Crochet terms and abbreviations are used in crochet patterns to shorten specific stitch names and crochet actions.
Designers and publishers will use terms and abbreviations in written patterns as a guide for you to follow.
And if you are not familiar with the crochet terms you won't be able to read a crochet pattern.
Also, by knowing crochet terms and abbreviations, you can talk to others who crochet, share tips, and ideas, ask for help, and discuss patterns with others who know the same language.
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Inconsistencies In Crochet Abbreviations
The crochet terms and abbreviations on our website and this page are US terminology, but not every pattern you come across is written in these terms.
The reason for differences in terms and abbreviations in crochet patterns is that crochet has its roots in many different countries and each of these has its own set of terms and abbreviations.
So it is important to pay attention to the specific abbreviations used in the pattern you are following before starting the pattern to avoid any confusion.
Abbreviations for Basic Crochet Stitches
Below are some of the most basic stitches a beginner should know.
| Abbreviation | Term |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| sl st or ss | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr or trc | treble crochet or triple crochet |
| dtr | double treble crochet |
The chain stitch (ch) this stitch is used to make the foundation for most crochet projects, it gives space between specific stitch patterns, adds height at the beginning of rows for taller stitches, and can be used to connect stitches of different heights.
The slip stitch (st) is used to join rounds or move the yarn to a new location.
The single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc) and double crochet (dc) stitches are the most common stitches used in crochet projects.
Treble crochet (tr) and double treble crochet (dtr) are taller stitches than the above.
Abbreviations For Crochet Actions
The following abbreviations tell you the steps or actions that you need to do as your work the pattern.
| Abbreviation | Action |
|---|---|
| alt | alternate |
| beg | begin, beginning |
| bet | between |
| con or cont | continue |
| dec | decrease |
| foll | follow, follows, following |
| inc | increase |
| lp | loop |
| patt | pattern, patterns |
| rem | remain, remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| RS | right side |
| sk | skip |
| sp | space, spaces |
| TBL | through back loop, or turning back loop |
| TFL | through front loop, or turning front loop |
| tog | together |
| WS | wrong side |
| yo | yarn over |
Common Crochet Shorthand
When you see the following symbols in a pattern they usually ask you to repeat the pattern a certain number of times and in a certain way.
| * | When asterisks are used in crochet patterns, they are used to indicate repeats. |
| ** | Double asterisks indicate that you should repeat the instructions between them as many times as specified. |
| {} | Curly brackets indicate that you should work the instructions within them as many times as indicated. |
| [] | Brackets in crochet patterns indicate a set of stitches that should be worked together or repeated multiple times within a row. |
| () | Parentheses are used in crochet to group instructions or stitches that should be worked together in the same stitch or space. |
More Crochet Abbreviations
Here are some more crochet terms and abbreviations that you might come across as you grow your skills and knowledge as a crocheter.
| Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|
| alt | alternate |
| approx | approximately |
| beg | begin, beginning |
| bet | between |
| BL or BLO | back loop or back loop only |
| bo | bobble |
| BP | back post |
| BPdc | back post double crochet |
| BPdtr | back post double treble crochet |
| BPhdc | back post half double crochet |
| BPsc | back post single crochet |
| CC | contrasting color |
| ch | chain stitch |
| ch- | refers to chain or space previously made - eg ch-3 |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| CL | cluster |
| cont | continue |
| dc | double crochet |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 stitches together |
| dec | decrease |
| dtr | double treble crochet |
| edc | extended double crochet |
| ehdc | extended half double crochet |
| esc | extended single crochet |
| etr | extended treble crochet |
| FL or FLO | front loop or front loop only |
| foll | following |
| FP | front post |
| FPdc | front post double crochet |
| FPdtr | front post half treble crochet |
| FPhdc | front post half double crochet |
| FPsc | front post single crochet |
| FPtr | front post treble crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| hdc2tog | half double crochet 2 stitches together |
| inc | increase |
| lp | loop |
| m | marker |
| MC | main color |
| pat or patt | pattern |
| pc | popcorn stitch |
| pm | place marker |
| prev | previous |
| ps or puff | puff stitch |
| rem | remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| RS | right side |
| sc | single crochet |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together |
| sh | shell |
| sk | skip |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sm or sl m | slip marker |
| sp | space |
| st | stitch |
| tbl | through back of loop |
| tch or t-ch | turning chain |
| tog | together |
| tr | treble crochet |
| tr2tog | treble crochet 2 stitches togehter |
| trtr | triple treble crochet |
| WS | wrong side |
| yo | yarn over |
| yoh | yarn over hook |
How To Start Crocheting
If you haven't started learning crochet and would like to, we have a great article on how to crochet for beginners.
It is the perfect starting point for you because it helps you understand the basics of crochet and all the things you need to get started.
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