Guide 4: Crochet Chart Symbols Used in Japan [Shaping]

Here, we will cover four types of stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet. The symbols for increases and decreases are easy to visualize as they correspond closely to the actual stitching process and follow a consistent pattern, making them intuitive to understand.

There are many crochet chart symbols with similar designs, aren't there?
Increase symbols have their bases joined together, while decrease symbols have their tops connected. When the number of combined symbols increases to three, they can be interpreted as making three stitches into one or decreasing three stitches together.

"Two Single Crochet in the Same Stitch" Crochet Symbols

The symbol for "single crochet increase (two single crochet in the same stitch)" frequently appears in projects like crochet bags and amigurumi worked in the round. It indicates working two single crochet stitches into the stitch of the previous row where the apex of the bottom of the V-shape points, creating an increase.

The symbols for single crochet increases and decreases may vary slightly depending on books or designers, so two different versions are provided here as examples. Most symbols are similar to these, and all are used with the same meaning.
In English patterns, expressions like "two single crochet in the same stitch (2 sc in same st)" are typically used.

ex.This crochet chart is an example of starting with foundation chains and continuing to work in the round. The specific steps are as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, then ch 1 for t-ch (does not count as st).
↓
[Rnd 1]
2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 4 ch, 3 sc in next ch, turn to work along the other side of the chain, sc in next 5 ch, join with a sl st to the first sc.
↓
[Rnd 2]
Ch 1 (does not count as st, same throughout), 2 sc in 1st and next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in end sc, join with a sl st to the first sc.
↓
[Rnd 3]
Ch 1, sc in 1st sc, 2 sc in next sc, *sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc*, sc in next 4 sc, rep from * to * three times, sc in next 4 sc, rep from * to * once more, join with a sl st to the first sc.

--------------------------

In cases where the crochet fabric expands flatly in an oval shape, increases are worked as shown in this crochet chart. This type of circular crochet chart is a typical example of where the symbol for "two single crochet in the same stitch" is used.

Another similar symbol for increasing single crochet is "three single crochet in the same stitch," and the following crochet chart symbol is used.

Compared to the symbol for "two single crochet in the same stitch," the only difference is that there is an additional line in the center. As shown, increase crochet chart symbols visually represent the number of stitches to be worked into the same stitch.

"Single Crochet Two Together (sc2tog)" Crochet Symbols

The symbol for "single crochet two together" is the reverse design of the symbol for "two single crochet in the same stitch." This decrease symbol is used when closing up the crochet fabric, as in amigurumi, or when reducing stitches in a project.

Insert your hook into the two stitches indicated by the two points at the bottom of the symbol, work an incomplete single crochet into each, then complete them together as one stitch.

As with the previous case, the appearance of these symbols may vary slightly depending on the book or pattern, but they are used with the same meaning. Therefore, two examples are provided here.
In English patterns, it's written as "single crochet two together (sc2tog)."

A similar symbol is used for "three single crochet together" in the previous row, and the following crochet chart symbol is used.

Just like the increase symbol mentioned earlier, you can see that the "three single crochet together" symbol has one additional line in the center compared to the "single crochet two together" symbol.
The symbols for decreases also visually represent how many stitches from the previous row are worked together in one stitch.

Now, let's take a look at how these symbols are used in crochet charts.

ex. This crochet chart is an example of starting with a foundation chain joined into a ring and continuing to work in the round. The specific steps are as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 24, join with a sl st to the first ch to form a ring.
↓
[Rnd 1]
Ch 1 (does not count as st, same throughout), sc in 1st ch and each ch of foundation ch (24 sc in total), join with a sl st to the first sc.
↓
[Rnd 2]
Ch 1, sc in 1st and next sc, sc2tog in next 2 sc, *sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog in next 2 sc,* rep from * to * twice, sc in last 2 sc, join with a sl st to the first sc.
↓
[Rnd 3]
Ch 1, sc in 1st and next 2 sc, sc2tog in next 2 sc, *sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog in next 2 sc,* rep from * to * twice, join with a sl st to the first sc.
↓
[Rnd 4]
Ch 1, sc in 1st sc, sc2tog in next 2 sc, * sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog in next 2 sc,* rep from * to * twice, sc in end sc, join with a sl st to the first sc.
↓
[Rnd 5]
Ch 1, sc3tog in 1st and next 2 sc, *sc3tog in next 3 sc,* rep from * to * twice, join with a sl st to the first sc3tog.

--------------------------

This crochet chart has a design where the fabric closes as you work through it. While the number of stitches may vary depending on the project, this type of gradual decrease can be seen not only in single crochet but also in other stitches like double crochet and half-double crochet.

"Two Half Double Crochet in the Same Stitch" Crochet Symbols

This symbol represents "two half double crochet in the same stitch," which is easier to recognize at a glance than single crochet. Work two half double crochets into the same stitch from the previous round.
In English patterns, an expression like "two half double crochet in the same stitch (2 hdc in same st)" is typically used.

Let's take a look at an example of where this symbol is used in a chart. Below is a pattern that creates a flat, circular piece of crochet.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation]
Start with a magic ring.
↓
[Row 1]
Ch 2 (counts as hdc), then work 11 hdc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-2.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in 2nd ch of t-ch of previous rnd, 2 hdc in next hdc and each hdc of previous rnd, join with a sl st to the top of the ch-2.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 2 (counts as hdc), 2 hdc in 1st hdc, *hdc in next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc,* rep from * to * ten times, join with a sl st to the top of the ch-2.

"Half Double Crochet Two Together (hdc2tog)" Crochet Symbols

This symbol represents the decrease stitch "half double crochet two together (hdc2tog)." To decrease, work two incomplete half double crochets and complete them together as one stitch.
In English patterns, it's written as "half double crochet two together (hdc2tog)."

Now, let's look at an example of how this symbol is used in a chart. This pattern gradually narrows in width with each decrease.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, then ch 2 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Hdc in 4th ch from hook, hdc in next 4 ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in next hdc and each hdc across, hdc in 2nd ch of ch-2 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 1 (counts as incomplete hdc), hdc in next hdc (this counts as hdc2tog), hdc2tog in next 2 hdc, hdc2tog in next hdc and 2nd ch of ch-2 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 4]
Ch 1 (counts as incomplete hdc), hdc2tog in next 2 hdc2tog (this counts as hdc3tog).

--------------------------

This is an example where, in addition to "half double crochet two together (hdc2tog)," the stitch is considered as "hdc2tog" or "hdc3tog" including the turning chain.
This time, we’ve covered crocheting in rows, but this technique is also used when closing the fabric worked in the round, for example.

"Two Double Crochet in the Same Stitch" Crochet Symbols

The symbol for "two double crochet in the same stitch," which can be understood in the same way as the previous example with half double crochet. Work two double crochet stitches into the same stitch of the previous row.
In English patterns, an expression like "two double crochet in the same stitch (2 dc in same st)" is typically used.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 7, then ch 3 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Dc in 5th ch from hook, dc in next 5 ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc and each dc across, dc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in 1st dc, *skip next dc, 2dc in next dc*, rep from * to * once more, skip next dc, 2 dc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row.

"Double Crochet Two Together (dc2tog)" Crochet Symbols

This symbol represents the decrease stitch "double crochet two together (dc2tog)." To decrease, work two incomplete double crochets and complete them together as one stitch.
In English patterns, it's written as "double crochet two together (dc2tog)."

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, then ch 3 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Dc in 5th ch from hook, dc in next 4 ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc and each dc across, dc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 2 (counts as incomplete dc), dc in next dc (this counts as dc2tog), ch 1, dc2tog in next 2 dc, ch 1, dc2tog in next dc and 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row.

"Two Treble Crochet in the Same Stitch" Crochet Symbols

This symbol represents the increase stitch "two treble crochet in the same stitch." Work two treble crochet into the same stitch of the previous row.
In English patterns, an expression like "two treble crochet in the same stitch (2 tr in same st)" is typically used.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 3, then ch 4 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Tr in 5th ch from hook, 2 tr in next 2 ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 4 (counts as tr), tr in first tr, tr in next tr, 2 tr in next tr, tr in next tr, 2 tr in next tr, tr in 4th ch of ch-4 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 4 (counts as tr), tr in next tr, 2 tr in next tr, tr in next 2 tr, 2 tr in next tr, tr in next 2 tr, 2 tr in 4th ch of ch-4 of previous row.

"Treble Crochet Two Together (tr2tog)" Crochet Symbols

This symbol represents the decrease stitch "treble crochet two together (tr2tog)."
To decrease, work two incomplete treble crochets and complete them together as one stitch.
In English patterns, it's written as "treble crochet two together (tr2tog)."

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 8, then ch 4 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Tr in 6th ch from hook, 2 tr2tog in next 4 ch, tr in next 2 ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 4 (counts as tr), 2 tr2tog in next 4 sts, tr in 4th ch of ch-4 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as incomplete tr), tr in next st (this counts as tr2tog), tr2tog in next tr and 4th ch of ch-4 of previous row.
↓
[Row 4]
Ch 3 (counts as incomplete tr), tr in next st (this counts as tr2tog).

"Five Double Crochet in the Same Stitch" Crochet Symbols

The symbol for one of the variations of increase stitches, "five double crochet in the same stitch."
This symbol often appears in pattern stitches and edgings, so we will introduce it here.
It is similar to the "two double crochet in the same stitch" we have seen so far, but this symbol indicates working five double crochet stitches into the same stitch of the previous row.
In English patterns, an expression like "five double crochet in the same stitch (5 dc in same st)" is typically used.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 13, then ch 1 for t-ch (does not count as st).
↓
[Row 1]
Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch,* rep from * to * once more, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in first sc, skip next 2 dc, sc in next dc, skip next 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, skip next 2 dc, sc in next dc, skip next 2 dc, 3 dc in end sc, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 1 (does not count as st), sc in 1st dc, *skip next 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, skip next 2 dc*, sc in next dc, rep from * to * once more, sc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 4]
Repeat Row 2.

--------------------------

Here we introduced the symbol for "five double crochet in the same stitch," but since the number of combined symbols corresponds to the actual number of stitches to be worked, it’s easy to understand even when the number changes.
This also applies to the decrease stitches we will introduce next.

"Double Crochet Five Together (dc5tog)" Crochet Symbols

The symbol for "double crochet five together," which is used to decrease several stitches at once. While "double crochet two together" completes two incomplete double crochet stitches at once, this one completes five incomplete double crochet stitches together.
Because double crochet stitches are tall, even decreasing by four stitches at once still results in a clean, beautiful fabric. This stitch is also often used in pattern designs.
In English patterns, it is typically written as "double crochet five together (dc5tog)."

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 13, then ch 1 for t-ch (does not count as st).
↓
[Row 1]
Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch,* rep from * to * once more, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 2 (counts as incomplete dc), dc2tog in next 2 dc (this counts as dc3tog), ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 2, dc5tog over next 2 dc, next sc, and next 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 2, dc3tog over next 2 dc and end sc, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 1 (does not count as st), sc in 1st dc3tog, *skip next 2 ch, 5 dc in next sc, skip next 2 ch*, sc in next dc, rep from * to * once more, sc in end dc3tog, turn.
↓
[Row 4]
Repeat Row 2.

--------------------------

Here we used "double crochet five together" as an example, but if it were "double crochet three together," the symbol would consist of three combined stitches.
Just like the increase symbols we saw earlier, the number of combined symbols in decrease stitches corresponds to the actual number of stitches to be worked.
Once you understand the rules, it becomes easier to imagine the stitch pattern from the symbol.