Can you crochet stitches using only pictures?

Crafters can use pictures of crochet symbols to create stitches. Symbols for specific stitches are increasingly being used instead of or alongside traditional written patterns. The Craft Yarn Council publishes a list of standardized symbols that its members' use.

Pattern charts made of symbols representing different stitches are often used for borders, edging, repeating patterns and when working in the round to show how the stitch combinations look. Charts are worked from the bottom up and from right to left on the right side of the work and left to right on the wrong side of the work. Most patterns have a key that sets out the stitches and symbols used in the chart.