Guide 3: Crochet Chart Symbols Used in Japan [Variations]

In the previous guide, we covered the most fundamental individual crochet chart symbols. The symbols introduced this time also each represent a single stitch.
Let's take a look at individual crochet chart symbols that depict slightly more advanced stitch techniques.

The crochet chart symbols selected this time include both frequently and less frequently used ones. The symbols for post stitches, which are commonly seen in Japanese patterns, can be somewhat tricky to interpret. Therefore, we will provide a detailed explanation, including comparisons with charts used in English patterns.

Twisted Single Crochet Symbols

The "twisted single crochet" creates firm stitches and is often used for edging. Before inserting the hook into the fabric, the loop on the hook is twisted once, then the stitch is completed in the same way as a regular single crochet. This characteristic is also reflected in the crochet chart symbol.
In English patterns, it is written as "twisted single crochet (twisted sc)."

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

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, 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 first dc), dc in next dc and each dc across, dc in 3rd of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 1 (does not counts as st), twisted sc in first dc and each dc across, twisted sc in 3rd of ch-3 of previous row.

Reverse Single Crochet Symbol

The "reverse single crochet" is another stitch often used for edging. Unlike regular crochet, which is typically worked from right to left, this stitch is worked in the opposite direction, from left to right. It creates a stitch similar to the "twisted single crochet," and its crochet chart symbol also bears a resemblance.
In English patterns, it is written as "reverse single crochet (rev sc)."

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation]
Start with a magic ring.
↓
[Row 1]
Ch 1 (does not counts as st), then work 6 sc into the ring. Insert the hook into the first sc and make a sl st to join.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 1 (does not counts as st), 2 sc in first sc and each sc of the previous round (12 sc in total). Insert the hook into the first sc and make a sl st to join.
↓
[Row 3]
Row 3 is worked in the opposite direction of Rows 1 and 2, with the right side facing.
Ch 1 (does not counts as st), rev sc in first sc and each sc of the previous round (12 rev sc in total). Insert the hook into the first rev sc and make a sl st to join.

Front Post Double Crochet Symbol

In Guide 2, we explained stitches in the order of single crochet → half double crochet → double crochet. However, for the six "post stitches" we will introduce here, we will start with the most frequently used type: the front post double crochet.

The crochet chart symbol for "front post double crochet" clearly conveys its difference in stitch placement compared to a regular double crochet. While a standard double crochet is worked into the top two loops of the stitch from the previous row, a front post double crochet is worked around the vertical post of the stitch, inserting the hook from the front. This crochet chart symbol effectively represents the motions involved in crocheting.
In English patterns, it is written as "front post double crochet (fpdc)."

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows. Here, the odd-numbered rows are assumed to be the right side of the fabric.

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, 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 first dc), dc in next dc and each dc across, dc in 3rd of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), fpdc in next dc and each dc across, fpdc in ch-3 of previous row.

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

Since the front post double crochet is worked in Row 3 (odd row), you will be crocheting with the right side facing. Front post double crochet creates a pattern where the yarn protrudes from the right side. Therefore, in this case, a pattern with yarn protruding on the right side of the fabric will be formed.

Japanese crochet charts represent the pattern you see from the right side of the fabric using symbols. If the symbol for front post double crochet appears in Row 3 on the chart, it means that when viewed from the right side, Row 3 will have a pattern of front post double crochet with yarn protruding on the right side.

At this point, since you are crocheting with the right side facing in Row 3 (odd row), the actual stitch used will also be "front post double crochet."

The relationship between the symbol for post stitches and the actual stitch can be somewhat tricky, so please keep the following points in mind:

[Rows worked with the right side facing]
Chart symbol: Front post double crochet
↓
Actual stitch: Front post double crochet

Since front post and back post double crochets are closely related, I will explain back post double crochet first and then revisit front post double crochet in more detail afterward.

Back Post Double Crochet Symbol

The "back post double crochet" creates a pattern where the stitches protrude to the back side of the fabric. The place where the stitch is picked up is also the vertical post of the stitch from the previous row, but this time, the hook is inserted from the back of the fabric, moving toward the front, to catch the vertical post and work the double crochet.

Therefore, the difference between front post double crochet and back post double crochet lies in whether you pick up the vertical post of the stitch from the front or from the back. This difference dramatically changes the appearance of the stitches.
In English patterns, it is written as "back post double crochet (bpdc)."

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows. Here, the odd-numbered rows are assumed to be the right side of the fabric.

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, 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 first dc), dc in next dc and each dc across, dc in 3rd of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), bpdc in next dc and each dc across, bpdc in ch-3 of previous row.

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

In Row 3 (odd row), the back post double crochet is worked with the right side facing. By working back post double crochet, a raised pattern appears on the back side of the fabric.

In this chart, the post stitches are also worked with the right side facing, so the stitch symbols match the actual way of working the stitches, as follows:

[Rows worked with the right side facing]
Chart symbol: Back post double crochet
↓
Actual stitch: Back post double crochet

From this, we can conclude that when working with the right side facing, both "front post double crochet" and "back post double crochet" match their respective chart symbols.

Now, is there a case where they do not match?
In Japanese crochet charts, the answer is "yes." This is because Japanese crochet charts represent "patterns" rather than stitch execution. With post stitches, there are cases where the chart symbol and the actual stitch worked are reversed.

Reversed cases occur when a chart symbol shows "front post double crochet," but the actual stitch worked is "back post double crochet," or vice versa.

Because the pattern of a "front post double crochet" appears as a "back post double crochet" when the fabric is turned, and the pattern of a "back post double crochet" also appears as a "front post double crochet" when the fabric is turned, it becomes possible to give instructions for such a crochet chart.
In this way, front and back post stitches can be considered two sides of the same concept.

Next, let's look at cases where the chart symbols and the actual stitches do not match.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows. Here, the odd-numbered rows are assumed to be the right side of the fabric.

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, 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), bpdc in next dc and each dc across, bpdc in ch-3 of previous row.
To achieve the pattern of "front post double crochet" when looking at the fabric from the front, work "back post double crochet" as the actual stitch.

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

The front post double crochet stitch appears in Row 2 (even row), which is worked with the "back" side of the fabric facing you.

The chart indicates that, when looking at the fabric from the front, Row 2 will have the front post double crochet pattern, where the yarn protrudes towards the front. To achieve this pattern, you need to work "back post double crochet" when looking at the fabric from the back.

By doing so, the result will appear as a "front post double crochet" pattern when viewed from the front. Thus, the following can be said:

[Rows worked with the wrong side facing]
Chart symbol: Front post double crochet
↓
Actual stitch: Back post double crochet

As seen here, in rows worked with the back side facing, the chart symbol and the actual stitch for front post and back post double crochet do not align.

Now, let's review using the next chart.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows. Here, the odd-numbered rows are assumed to be the right side of the fabric.

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, 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), bpdc in next dc and each dc across, bpdc in ch-3 of previous row, turn.
To achieve the pattern of "front post double crochet" when looking at the fabric from the front, work "back post double crochet" as the actual stitch.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 3 (counts as dc), bpdc in next dc and each dc across, bpdc in ch-3 of previous row.

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

Row 2 (even row) is worked with the "wrong side" facing, so it will be as follows:

[Rows worked with the wrong side facing]
Chart symbol: front post double crochet
↓
Actual stitch: back post double crochet

Row 3 (odd row) is worked with the "right side" facing, so it will be as follows:

[Rows worked with the right side facing]
Chart symbol: back post double crochet
↓
Actual stitch: back post double crochet

In other words, when working with the right side facing, you can follow the chart symbol as is, but when working with the wrong side facing, the chart symbol and actual stitch will be reversed.

Therefore, when the front post and back post double crochet symbols are used for a flat crochet fabric in Japanese crochet charts, extra attention is needed when working with the "wrong side" facing.

It’s also important to note that the interpretation of the chart in English patterns may differ in this regard. The chart in English patterns represents the "actual stitch," not the fabric's pattern. Therefore, even when working with the "wrong side" facing, the symbol and stitch will not be reversed. If the actual stitch is front post double crochet, the symbol will also be front post double crochet; if the actual stitch is back post double crochet, the symbol will be back post double crochet.

If confusion arises when comparing Japanese and English patterns, remember that Japanese charts represent the "pattern" when viewing the fabric from the front, while English pattern charts represent the "actual stitch."

Up to this point, we have extensively explained front post double crochet and back post double crochet. The usage of the front post double crochet and back post double crochet symbols in Japanese charts can also be applied to the "half double crochet" and "single crochet" in later examples. Please interpret them in line with how the post stitch of double crochet is applied.

Front Post Half Double Crochet Symbol

The "front post half double crochet" is worked by picking up the previous row's stitch in the same way as front post double crochet and then crocheting a half double crochet from there. Since it doesn't have as much height as a double crochet, the stitch will have a thicker, more voluminous appearance.
In English patterns, it is written as "front post half double crochet (fphdc)."

The interpretation of the chart follows the same rule as front post double crochet.
Let's look at the following example.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows. Here, the odd-numbered rows are assumed to be the right side of the fabric.

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, 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 first dc), dc in next dc and each dc across, dc in 3rd of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 2 (counts as hdc), fphdc in next dc and each dc across, fphdc in ch-3 of previous row.

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

In Row 3 (odd row), the front post half double crochet is worked with the right side facing, so the actual stitch is also "front post half double crochet."

On the other hand, the following chart uses the front post half double crochet symbol for Row 2 (even row), where the work is done with the wrong side facing. Therefore, the actual stitch will be "back post half double crochet."

Back Post Half Double Crochet Symbol

Just like the back post double crochet, work by picking up the stitches of the previous row and then working a half double crochet from there. Since it doesn’t create as much height as the double crochet, the stitches will have a thicker, bulkier appearance.
In English patterns, it is written as "back post half double crochet (bphdc)."

The rules for interpreting the chart are the same as for the back post double crochet.
Let's look at the example below.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows. Here, the odd-numbered rows are assumed to be the right side of the fabric.

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, 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 first dc), dc in next dc and each dc across, dc in 3rd of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 2 (counts as hdc), bphdc in next dc and each dc across, bphdc in ch-3 of previous row.

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

In Row 3 (odd row), since you are working the back post half double crochet with the right side facing, the actual stitch is "back post half double crochet."

In contrast, the symbol for back post half double crochet in the chart below is used in Row 2 (even row), where you are working with the wrong side facing, so the actual stitch will be "front post half double crochet."

Front Post Single Crochet Symbol

“Front post single crochet” is worked by picking up the previous row’s stitches, just like front post double crochet, and then crocheting a single crochet. Although this stitch is not often seen, it can create interesting textures when used as part of a pattern.
In English patterns, it is written as “front post single crochet (fpsc).”

The interpretation of the chart follows the same rules as for front post double crochet.
Let’s look at the example below.

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows. Here, the odd-numbered rows are assumed to be the right side of the fabric.

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, 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 first dc), dc in next dc and each dc across, dc in 3rd of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 1 (does not counts as st), fpsc in first dc and each dc across, fpsc in ch-3 of previous row.

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

In Row 3 (odd row), since you are working the front post single crochet with the right side facing, the actual stitch is "front post single crochet."

On the other hand, in the following chart, the front post single crochet symbol is used in Row 2 (even row), where you are working with the wrong side facing, so the actual stitch will be "back post single crochet."

Back Post Single Crochet Symbol

“Back post single crochet” is worked by picking up the previous row’s stitches, just like the back post double crochet, and then crocheting a single crochet. Although this stitch is rarely encountered, if you come across it, I hope you’ll remember this explanation.
In English patterns, it is written as “back post single crochet (bpsc).”

The chart follows the same rules as for the back post double crochet.

The following example shows the symbol for back post single crochet in Row 3 (odd row), which means you will be working with the right side facing, so the actual stitch will be “back post single crochet.”

In contrast, in the following chart, the symbol for back post single crochet appears in Row 2 (even row), meaning you will be working with the wrong side facing, so the actual stitch will be “front post single crochet.”

Loop Stitch Symbol

The "loop stitch" is created by making a yarn loop on the back side of the stitch. The chart symbol also includes a U-shaped outline, resembling a loop. The technique is almost the same as single crochet, with only slight differences in how the yarn is handled. Since the symbol for single crochet is drawn inside the U shape, it makes the stitch easier to visualize.
In English patterns, it is written as "loop stitch."

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows. Here, the odd-numbered rows are assumed to be the right side of the fabric.

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 6, then ch 1.
↓
[Row 1]
Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 5 ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 1 (does not counts as st), loop stitch in first sc and each sc across, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 1 (does not counts as st), sc in first loop stitch, sc in each loop stitch across, turn.
↓
[Row 4]
Ch 1 (does not counts as st), loop stitch in first sc and each sc across.

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

The loops appear on the back side of the stitches, but the rows where loop stitch is worked are all even-numbered rows, which are worked with the wrong side facing. Therefore, the loops appear on the right side of the fabric. When working loop stitch, the side where the loops appear is usually considered the right side of the fabric.

Y-stitch Crochet Symbol

The "Y-stitch" symbol resembles three combined double crochet stitches. Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the fabric, and work one treble crochet. Then, chain one, pick up the lower part of the post of the treble crochet, and work a double crochet. This sequence of steps forms the Y-stitch. While this symbol is not very common in Japanese crochet charts, it is a stitch that also appears in English patterns.
In English patterns, it is written as "Y-stitch."

ex. This crochet chart can be interpreted as follows:

[Foundation Chain]
Ch 10, then ch 3 (counts as t-ch).
↓
[Row 1]
Dc in 5th ch from hook, dc in next 8 ch, turn.
↓
[Row 2]
Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next dc and each dc across, dc in 3rd of ch-3 of previous row, turn.
↓
[Row 3]
Ch 5 (counts as t-ch), ch 1, dc in 5th ch from hook (counts as one Y-stitch), * skip next 2 dc, Y-stitch in next dc; repeat from * two more times, Y-stitch in 3rd of ch-3 of previous row.