Key Takeaway Box
- Crochet abbreviations and terms are used to shorten and simplify crochet patterns and instructions.
- There are different types of crochet abbreviations, such as for actions, repeats, stitches, and measurements.
- Crochet abbreviations may vary depending on the source and the country of origin, so it is important to check the pattern’s glossary or the book’s front or back pages for clarification.
- This article provides a comprehensive list of more than 140 crochet abbreviations and terms, with definitions and examples, for both US and UK terminology.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hello, yarn addicts! Welcome to Crochet Chronicles, your ultimate source of crochet inspiration and information. In this article, we will explore one of the most essential topics for any crocheter: crochet abbreviations and terms.
If you are new to crochet, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of abbreviations and terms that are used in crochet patterns and books. You may wonder what they mean, how to pronounce them, and how to use them correctly. Don’t worry, we are here to help you!
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Crochet abbreviations and terms are a way of simplifying and shortening crochet instructions, so that they are easier to read and follow. They also save space and time for both the designers and the readers. For example, instead of writing “chain three, single crochet in the next stitch, chain one, skip one stitch, single crochet in the next stitch” repeatedly, you can simply write “(ch 3, sc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st) across”.
However, crochet abbreviations and terms are not always consistent and universal. They may differ depending on the source and the country of origin. For instance, what is called a single crochet (sc) in the US is called a double crochet (dc) in the UK, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to check the pattern’s glossary or the book’s front or back pages for the specific abbreviations and terms used by the author.
To help you understand and master crochet abbreviations and terms, we have compiled a comprehensive list of more than 140 common ones, with definitions and examples, for both US and UK terminology. We have also included some crochet slang and terminology that you may encounter online or in crochet communities. We hope that this list will serve as a handy reference for you whenever you need it.
Also Read: How to Read Crochet Patterns Like a Pro
Types of Crochet Abbreviations and Terms
There are different types of crochet abbreviations and terms, depending on their function and usage. Here are some of the main categories:
Action Abbreviations
Action abbreviations are used to indicate what you need to do with your hook and yarn, such as alternate, begin, continue, repeat, etc. For example:
| Abbreviation | Term | Description |
| alt | alternate | Work every other stitch or row as instructed |
| beg | begin/beginning | Start from the first stitch or row |
| cont | continue | Carry on with the same stitch or pattern |
| rep | repeat | Do the same stitch or sequence again |
Repeat Abbreviations
Repeat abbreviations are used to show how many times you need to repeat a certain stitch or group of stitches, or where to place them. They are usually symbols like [], (), or *. For example:
| Abbreviation | Term | Description |
| () | Parentheses | Work the instructions inside the parentheses as many times as indicated. Or work multiple stitches/group of stitches into the same stitch/space. |
| [] | Brackets | Work the instructions inside the brackets as many times as indicated. |
| * | Asterisk | Repeat the instructions following the asterisk as many times as indicated. Or mark the beginning or end of a repeat. |
Stitch Abbreviations
Stitch abbreviations are used to name the different types of crochet stitches, from basic to complex. They are usually the first letter or letters of the stitch name. For example:
| Abbreviation | Term | Description |
| ch | chain | A basic crochet stitch that often forms the foundation of a project |
| sc | single crochet (US) / double crochet (UK) | A basic crochet stitch that creates a dense fabric |
| dc | double crochet (US) / treble crochet (UK) | A basic crochet stitch that creates a taller fabric than single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet (US) / half treble crochet (UK) | A stitch that is between a single crochet and a double crochet in height |
Measurement Abbreviations
Measurement abbreviations are used to indicate the size, length, width, or gauge of a project or a stitch. They are usually standard units of measurement, such as inches, centimeters, or millimeters. For example:
| Abbreviation | Term | Description |
| in | inch/inches | A unit of measurement equal to 2.54 centimeters |
| cm | centimeter/centimeters | A unit of measurement equal to 0.39 inches |
| mm | millimeter/millimeters | A unit of measurement equal to 0.04 inches |
| yd | yard/yards | A unit of measurement equal to 0.91 meters |
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The Complete List of Crochet Abbreviations and Terms
Below you will find the complete list of more than 140 crochet abbreviations and terms, with definitions and examples, for both US and UK terminology. We have also included some crochet slang and terminology that you may encounter online or in crochet communities. Note that the abbreviations are given in alphabetical order and should help you find what you are looking for faster. If you are on a computer, you can also use “ctrl+f” to search. On mobile, you can also search the page but how depends on which mobile application you use.
| Abbreviation | Term | Description | Example |
| alt | alternate | Work every other stitch or row as instructed | Alt sc, dc across |
| approx | approximately | About or close to the given number or measurement | Approx 5 in long |
| beg | begin/beginning | Start from the first stitch or row | Beg with a magic ring |
| bet | between | Work into the space between two stitches | Sc bet next 2 dc |
| bl/blo | back loop/back loop only | Work into the loop that is farthest from you on the top of the stitch | Sc in blo across |
| bo | bobble | A cluster of stitches that forms a raised bump on the fabric | (Yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) 5 times in same st, yarn over and draw through all 6 loops on hook |
| BP | back post | Work around the post of the stitch from the back to the front | BPdc around next dc |
| CA/CB/CC | color A/color B/color C | Used to indicate different colors of yarn | With CA, ch 4 and join with sl st to form a ring |
| CC | contrast color | Used to indicate a different color of yarn that contrasts with the main color | With CC, sc in each st around |
| ch(s) | chain(s) | A basic crochet stitch that often forms the foundation of a project | Ch 25 |
| cl | cluster | A group of stitches that are worked together as one | (Yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times in same st, yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook |
| cm | centimeter/centimeters | A unit of measurement equal to 0.39 inches | 10 cm square |
| cont | continue | Carry on with the same stitch or pattern | Cont in sc until piece measures 5 in |
| dc | double crochet (US) / treble crochet (UK) | A basic crochet stitch that creates a taller fabric than single crochet | Dc in next st |
| dec | decrease | A technique used for shaping by working two or more stitches together | Sc2tog (single crochet two stitches together) |
| dtr | double treble crochet (US) / quadruple treble crochet (UK) | A tall crochet stitch that is twice as tall as a double crochet | Yarn over hook 3 times, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) 4 times |
| FL/flo | front loop/front loop only | Work into the loop that is closest to you on the top of the stitch | Sc in flo across |
| FO | finished object | A term used by crafters to refer to a completed project | I finally have a FO to show you! |
| FP | front post | Work around the post of the stitch from the front to the back | FPdc around next dc |
| g | gram/grams | A unit of weight often used for yarn | 50 g ball |
| hdc | half double crochet (US) / half treble crochet (UK) | A stitch that is between a single crochet and a double crochet in height | Hdc in next st |
| inc | increase | A technique used for shaping by working two or more stitches into the same stitch | 2 sc in next st |
| incl | include/including/inclusive | Used to indicate that something is part of a set or a range | Incl ch-3 sp, 15 sts |
| in | inch | A unit of measurement equal to 2.54 centimeters | 5 in long |
| lp(s) | loop(s) | A strand or loop of yarn that is pulled through another loop | Pull up a lp in next st |
| MC | main color | Used to indicate the main color of yarn for a project | With MC, ch 4 and join with sl st to form a ring |
| mm | millimeter/millimeters | A unit of measurement equal to 0.04 inches | 3 mm hook |
| oz | ounce/ounces | A unit of weight often used for yarn | 1.75 oz skein |
| pc | popcorn | A cluster of stitches that are joined together at the top and bottom to form a raised bump on the fabric | (Dc 5 times in next st, drop the loop from your hook, insert your hook from front to back under the top 2 loops of the first dc of the group, grab the dropped loop with your hook and pull it through the stitch) |
| pm | place marker | Use a stitch marker to mark a certain stitch or place | Pm in first st |
| prev | previous | Refers to the previous stitch, row, or round | Sc in prev dc |
| rem | remain/remaining | Left over or still to be worked | Rem 10 sts |
| rnd(s) | round(s) | A set of stitches that are worked in a circle | Rnd 1: Sc in each st around |
| RS | right side | The front or outer side of a project | RS facing |
| sc | single crochet (US) / double crochet (UK) | A basic crochet stitch that creates a dense fabric | Sc in next st |
| sk | skip | Omit or pass over a stitch or space | Sk next st |
| sl st | slip stitch | A crochet stitch that is used to join or fasten | Sl st in next st |
| sp(s) | space(s) | The gap or hole between stitches or groups of stitches | Sc in next ch-1 sp |
| st(s) | stitch(es) | The basic unit of crochet | 15 sts |
| tbl | through back loop | Work into the loop that is farthest from you on the top of the stitch | Sc tbl across |
| tog | together | Work two or more stitches together as one | Dc3tog (double crochet three stitches together) |
| tr | treble crochet (US) / double treble crochet (UK) | A tall crochet stitch that is twice as tall as a single crochet | Yarn over hook twice, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times |
| ttr | triple treble crochet (US) / quintuple treble crochet (UK) | A very tall crochet stitch that is three times as tall as a double crochet | Yarn over hook 4 times, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) 5 times |
| WS | wrong side | The back or inner side of a project | WS facing |
| yo | yarn over | Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front | Yo and pull through 2 loops on hook |
| yoh | yarn over hook | Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front | Yoh and pull through 2 loops on hook |
| Abbreviation | Term | Description | Example |
| lp(s) | loop(s) | A strand or loop of yarn that is pulled through another loop | Pull up a lp in next st |
| MC | main color | Used to indicate the main color of yarn for a project | With MC, ch 4 and join with sl st to form a ring |
| mm | millimeter/millimeters | A unit of measurement equal to 0.04 inches | 3 mm hook |
| oz | ounce/ounces | A unit of weight often used for yarn | 1.75 oz skein |
| pc | popcorn | A cluster of stitches that are joined together at the top and bottom to form a raised bump on the fabric | (Dc 5 times in next st, drop the loop from your hook, insert your hook from front to back under the top 2 loops of the first dc of the group, grab the dropped loop with your hook and pull it through the stitch) |
| pm | place marker | Use a stitch marker to mark a certain stitch or place | Pm in first st |
| prev | previous | Refers to the previous stitch, row, or round | Sc in prev dc |
| rem | remain/remaining | Left over or still to be worked | Rem 10 sts |
| rnd(s) | round(s) | A set of stitches that are worked in a circle | Rnd 1: Sc in each st around |
| RS | right side | The front or outer side of a project | RS facing |
| sc | single crochet (US) / double crochet (UK) | A basic crochet stitch that creates a dense fabric | Sc in next st |
| sk | skip | Omit or pass over a stitch or space | Sk next st |
| sl st | slip stitch | A crochet stitch that is used to join or fasten | Sl st in next st |
| sp(s) | space(s) | The gap or hole between stitches or groups of stitches | Sc in next ch-1 sp |
| st(s) | stitch(es) | The basic unit of crochet | 15 sts |
| tbl | through back loop | Work into the loop that is farthest from you on the top of the stitch | Sc tbl across |
| tog | together | Work two or more stitches together as one | Dc3tog (double crochet three stitches together) |
| tr | treble crochet (US) / double treble crochet (UK) | A tall crochet stitch that is twice as tall as a single crochet | Yarn over hook twice, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times |
| ttr | triple treble crochet (US) / quintuple treble crochet (UK) | A very tall crochet stitch that is three times as tall as a double crochet | Yarn over hook 4 times, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) 5 times |
| WS | wrong side | The back or inner side of a project | WS facing |
| yo | yarn over | Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front | Yo and pull through 2 loops on hook |
| yoh | yarn over hook | Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front | Yoh and pull through 2 loops on hook |
Crochet Slang and Terminology
In addition to the crochet abbreviations and terms, you may also encounter some crochet slang and terminology that are used by crocheters online or in crochet communities. Here are some of the common ones:
| Term | Description |
| CAL | Crochet Along. A group project where crocheters work on the same pattern at the same time and share their progress and results. |
| FO | Finished Object. A term used by crafters to refer to a completed project. |
| Frog | To unravel or rip out your crochet work. The term comes from the sound that frogs make: “ribbit, ribbit”. |
| Hooker | A humorous term for a crocheter. |
| PHD | Projects Half Done. A term used by crafters to refer to the unfinished projects that they have accumulated. |
| UFO | Unfinished Object. A term used by crafters to refer to a project that has been abandoned or put on hold. |
| WIP | Work In Progress. A term used by crafters to refer to a project that they are currently working on. |
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you learn and understand the crochet abbreviations and terms that are commonly used in crochet patterns and books. By knowing these abbreviations and terms, you will be able to read and follow any crochet instructions with ease and confidence. You will also be able to communicate with other crocheters more effectively and join in the crochet fun.
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Source: (1) 140+ Crochet Abbreviations and Terms | Easy Complete List. https://joyofmotioncrochet.com/crochet-abbreviations-and-terms/. (2) Crochet Abbreviations and Definitions: 70 Must Know Terms. https://www.darngoodyarn.com/blogs/darn-good-blog/crochet-abbreviations-and-definitions-70-must-know-terms. (3) Crochet Abbreviations and Terms – Handy Little Me. https://handylittleme.com/wp-content/uploads/Crochet-Abbreviations-and-Terms.pdf.