From Free Crochet.com (click on above link)
Here's another great crochet tip!
As you work through a pattern, you'll quickly notice several symbols in the instructions. These symbols are used to clarify the pattern for you: Brackets [ ], curlicue brackets { }, asterisks *. Brackets [ ] are used to set off a group of instructions worked a number of times. For example, [ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp] 7 times means to work the instructions inside the [ ] seven times. Brackets [ ] also set off a group of stitches to be worked in one stitch, space or loop. For example, the brackets [ ] in this set of instructions, Sk 3 sc, [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in next st indicate that after skipping 3 sc, you will work 3 dc, ch 1 and 3 more dc all in the next stitch.
Occasionally, a set of instructions inside a set of brackets needs to be repeated too. In this case, the text within the brackets to be repeated will be set off with curlicue brackets {}. For example, [Ch 9, yo twice, insert hook in 7th ch from hook and pull up a loop, sk next dc, yo, insert hook in next dc and pull up a loop, {yo and draw through 2 lps on hook} 5 times, ch 3] 8 times. In this case, in each of the eight times you work the instructions included in brackets, you will work the section included in curlicue brackets five times.
Asterisks * are also used when a group of instructions is repeated.
They may either be used alone or with brackets. For example, *Sc in each of the next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc, rep from * around, join with a sl st in beg sc simply means you will work the instructions from the first * around the entire round.
*Sk 3 sc, [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in next st, rep from * around is an example of asterisks working with brackets. In this set of instructions, you will repeat the instructions from the asterisk around, working the instructions inside the brackets together.
