Crochet Abbreviation: Unsure about the abbreviations in our crochet patterns? Our beginner-friendly crochet abbreviations guide below will help clear up any confusion!
Crochet Abbreviation Table of Contents
What is the abbreviation for crochet?
Crochet abbreviation refers to shorthand terms used in patterns to represent common crochet stitches and techniques.
These abbreviations help simplify instructions, making patterns more concise and easier to follow.
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Abbreviation for crochet stitches
We are arranged in alphabetical order.
| 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 |
| BPtr | back post treble crochet |
| CC | contrasting color |
| ch | chain stitch |
| ch- | refers to chain or space previously made (e.g., ch-1 space) |
| 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 double 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 loop |
| tch or t-ch | turning chain |
| tog | together |
| tr | treble crochet |
| tr2tog | treble crochet 2 stitches together |
| trtr | triple treble crochet |
| WS | wrong side |
| yo | yarn over |
| yoh | yarn over hook |
Basic crochet abbreviation
Here’s a table of frequently used crochet abbreviations to keep handy.
| Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|
| ch | chain stitch |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| hdc2tog | half double crochet 2 stitches together |
| dc | double crochet |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 stitches together |
| tr | treble crochet |
| tr2tog | treble crochet 2 stitches together |
| yo | yarn over |
| sk | skip |
| sp | space |
| st | stitch |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| inc | increase |
| dec | decrease |
| tog | together |
| pat or patt | pattern |
Abbreviations for crochet terms
Crochet terms
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| * | Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed. Typically used to indicate a repeated section in a pattern. |
| * * | Repeat the instructions between the asterisks as many times as directed or at specified locations. Commonly used for pattern repeats across rows or rounds. |
| { } | Instructions within curly brackets should be worked as many times as directed. Used for grouping multiple stitch instructions. |
| [ ] | Similar to curly brackets, square brackets indicate that the enclosed instructions should be repeated as specified. Often used in combination with other repeat symbols. |
| ( ) | Instructions within parentheses should be worked as many times as directed or all in the same stitch or space. Frequently used for grouping stitches like clusters or increases. |
Common crochet measurements
| Measurement | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Inch | ” or in | A unit of length commonly used in crochet patterns, especially in the U.S. |
| Centimeter | cm | A metric unit of length, often used for international crochet patterns and gauge measurements. |
| Gram | g | A metric unit of weight used to measure yarn. Typically found on yarn labels to indicate weight per skein. |
| Meter | m | A metric unit of length used to measure yarn amounts, usually in lace-weight or fine yarns. |
| Millimeter | mm | A unit of length used to size crochet hooks. For example, a 5mm hook is common for worsted-weight yarn. |
| Ounce | oz | A unit of weight used to measure yarn in the U.S. Found on yarn labels indicating weight per skein. |
| Yard | yd | A unit of length used for measuring yarn. Many patterns specify the number of yards needed to complete a project. |
Crochet abbreviation & term differences (U.S. vs. U.K. vs. Canada)
| U.S./Canada Term | U.K. Term |
|---|---|
| Slip Stitch (sl st) | Slip Stitch (ss) |
| Single Crochet (sc) | Double Crochet (dc) |
| Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Half Treble (htr) |
| Double Crochet (dc) | Treble (tr) |
| Treble (tr) | Double Treble (dtr) |
| Double Treble (dtr) | Triple Treble (trtr) |
Key Differences to Remember
Single crochet (sc) exists only in U.S. and Canadian terms but is called double crochet (dc) in U.K. terms.
All other stitch names shift by one step in the U.K. system, meaning a U.S. double crochet (dc) is a U.K. treble crochet (tr), and so on.
A crochet symbol is a graphical representation used in crochet patterns to indicate specific stitches or techniques. These symbols are often used in charts or diagrams as a universal way of conveying instructions across different languages.
What is a crochet symbol?
| Symbol | Crochet Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ○ | Chain (ch) | A small circle indicating a chain stitch. |
| X | Slip Stitch (sl st) | A cross mark indicating a slip stitch. |
| ■ | Single Crochet (sc) | A filled square, indicating a single crochet stitch. |
| ▲ | Half Double Crochet (hdc) | A triangle, showing a half double crochet stitch. |
| □ | Double Crochet (dc) | A “T”-shaped symbol, indicating a double crochet stitch. |
| ◇ | Treble Crochet (tr) | An “X” shape, typically used to indicate a treble crochet. |
| ★ | Double Treble (dtr) | A star-like symbol, indicating a double treble crochet. |
| ▭ | Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc) | A square with a line through the middle, indicating a back post double crochet. |
| ▮ | Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) | A square with a line through the middle, indicating a front post double crochet. |
| • | Increase (inc) | A circle or dot, indicating an increase in stitches. |
| ↓ | Decrease (dec) | An arrow pointing downward, showing a decrease (usually 2 stitches together). |
| ⊙ | Popcorn Stitch (pc) | A small circle with a “star” inside, showing the popcorn stitch. |
| ☼ | Puff Stitch (ps) | A circle with a “plus” inside, indicating a puff stitch. |
| ~ | Half Treble Crochet (htr) | A symbol like a “T” with an extra line above, indicating a half treble crochet. |
| ∩ | Slip Stitch (ss) | A “V” shaped symbol, indicating a slip stitch. |
| /\ | Cluster (cl) | A symbol with several lines converging at a point, indicating a cluster stitch. |
