Let’s be real—reading crochet patterns for the first time feels like trying to decode an ancient language. What do all these abbreviations mean? Don’t worry! Once you learn the terms, you’ll be breezing through patterns in no time.
This guide is your go-to resource for all the must-know crochet abbreviations. We’ll keep it light, simple, and straight to the point—because nobody likes getting overwhelmed with too much info.
Why Crochet Abbreviations Are Actually Your Friend
Think of abbreviations as crochet’s way of saving time (and paper). Instead of saying, “chain one, then single crochet into the next stitch,” a pattern might say: “ch 1, sc in next st.” It’s faster, cleaner, and once you get the hang of it, it makes everything easier to follow.
📖 70 Must-Know Crochet Abbreviations and Their Definitions
Here’s the full list of abbreviations, sorted into categories for easy reference:
Basic Terms
These are the foundation of most crochet patterns.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| alt | Alternate |
| approx | Approximately |
| beg | Begin/Beginning |
| bet | Between |
| cont | Continue |
| foll | Following |
| rem | Remaining |
| rep | Repeat |
| RS | Right side |
| WS | Wrong side |
Chains, Spaces, and Loops
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain stitch |
| ch- | Refers to a specific chain (e.g., ch-1 space) |
| ch-sp | Chain space |
| sp | Space |
| lp | Loop |
| tbl | Through back loop |
| FL/FLO | Front loop only |
| BL/BLO | Back loop only |
Stitches and Variations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sc | Single crochet |
| dc | Double crochet |
| tr | Treble crochet |
| hdc | Half double crochet |
| dtr | Double treble crochet |
| trtr | Triple treble crochet |
| dc2tog | Double crochet 2 stitches together |
| hdc2tog | Half double crochet 2 stitches together |
| sc2tog | Single crochet 2 stitches together |
Extended Stitches
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| edc | Extended double crochet |
| ehdc | Extended half double crochet |
| esc | Extended single crochet |
| etr | Extended treble crochet |
Special Techniques and Textures
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| bo | Bobble stitch |
| CL | Cluster |
| pc | Popcorn stitch |
| ps/puff | Puff stitch |
| sh | Shell |
| inc | Increase |
| dec | Decrease |
Front and Back Post Stitches
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FP | Front post |
| FPsc | Front post single crochet |
| FPdc | Front post double crochet |
| FPtc | Front post treble crochet |
| FPdtr | Front post double treble crochet |
| BP | Back post |
| BPsc | Back post single crochet |
| BPdc | Back post double crochet |
| BPtr | Back post treble crochet |
| BPdtr | Back post double treble crochet |
Colors and Yarn
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CA | Color A |
| CB | Color B |
| CC | Contrasting color |
| MC | Main color |
Tools and Measurements
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| hk | Hook |
| m | Marker |
| mm(s) | Millimeter(s) |
| pm | Place marker |
Turning and Rounds
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| rnd | Round |
| tch | Turning chain |
| prev | Previous |
Yarn Techniques
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| yo | Yarn over |
| yoh | Yarn over hook |
💡 How to Use This Master List
Here’s an example to show how these abbreviations come to life:
Pattern Instruction:Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hk, (yo, dc2tog) across, turn.
Translation:
- Chain 5.
- Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook.
- Yarn over, and double crochet 2 stitches together across the row.
- Turn your work.
See? Once you know the abbreviations, patterns become quick and easy to read!
🧵 Tips for Mastering Crochet Abbreviations
- Keep It Handy: Bookmark this list or print it out to keep with your crochet supplies.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Start with simple projects that introduce a few abbreviations at a time.
- Highlight New Abbreviations: When you encounter a new one, highlight it and add it to your cheat sheet.
🧡 Let’s Hear from You!
What are your favorite crochet projects? Did we miss any abbreviations? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your crochet journey!