If you’re new to crochet or following patterns from the internet, chances are you’ll stumble upon unknown abbreviations from around the world. Understanding crochet abbreviations and symbols is key to reading patterns confidently.
In this guide, I’ve broken down the most common abbreviations (and crochet terms), highlighted the differences between US/Canada and UK crochet terms, and included a handy reference chart. Additionally, I’ve created a free printable PDF to make your crochet journey easier.
I strive to keep my crochet patterns simple, using straightforward stitches that will mainly be covered in this guide. However, as a designer, I sometimes need to use my own special abbreviations. I’m sure other designers do the same as well.
“…designers and publishers may use special abbreviations in a pattern”
It’s a great idea to create the habit of always checking the abbreviations section of a pattern for uncommon abbreviations that are not included in this guide.
Before you get into all things crochet abbreviations…
… are you looking into resources to learn how to improve your crochet skills? You may also like to take a peek at other blog posts: How to Size Crochet Blankets + Free PDF download, How to Do the Crochet Invisible Finish, and How to Crochet a Perfect Circle.
Crochet Stitch Abbreviations
Here is a list of the common crochet abbreviations used in patterns (for stitches), including US and Canadian terms, and their UK equivalents:
| Stitch Abbreviation | Stitch Description |
|---|---|
| bl/blo | back loop/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 |
| ch | chain stitch |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| mc or mr | magic circle or magic ring |
| pc | popcorn stitch |
| ps or puff | puff stitch |
| 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 |
| 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 |
US/Canada vs. UK: What Changes
| US/Canada | UK Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 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) |
Other Terms to Know
Here are other useful terms and symbols that go along with crochet abbreviations:
| Term | Term Description |
|---|---|
| ( ) or { } | Work the instructions within parentheses/brackets as many times as directed |
| [ ] | Work the instructions within brackets as many times as directed. Also used to show stitch count in a round/row. |
| * or ** | Work the instructions after or between the asterisks as many times as directed. |
| alt | alternate |
| approx | approximately |
| beg | beginning |
| bet | between |
| ch- | refer to chain or space usually in a previous made row/round, e.g., ch-2 space |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| CA or C1 | Color A or Color 1 |
| CB or C2 | Color B or Color 2 |
| C3 | Color C or Color 3 |
| cc | contrasting color |
| FO | fasten off or finish off |
| foll | following |
| gauge | stitch tension in US/Canada patterns |
| m | stitch marker |
| pat or patt | pattern |
| pm | place stitch marker |
| prev | previous |
| R | Row |
| rem | remain/remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| RS/WS | right side / wrong side |
| Rnd | round |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| Tension | stitch tension in UK patterns |
| yo | yarn over in US and Canada patterns |
| yoh | yarn over the hook in UK patterns |
Patterns That Include These Crochet Abbreviations
Tunisian Crochet Abbreviations
- Etss: extended Tunisian simple stitch
- FwP: forward pass
- RetP: return pass
- tdc: Tunisian double crochet
- tfs: Tunisian full stitch
- thdc: Tunisian half double crochet
- tks: Tunisian knit stitch
- tps: Tunisian purl stitch
- trs: Tunisian reverse stitch
- tsc: Tunisian single crochet
- tss: Tunisian simple stitch
- tslst: Tunisian slip stitch
- ttr: Tunisian treble crochet
- ttw: Tunisian twisted
Common Crochet Stitch Symbols
Here’s a chart with common crochet stitch symbols in US and UK terms:
The Difference Between US and UK Crochet Terms
Some of the stitch names are the main difference. For example, US terms use sc, dc, and tr, while UK terms refer to those same stitches as dc, tr, and dtr.
As you can see from the examples above, they are entirely different stitches. Hence, it is essential always to check the beginning of a pattern to determine whether it uses US or UK terms. Most designers will mention this in their pattern notes section.
Why It’s Important to Learn Crochet Abbreviations
Learning these crochet abbreviations and terms helps you:
- Learn to follow patterns quickly.
- Avoid confusion, particularly with international or vintage patterns.
- Easily interpret written patterns and charts.
- Crochet with more confidence—you no longer need to follow video tutorials.
Get a Free Printable PDF Download
Need a quick reference guide while you crochet? Enter your email below and I’ll send you the link to download or print this free Crochet Abbreviations, Terms, and Stitch Symbols PDF file. It’s a handy, ad-free guide to keep it in your WIP project bag or craft corner.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crochet Abbreviations
What are the most common crochet abbreviations?
Some of the most common crochet stitch abbreviations include ch, sc, dc, hdc, tr, sl st, tog, and rep. These are typically found in most written patterns, including those for beginners.
Are all crochet stitches named differently in US and UK crochet terms?
No, not all stitches have different names and abbreviations in UK, US, and Canadian crochet patterns. However, it’s important to learn, from the beginning, which stitches and terms have different meanings and abbreviations.
Can I convert a crochet pattern from UK to US?
Yes, you can convert a crochet pattern from UK terms to US terms! To do this, you can use a conversion chart that shows the equivalent stitches for each. While there are not many stitches that differ between the two systems, it’s also quite easy to memorize the most common conversions.
How to Determine if a Pattern Uses US or UK Terms?
Pattern designers often specify the terminology they use, so the best way to find out is to check the notes section of the pattern. Additionally, it’s important to note that vintage or UK-based publications typically use UK terms by default.
Where can I get a printable list of crochet abbreviations?
Right here in this post! Scroll up to request your free PDF download.
More Crochet Resources
- How to Crochet a No-Stretch Bag Strap
- Invisible Decrease Crochet Tutorial
- How to Create a Slip Knot in Crochet
- How to Start Crochet with a Chainless Foundation
- How to Create a Magic Circle
Final Thought
Crochet abbreviations might seem like a secret code at first, but once you decipher them, the world of patterns expands beyond the need for video tutorials. Check below for ways to save this guide, and don’t be afraid to explore designs from around the world!
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