We all know how popular boho crochet is right now. Did you know some of the best boho crochet patterns are actually Japanese crochet patterns? Yep.
Some of the most gorgeously crochet patterns I have seen are from some of my favorite Japanese pattern books
I mean look at these
How cute is this
or this
OMG this
And who can’t resist these über cute amigurumi?
Do I know how to read Japanese? Nope. But luckily these patterns are super easy to figure out.
For the most part they are charted. And you can easily get away with only knowing a few easily memorized Japanese characters. I am such a big fan of these patterns. Many of them also contain quite a few knitting patterns as well. It seems the pattern books lump crochet and knitting into the same categories, so it is not unusual to find both in any pattern book. The knitting patterns are charted in the same fashion. I know a little odd at first to be knitting from a chart like this, but honestly if you have ever done any color work it is very similar.
So here are some of my favorite resources for reading Japanese patterns:
There is a huge active Ravelry group. This group is wonderful for finding pattern resources, charts for reading the symbols and a super active forum to help you with any questions you might have.
Pinterest boards. First…set aside a full afternoon to get stuck in the Pinterest rabbit hole. Grab your coffee, and go here. Your welcome.
I have bought most of my Japanese pattern books on ETSY.
Here is a great chart for some of the basic terms translated along with some wonderful tips for reading the chart.
Japanese needles are not metric, they are a whole different thing altogether. Here are charts for the needle and hook sizes.
The measurements ARE metric. I use this conversion app for my iPhone. You can also use this site to convert the measurements.
Here is a great tutorial on reading crochet charts if you have not tried it before.
Here is another excellent tutorial series on reading Japanese patterns.
When in doubt just do what seems logical. Yes, there will be areas that you do not quite understand the pattern. Yes, you may have to rip out a few rows. Just breath. Embrace the wabi sabi. Ask questions in the Ravelry group. Trust that you will know how to proceed, regardless.
Have you tried Japanese patterns? Do you have a favorite resource? Please share it in the comments below or in the FB page. If you like this post please please please share it with your friends.
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Fiber artist Stacey Budge-Kamison AKA UrbanGypZ lives and works in Cary NC. She can also be found knitting in public, hammering out her latest e-course at local cafés and spinning yarns in her booth at her favorite arts festivals. A designer at heart, Stacey has decided that her mission is to help fellow knitters, crocheters, weavers and felters embrace their own style and creativity by exploring fiber art as it is a part of their everyday life and helping them embrace the title of artist no matter where they are in their journey. 
I’m looking for help using patterns I Lunarheavenly flower books.
Some I understand but I can’t get past certain rows on some of the flowers.
It’s a beautiful book if you haven’t seen it.
I will check it out. Is there one in particular that is giving you fits?
I too stuck
Have 2 of Lunarheavenly books and have no problem with crochet symbols but one. It is a solid black star. It is always in the last row of the flower petals and is in the middle stitch of the petal. Looks like it may be a picot but would love to know exactly what it stands for.
I am not sure about that one. will see if I see it in my books
Sameeeeeee, I am trying the same but I can’t figure out what it stands for :(((((((((((((
I think I know what the black star means! if I got it right I think its to make a point sharper (like to make flower petal sharper) but i could be wrong. this is what i could gather from small snippets of info online.
I absolutely love that purple cape, do you know where I can find/buy that particular pattern in general. If you don’t know that’s ok I just thought id ask since I cant seem to find it online anywhere expect this blog.
Hi Kat. I am sorry, I do not. The blog post is several years old and I am not sure where the pattern image came from.
Oh also do you have/know the pattern for the purple cape, i would love to make the cape since its so cute, if you don’t have access to the pattern that’s ok id just thought id ask since i cant find the original online anywhere.
Hi Stacey!
Was wondering if you could give any help or insight into this Japanese fox amigurumi pattern (link below)? I posted about this in the group you linked to on ravelry but it doesn’t seem super active so I didn’t think it would hurt to post here as well.
If you’re willing/able to help: I’m stuck specifically on the part where you make the leg holes in row 22 (under 「おなか側」). Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Link: https://www.amuuse.jp/recipe/AMO-042.pdf
Stacey＆Kat
私のつたない英語が通じることを願います
I hope you can understand my poor English
this is a Japanese books.
The title of this book is
かぎ針で編むはおりもの フードつきポンチョ&ケープ Kindle版
Available for free with Amazon Kindle Unlimited membership.
In Japan, knitting patterns that are graphed are the mainstream, and as a Japanese person, it is difficult for me to understand foreign knitting patterns.
I pray that you will be able to read this book.
thank you so much for the help translating.
I’m trying to find out what it means when 28 stitches are pointed out a bottom c how can I increase the width of a project. Can I use any multiple of 28 HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m in great need of a Japanese to English chart for Stitches please.🙏🙏
there is one linked in the post.