Crochet abbreviations
Every common crochet abbreviation, in US terms with the UK equivalent. Start typing to find one.
Updated
33 abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning | UK term |
|---|---|---|
beg | begin, beginning | Same |
BLO | back loop only | Same |
BPdc | back post double crochet | BPtr |
ch | chain | Same |
ch-sp | chain space | Same |
cl | cluster | Same |
dc | double crochet | tr (treble) |
dc2tog | double crochet 2 together (decrease) | tr2tog |
dec | decrease | Same |
dtr | double treble crochet | trtr (triple treble) |
FLO | front loop only | Same |
FPdc | front post double crochet | FPtr |
hdc | half double crochet | htr (half treble) |
inc | increase: 2 stitches in the same stitch | Same |
lp(s) | loop(s) | Same |
MR | magic ring (adjustable ring) | Same |
pc | popcorn | Same |
rem | remaining | Same |
rep | repeat | Same |
rnd(s) | round(s) | Same |
RS | right side | Same |
sc | single crochet | dc (double crochet) |
sc2tog | single crochet 2 together (decrease) | dc2tog |
sk | skip | miss |
sl st | slip stitch | ss |
sp(s) | space(s) | Same |
st(s) | stitch(es) | Same |
tch | turning chain | Same |
tog | together | Same |
tr | treble crochet | dtr (double treble) |
V-st | V-stitch: (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch | (tr, ch 1, tr) |
WS | wrong side | Same |
yo | yarn over | yoh, yrh (yarn over/round hook) |
Reading a crochet pattern
A number before an abbreviation says how many stitches to make: "3 dc" means three double crochets. A number after "ch" is how many chains: "ch 3". Brackets group stitches worked together, and asterisks mark repeats.
US and UK patterns use the same abbreviations for different stitches, so check which terms your pattern uses before you start. See US vs UK crochet terms.
Common questions
What does sc2tog mean?
Single crochet two together: start a single crochet in the next stitch, then in the one after, and finish them together. It decreases by one stitch. In UK patterns it is dc2tog.
What is a turning chain?
The chains you make at the start of a row to bring the hook up to the height of the stitches: usually 1 for sc, 2 for hdc and 3 for dc (US terms).
How do I know if a pattern uses US or UK terms?
Look for "sc" or "single crochet". It only appears in US patterns. UK patterns start from double crochet (dc), which is the same stitch as a US single crochet.