Common Crochet Abbreviations
Learning to read crochet patterns is a bit like learning a new language. It’s always amusing when I’m writing or following a crochet pattern and one of our kids snuggles up to me, trying to interpret the lingo. Sc? Invdec? What in the world does all of this mean?
How Do Crochet Abbreviations Work?
Crochet designers and publication companies generally have a set of common, agreed-upon crochet abbreviations they use. These abbreviations (and sometimes symbols) all have a specific meaning, and once you learn these meanings and how to perform the stitches, the entire world of crochet patterns is at your fingertips! Now occasionally, you’ll come across a non-standard abbreviation. Usually this is because the crochet designer created their own stitch pattern and an abbreviation to represent it. In this case, the designer should explain this in the pattern notes.
Where Do I Find Abbreviations in a Pattern?
Most designers and publishers will list the crochet abbreviations used at the beginning of a pattern. For English speakers, these will either be written in U.S. or U.K. terminology (more on that in a bit). Some patterns will only list the abbreviation for each stitch used, and some will list the abbreviation along with its meaning. Let’s look at some categories of U.S. crochet abbreviations.
Most Common Crochet Abbreviations
The following terms are the most common in crochet patterns, especially beginner patterns.
| ch | chain | rnd(s) | round(s) |
| dc | double crochet | RS | right side |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 stitches together | sc | single crochet |
| dec | decrease | sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together |
| dtr | double triple crochet | sk | skip |
| hdc | half double crochet | sl st | slip stitch |
| hdc2tog | half double crochet 2 stitches together | sp | space |
| inc | increase | st(s) | stitch(es) |
| invdec | invisible decrease | tr | triple crochet |
| mr | magic ring | WS | wrong side |
| qtr | quadruple triple crochet | YO | yarn over |
Advanced Crochet Abbreviations
These crochet terms are usually used in slightly more advanced crochet patterns.
| BL or BLO | back loops only | FP | front post |
| BO | bobble stitch | FPsc, FPhdc, FPdc, FPtr, etc. | work the indicated stitch around the front post |
| BP | back post | PC | popcorn stitch |
| BPsc, BPhdc, BPdc, BPtr, etc. | work the stitch indicated around the back post | PS/puff | puff stitch |
| ch-sp | chain space | sh | shell |
| CL | cluster | trtr | triple triple crochet |
| esc, ehdc, edc, etr, etc. | extended single crochet (or other indicated stitch) | tr2tog | triple crochet 2 stitches together |
| FL or FLO | front loops only |
Miscellaneous Abbreviations in Crochet Patterns
These abbreviations sometimes pop up in crochet patterns too, and usually describe an action to take, rather than a specific stitch.
| alt | alternate | MC | main color |
| beg | begin/beginning | prev | previous |
| bet | between | rem | remaining |
| CC | contrasting color | rep | repeat/repeating |
| cont | continue | tog | together |
| foll | follow/following |
In addition to all of the above abbreviations, you may also see crochet patterns that use these symbols – *, **, ( ), [ ], or { }. These symbols indicate a repetition in the pattern and will be explained as they are used. For example, (sc, ch 1, sc) 3x would tell you to repeat the stitches inside the parentheses three times.
US vs UK Crochet Terms
Just when you think things can’t get more complicated – there’s more! Some patterns use US terms and some use UK terms. The biggest different is that UK terms do not use single crochet, so every stitch kind of moves up a level in their abbreviations. For example, UK crochet patterns call a single crochet a double crochet. Here’s a handy chart to sort between the two.
| US Term | Equivalent UK Term |
| sl st (slip stitch) | ss (slip stitch) |
| sc (single crochet) | dc (double crochet) |
| hdc (half double crochet) | htr (half treble crochet) |
| dc (double crochet) | tr (treble crochet) |
| tr (triple crochet) | dtr (double treble crochet) |
| dtr (double triple crochet) | trtr (triple treble crochet) |
| sc2tog (single crochet 2 together) | dc2tog (double crochet 2 together) |
| dc2tog (double crochet 2 together) | tr2tog (treble crochet 2 together) |
| YO (yarn over) | YOH (yarn over hook) |
| sk (skip) | miss |
I know it all sounds a little complicated and overwhelming, but don’t be intimidated! Just learn the abbreviations needed for one pattern at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have these lists memorized! And make sure to save this post to reference when you need it.
If you’d like to improve your crochet skills even more, check out more of my resources here. You can also visit The Craft Yarn Council for tons of crochet education. Happy crocheting!
