Guide 5: Crochet Chart Symbols Used in Japan [Advanced]

Decorative Crochet Chart Symbols to Know

In Guide 4, we introduced crochet chart symbols that represent increases and decreases—symbols that are essentially combinations of basic stitches.
In this guide, we will focus on 10 symbols that appear in decorative stitch patterns. Once you’re familiar with how to create expressive textures using stitch patterns, crochet becomes even more enjoyable. The 10 symbols introduced here are somewhat advanced, but you will often encounter them in actual crochet charts. Having prior knowledge of these can make seemingly complex charts feel less intimidating.

Symbols Used in Decorative Stitch Patterns

こま編み1目、くさり2目、こま編み1目を編む

{single crochet, chain 2, single crochet} in the same stitch

ピコット

Picot (chain 3, slip stitch in top of previous stitch)

長編み交差

Crossed Double Crochet Stitch

中長編み3目の玉編み

Half Double Crochet Bobble (hdc3tog)

長編み3目の玉編み

Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog)

立ち上がり位置での玉編み

Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) Using Chain 2 as the First Part

同じ目に編み入れる

Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) in Previous Stitch

くさりを束にすくって編む

Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) in Chain-2 Space of Previous Row

直前の目を拾って編む

Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) around Post of Previous Double Crochet

パプコーン編み

Popcorn Stitch (5 dc popcorn)

- {single crochet, chain 2, single crochet} in the same stitch

"{Single Crochet, Chain 2, Single Crochet} in Chain Space" Crochet Symbols

This symbol often appears at the corners of square single crochet motifs or as part of a decorative stitch pattern. It represents the instruction: “single crochet, chain 2, single crochet” in the same stitch. Both single crochets are worked into the same stitch of the previous row.
In English patterns, expressions like "{single crochet, chain 2, single crochet} in the same stitch" are typically used.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:
sp: space

[Foundation]
Chain 16. Insert the hook into the first chain and make a slip stitch to form a ring.
↓
[Rnd 1]
Ch 1 (does not count as st, same throughout), sc in each of the first 4 ch, *{sc, ch 2, sc} in next ch, sc in next 3 ch,* rep from * to * twice more, sc in the same chain as the first sc, insert hook into the 1st sc and work hdc to join (counts as ch-2).
↓
[Rnd 2]
Ch 1, sc around post of hdc of previous rnd, sc in next 5 sc, *{sc, ch 2, sc} in ch-2 sp, sc in next 5 sc,* rep from * to * twice more, sc around post of hdc of previous rnd, insert hook into the 1st sc and work hdc to join (counts as ch-2).

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

The key point in this chart is how the corner symbols are used. In Row 1, the corner symbol being used is the one introduced in this section—the symbol that includes a V shape below the chains. This represents working two single crochets into the same stitch.
On the other hand, the symbol used at the corners in Row 2 does not include a V shape. Instead, the one on the left in the following image is used.

These two symbols can represent the same sequence:
{single crochet, chain 2, single crochet},
but the difference lies in where the single crochets are worked.
In this chart, the symbol is placed on top of a chain space from the previous row. That tells you to insert the hook under both loops of the chain and then work {single crochet, chain 2, single crochet}.

This distinction becomes especially clear when the previous row contains chain stitches.
There are typically two ways to work into a chain:
1. Insert the hook into the center of the chain stitch (splitting it).
2. Insert the hook under both loops of the chain (not splitting it).
These different approaches are conveyed through the use of different symbols.

In later sections of this guide, we will explain more about how to interpret symbols that distinguish between these two methods.

- Picot (chain 3, slip stitch in top of previous stitch)

"Picot (chain 3, slip stitch in top of previous stitch)" Crochet Symbols

The picot is often used as an accent in textured stitches or edging. The most common type is a picot made with a chain of 3. The chart symbol nicely illustrates how to work it: after making 3 chains, you complete the picot with a slip stitch. A picot is typically made immediately after a single crochet or double crochet, and the slip stitch is worked into the top of the stitch just made.
In English patterns, this is typically written as “picot (ch 3, sl st in top of previous stitch).”

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:
t-ch: turning chain

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 13, then ch 3 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Dc in 5th ch from hook, dc in next 11 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 1 (does not count as st), sc in 1st dc, ch 3, slip stitch in top of last sc, *ch 1, skip next dc, sc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, slip stitch in top of last sc,* rep from * to * once more, ch 1, skip next dc, sc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, sc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row, ch 3, slip stitch in top of last sc.

- Crossed Double Crochet Stitch

"Crossed Double Crochet Stitch" Crochet Symbols

This symbol for crossed double crochet is also easy to understand from the chart. It is often used as part of a textured pattern. By reversing the order in which the double crochets are worked, the stitches cross over each other to create a decorative effect.
In English patterns, this is typically written as “crossed double crochet” or abbreviated as “crossed dc.”

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 12, then ch 3 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Skip first 5 ch, dc in 6th ch from hook, dc in last skipped ch, *skip next ch, dc in next ch, dc in skipped ch,* rep from * to * three times, dc in last ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 2 (first ch does not count as st; second ch counts as ch-1), skip 1st dc, *sc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc,* rep from * to * four times, sc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), skip ch-1 sp, dc in next sc, dc in skipped ch-1 sp, *skip next ch-1 sp, dc in next sc, dc in skipped ch-1 sp,* rep from * to * three times, dc in end ch-2 sp, turn.
↓
[Row 4]
Repeat Row 2.

- Half Double Crochet Bobble (hdc3tog)

"Half Double Crochet Bobble (hdc3tog)" Crochet Symbols

This is the chart symbol for a "half double crochet 3-stitch bobble," which is made by working three incomplete hdc stitches into the same stitch of the previous row, then finishing them together as one stitch. The rounded and puffy shape of the stitch is clearly reflected in the symbol.
In English patterns, this is typically written as “hdc3tog bobble” or “half double crochet bobble (hdc3tog).”

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 15, then ch 3 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Ch 1, work {half double crochet bobble, ch 2, half double crochet bobble} in 8th ch from hook, *ch 1, skip next 3 ch, {half double crochet bobble, ch 2, half double crochet bobble} in next ch,* rep from * to * once more, then ch 1, skip next 2 ch, dc in last ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), ch 1, skip next ch and bobble, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, *skip bobble, ch 1, and next bobble, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp,* rep from * to * once more, ch 1, skip next ch, dc in the top of the turning ch-3 of the previous row, turn.
　↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), ch 1, skip next ch and next dc, *work {half double crochet bobble, ch 2, half double crochet bobble} in next dc, ch 1, skip next 2 dc,* rep from * to * once more, work {half double crochet bobble, ch 2, half double crochet bobble} in next dc, ch 1, skip next ch, dc in the top of the turning ch-3 of the previous row, turn.

- Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog)

"Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog)" Crochet Symbols

This symbol represents the "double crochet 3-stitch bobble," which follows the same concept as the hdc bobble. Three incomplete dc stitches are worked into the same stitch of the previous row and then completed together as one.
In English patterns, this is typically written as “dc3tog bobble” or “double crochet bobble (dc3tog).”

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 15, then ch 3 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Dc in 5th ch from hook, *ch 1, skip next ch, work double crochet bobble in next ch, ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next ch,* rep from * to * twice more, dc in last ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), work double crochet bobble in next dc, *ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next bobble, ch 1, skip next ch, work double crochet bobble in next dc,* rep from * to * twice more, dc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next bobble, *ch 1, skip next ch, work double crochet bobble in next dc, ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next bobble,* rep from * to * twice more, dc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row.

- Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) Using Chain 2 as the First Part

"Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) Using Chain 2 as the First Part" Crochet Symbols

In some cases, such as in round crochet, the beginning chain of the round is included as part of the bobble stitch itself. This is an example where a double crochet bobble begins with a chain.
In English patterns, this is typically written as: “Ch 2, dc2tog in same st (counts as bobble),” where the chain-2 serves as the first partial double crochet of a dc3tog bobble.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation]
Start with a magic ring.
↓
[Rnd 1]
Ch 1, then work 6 sc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
↓
[Rnd 2]
Ch 2 (counts as incomplete dc), dc2tog in 1st sc (counts as first double crochet bobble, same throughout), ch 3, *work double crochet bobble in next sc, ch 3,* rep from * to * four times, join with a sl st to the top of the 1st double crochet bobble.
↓
[Rnd 3]
Ch 2 (counts as incomplete dc), {dc2tog, ch 2, double crochet bobble} in 1st bobble, ch 2, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 2, *{double crochet bobble, ch 2, double crochet bobble} in next bobble, ch 2, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 2,* rep from * to * four times, join with a sl st to the top of the 1st double crochet bobble.

- Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) in Previous Stitch

"Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) in Previous Stitch" Crochet Symbols

Using a “double crochet bobble (dc3tog)” as an example, let’s look at how to interpret the chart symbol and how to work into the same stitch.
In the chart, the bobble symbol is positioned above a single crochet stitch from the previous row. The base of the bobble symbol is tightly closed.
This symbol directly indicates that the double crochet bobble is worked into the single crochet stitch of the previous row.

A key point here is that when you insert the hook into the same stitch repeatedly, the base of the bobble symbol is closed. Keep this point in mind as you move on to the next section.
In English patterns, this is typically written as “bobble (dc3tog) in same stitch” or “bobble (dc3tog) in next stitch,” depending on context.

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, sc in next ch and each ch across, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), work double crochet bobble in next sc, *ch 1, skip next sc, work double crochet bobble in next sc,* rep from * to * four times, dc in last sc, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 1 (does not count as st), sc in 1st dc, sc in next bobble, *sc in next ch sp, sc in next bobble,* rep from * to * four times, sc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 4]
Repeat Row 2.

- Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) in Chain-2 Space of Previous Row

"Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) in Chain-2 Space of Previous Row" Crochet Symbols

Using the same “double crochet bobble (dc3tog)” example, let’s now look at how to interpret symbols that indicate working into a chain space. In the previous section, we discussed how the base of the bobble symbol is closed when the stitches are worked into the same stitch.
In contrast, when working into a chain space, the base of the bobble symbol is separated. This visual cue helps you distinguish between working into the same stitch and working into a chain space.
In English patterns, this is typically written as “bobble (dc3tog) in ch-2 space,” though wording may vary.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 13, then ch 3 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Ch 1, work double crochet bobble in 7th ch from hook, *ch 1, skip next ch, work double crochet bobble in next ch,* rep from * to * three times, ch 1, skip next ch, dc in last ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 1 (does not count as st), skip next ch, *{sc, ch 2, sc} in next bobble, skip next ch,* rep from * to * four times, sc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), ch 1, skip next sc, work double crochet bobble in next ch-2 sp, *ch 1, skip next 2 sc, work double crochet bobble in next ch-2 sp,* rep from * to * three times, ch 1, skip next sc, dc in last sc, turn.
　↓
[Row 4]
Repeat Row 2.

- Double Crochet Bobble (dc3tog) around Post of Previous Double Crochet

"Double Crochet 3 Together around Post of Previous Double Crochet" Crochet Symbols

This example shows a symbol that indicates working around the post of the previous stitch. Specifically, the dc3tog is worked around the post of the dc that was just made. This stitch symbol makes it easy to visualize how the stitch is worked. Even if the dc3tog is replaced with hdc3tog, the concept remains the same.
In English patterns, this is typically written as “bobble (dc3tog) around post of previous dc” or “front post bobble,” depending on context.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 13, then ch 3 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Work double crochet bobble around ch-3 of t-ch, skip next 2 ch, *dc in next ch, work double crochet bobble around previous dc, skip next ch,* rep from * to * four times, dc in last ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 1 (does not count as st), sc in first dc and each st across, sc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next sc, work double crochet bobble around previous dc, skip next sc,* rep from * to * five times, turn.
　↓
[Row 4]
Ch 1 (does not count as st), sc in first bobble and each st across, sc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row.

- Popcorn Stitch (5 dc popcorn)

"Popcorn Stitch (5 dc popcorn)" Crochet Symbols

The symbol for the popcorn stitch, which closely resembles that of the double crochet bobble stitch, is shown here using the example of a "popcorn stitch made with 5 double crochet stitches." While a bobble stitch involves finishing several incomplete stitches together, the popcorn stitch is made by working five completed double crochets into the same stitch or space, then removing the hook and pulling it through the first dc to close the group. Finally, it is secured with one chain.

Once you're familiar with how the stitch is made, the crochet chart symbol makes sense—it represents the entire process, including the closing chain.
In English patterns, this is typically written as “popcorn stitch” or simply “5 dc popcorn.”

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 11, then ch 3 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Work popcorn stitch in 5th ch from hook, *dc in next 3 ch, work popcorn stitch in next ch,* rep from * to * once more, dc in last ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 2 sts, work popcorn stitch in next dc, dc in next 3 sts, work popcorn stitch in next dc, dc in next 2 sts, dc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), work popcorn stitch in next dc, *dc in next 3 sts, work popcorn stitch in next dc,* rep from * to * once more, dc in 3rd ch of ch-3 of previous row.

Summary

This time, we looked at ten types of crochet chart symbols that are sometimes used in stitch patterns.
Some of them showed variations in the symbols to indicate different techniques, but overall, these were relatively easy-to-understand symbols that likely helped you visualize how the stitches are worked.
If you can keep these explanations in the back of your mind, they will likely help you better understand the charts when you come across a pattern you’d like to try.

We’ve now covered most of the basic crochet chart symbols and commonly used ones in Japanese charts in the previous guides. Starting from Guide 6, we’ll move on to more practical content, exploring and explaining a variety of chart types. Stay tuned!