How to read a crochet pattern

Upon initial inspection, crochet patterns may seem like an unfamiliar language, primarily due to the extensive use of abbreviations aimed at conserving space and facilitating pattern tracking. As you gain experience, you'll come to appreciate the conciseness of crochet patterns and become adept at interpreting them. When delving into a crochet pattern, two key considerations are essential:

1. Understanding Crochet Terms by Country
Different countries employ distinct terms for the same stitches. For instance, the British English term "double crochet (dc)" aligns with the American English term "single crochet (sc)." This variation can lead to confusion, so it's crucial to establish the country's terminology used in a pattern. Most patterns commence by specifying the country's terminology and providing a list of abbreviations. Common amigurumi abbreviations in US terminology include:
rnd: round
yo: yarn over
sc: single crochet
inc: increase
dec: decrease
ch: chain

2. Reading Crochet Patterns
Different crochet pattern designers adopt diverse formats to convey instructions, typically outlined at the pattern's outset. The repetitive nature of stitches can be the most challenging aspect of reading a pattern. Some patterns employ brackets ((...), [...]) or multiplier indicators (*, x) to signify which stitches to repeat and how many times.

Crochet patterns by The ICrochetIt adhere to US terminology and follow a specific format for clarity and consistency.

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6(18)
This means that for round 3, repeat the sequence of [1 sc followed by 1 inc] a total of 6 times.
Which also could've been written as:
[sc, inc] [sc, inc] [sc, inc] [sc, inc] [sc, inc] [sc, inc]
Or with a lot more words:
[single crochet stitch in the first stitch, then 2 single crochet stitches in the next stitch] for a total of 6 times
(Are you starting to dig abbreviations yet? 😉)
Since 1 increase stitch = 2 single crochet stitches, 1 increase stitch counts as 2 stitches. 1 single crochet stitch counts as 1 stitch.
Therefore, that's [3 stitches] repeated 6 times, for a final count of 18 stitches.