a Medium, and your row ends with
(25 sts), make sure you have exactly 25.
Dailyhandmade Expert Note: If a pattern only has one number and no parentheses, it is “One Size Fits Most.” These are great for beginners, but if you want to learn HOW TO READ CROCHET PATTERNS garment making, look for patterns with at least three sizes to practice your “Size Tracking” skills.
What To Expect Next
You’ve picked your size and you know which numbers to follow. But how do you stop yourself from losing your place when the rows all start to look the same? In our next chapter, we look at the physical and mental hacks for tracking your progress row by row.
Return Path
Mastering how to read crochet pattern sizes for multiple sizes is your ticket to a handmade wardrobe in How to Read Crochet Patterns for Beginners. To keep building your fluency in HOW TO READ CROCHET PATTERNS, explore these related guides:
