Crochet patterns may include crochet abbreviations you don’t know. In this post you will find a list of more than 140 crochet abbreviations and terms.
When you start learning crochet and reading crochet patterns these abbreviations may seem overwhelming. But with this list you can easily find the abbreviations you are looking for.
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What Are Crochet Abbreviations?
Crochet abbreviations are a way to shorten the instructions and words within a crochet pattern.
For publications that is often important to reduce the pages a pattern takes up, while in other cases it helps readers get an overview of the instructions quicker without too many words.
Where Can You Find Crochet Abbreviations in Patterns?
Typically all crochet patterns include a section for crochet abbreviations.
Some crochet patterns may not include the most common crochet abbreviations for the most common crochet stitches, while others will include all abbreviations used.
The Different Types of Crochet Abbreviations
There are different types of crochet abbreviations. A common type of crochet abbreviations is for actions, like alternate, begin, continue, repeat and so on.
Another type of crochet abbreviations are for repeats. These are used to shorten the crochet patterns so you don’t have to write & read repeats. These are symbols like: [], () or *.
The next type of crochet abbreviations are crochet stitch abbreviations, these are used for anything from basic crochet stitches like single crochet (sc) to more complex stitches like the back loop single crochet (BLsc).
The Complete List of Crochet Abbreviations
Below you will find a complete list with more than 140 crochet abbreviations and terms. These include the most common crochet abbreviations for basic crochet stitches and some crochet terminology or slang.
Not that all the crochet abbreviations below are for US crochet terms, we have more information through the link if you want to learn more about UK terms.
If you are looking for something specific, note that the abbreviation itself are given in an alphabetical order and should help you find it faster. Next, if you are on a computer, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| () | Pattern specifies how many times you should repeat the instructions inside the parentheses. Can also instruct you to work multiple stitches/group of stitches into the same stitch/space. | |
| [] | Pattern specifies how many times you should repeat instructions inside the brackets. | |
| {} | Pattern specifies how many times you should repeat instructions inside the curly brackets. | |
| * | Repeat the instructions after the single asterisk as many times as given. Can be given with *to* as well, to work repeats between asterisks. | |
| ** | Repeat the instructions between the two asterisks as many times as given. | |
| alt | alternate | Instructs you to alternate something in the crochet pattern, like stitches or rows. |
| approx | approximately | Show that something is not given exact but almost. |
| beg | beginning | Like at the beginning of the row/round. |
| bet | between | Often used to repeat a section of the project. |
| BL | back loop | Instructs that the stitch are to be crocheted through the back loop. |
| BLdc | back loop double crochet | A double crochet worked through the back loop of the stitch. |
| BLhdc | back loop half double crochet | A half double crochet worked through the back loop of the stitch. |
| BLO | back loop only | Instructs that the stitch are to be crocheted through the back loop. |
| BLsc | back loop single crochet | A single crochet worked through the back loop of the stitch. |
| BLtr | back loop treble crochet | A treble crochet worked through the back loop of the stitch. |
| bo | bobble | A combination of stitches that looks like a bobble. |
| BP | back post | Instructs that the stitch are to be crocheted around the back post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| BPdc | back post double crochet | A double crochet worked around the back post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| BPdtr | back post double treble crochet | A double treble crochet worked around the back post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| BPhdc | back post half double crochet | A half double crochet worked around the back post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| BPsc | back post single crochet | A single crochet worked around the back post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| BPtr | back post treble crochet | A treble crochet worked around the back post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| CA | color A | Used to define what color you should use on that stitch or row. |
| CAL | crochet along | A happening where multiple crocheters join together to follow the same crochet project at the same time. Sometimes it will be a mystery CAL where you don’t know what you are making when you join and it will be a surprise when you finish. Other times it’s a regular CAL where you already know the what crochet project you are making as you join. |
| CB | color B | Used to define what color you should use on that stitch or row. |
| CC | contrasting color or color C | Used to define what color you should use on that stitch or row. If given as contrasting color, it is often used together with MC or main color. |
| CE | color E | Used to define what color you should use on that stitch or row. |
| ch | chain | Chains are one of the basic crochet stitches made by: yarn over and pull yarn through the loop on the crochet over. |
| ch-1-sp | chain 1 space | ch-1 space refers to chain or space previously made, with 1 ch |
| ch-2-sp | chain 2 space | refers to a chain or space previously made, with 2 ch |
| ch-3-sp | chain 3 space | refers to a chain or space previously made, with 3 ch |
| ch-sp | chain space | refers to a chain or space previously made |
| CL | cluster | A cluster of stitches, usually comes with an instruction in the stitch explanations of the pattern. |
| cm | centimeter | Used to give a measurement on the crochet project. Like how big the project is when finished or in instructions to tell you how long you should repeat a certain number of rows/rounds. |
| cont or con | continue | Instructing you to keep crocheting, usually given with an end point. |
| crab st | crab stitch | The crab stitch is a single crochet worked in the opposite direction. |
| dc | double crochet | The double crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches. |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 together | Decrease 1 stitch by working two double crochet stitches together. |
| dc3tog | double crochet 3 together | Decrease 2 stitches by working 3 double crochet stitches together. |
| dc4tog | double crochet 4 together | Decrease 3 stitches by working 4 double crochet stitches together. |
| dec | decrease | Decrease means to reduce the number of stitches you have, can be done in many different ways depending on the stitch you are crocheting and the crochet pattern instructions. |
| dtr | double treble crochet | A stitch slightly taller than the treble crochet, start with 3 yarn over. |
| edc | extended double crochet | The extended double crochet is a variation of the regular double crochet, where you add 1 extra step to make the single crochet taller and the texture is different. |
| ehdc | extended half double crochet | The extended half double crochet is a variation of the regular half double crochet, where you add 1 extra step to make the single crochet taller and the texture is different. |
| esc | extended single crochet | The extended single crochet is a variation of the regular single crochet, where you add 1 extra step to make the single crochet taller and the texture is different. |
| etr | extended treble crochet | The extended treble crochet is a variation of the regular treble crochet, where you add 1 extra step to make the single crochet taller and the texture is different. |
| etss | extended Tunisian simple stitch | The extended Tunisian simple stitch is a taller version of the Tunisian simple stitch with one extra step. |
| FDC | foundation double crochet | The foundation double crochet is a variation of the regular double crochet used to start a crochet projects where you make the chains and double crochet stitches at the same time. |
| FHDC | foundation half double crochet | The foundation half double crochet is a variation of the regular half double crochet used to start a crochet projects where you make the chains and half double crochet stitches at the same time. |
| FL | front loop | Instructs that the stitch are to be crocheted through the front loop. |
| FLdc | front loop double crochet | A double crochet worked through the front loop of the stitch. |
| FLesc | front loop extended single crochet | A extended single crochet worked through the front loop of the stitch. |
| FLhdc | front loop half double crochet | A half double crochet worked through the front loop of the stitch. |
| FLO | front loop only | Instructs that the stitch are to be crocheted through the front loop. |
| FLsc | front loop single crochet | A single crochet worked through the front loop of the stitch. |
| FLtr | front loop treble crochet | A treble crochet worked through the front loop of the stitch. |
| FO | finished object | Finished object refers to a crochet project you have completed. |
| foll | follow or following | Instructs that you should follow the same pattern as specified. |
| FOTH | fresh of the hook | A crochet project you just finished. |
| FP | front post | Instructs that the stitch are to be crocheted around the front post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| FPdc | front post double crochet | A double crochet worked around the front post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| FPdtr | front post double treble crochet | A double treble crochet worked around the front post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| FPhdc | front post half double crochet | A half double crochet worked around the front post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| FPsc | front post single crochet | A single crochet worked around the front post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| FPtr | front post treble crochet | A treble crochet worked around the front post of the stitch on the previous row. |
| frog or frogging | unravel your work | To frog or frogging in crochet is the action of ripping out or unravel your crochet project. |
| FSC | foundation single crochet | The foundation single crochet is a variation of the regular single crochet used to start a crochet projects where you make the chains and single crochet stitches at the same time. |
| FTR | foundation treble crochet | The foundation treble crochet is a variation of the regular treble crochet used to start a crochet projects where you make the chains and treble crochet stitches at the same time. |
| FwP | forward pass | The forward pass is worked from right to left and is where you work the Tunisian stitch and the number of loops on the crochet hook increase across the row. |
| g | grams | Common yarn labels or in the materials needed section on crochet patterns to tell you how much yarn you need. |
| HBdc | herringbone double crochet | The herringbone double crochet is a variation of the regular double crochet with a herringbone patterning. |
| HBhdc or hhdc | herringbone half double crochet | The herringbone half double crochet is a variation of the regular half double crochet with a herringbone patterning. |
| hdc | half double crochet | The half double crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches. |
| hdc2tog | half double crochet 2 together | Decrease 1 stitch by working two half double crochet stitches together. |
| hdc3tog | half double crochet 3 together | Decrease 2 stitches by working 3 half double crochet stitches together. |
| hdc4tog | half double crochet 4 together | Decrease 3 stitches by working 4 half double crochet stitches together. |
| HOTH | hot of the hook | A crochet project you just finished. |
| htr | half treble crochet | htr / half treble crochet is a UK term used for the US half double crochet. It can also be a cross between a double crochet and a treble crochet, where you start the treble crochet as normal, but when you have 3 loops left on the hook, pull through them all at once. |
| in | inches | Used to give a measurement on the crochet project. Like how big the project is when finished or in instructions to tell you how long you should repeat a certain number of rows/rounds. |
| inc | increase | Increase means to increase the number of stitches you have, can be done in many different ways depending on the stitch you are crocheting and the crochet pattern instructions. |
| incl | including / include | To include something in the project, like including a specific stitch in a repeat. |
| invdec | invisible decrease | Instructs you to crochet invisible decreases. |
| JAYGO | join as you go | A method where you join granny squares together as you crochet them. |
| ldc | linked double crochet | The linked double crochet is a variation of the regular double crochet where the stitches are linked together. |
| lhdc | linked half double crochet | The linked half double crochet is a variation of the regular half double crochet where the stitches are linked together. |
| lp | loop | Can refer to the back or front loop on a stitch or to the loops you have on the crochet hook while crocheting a stitch. |
| ltr | linked treble crochet | The linked treble crochet is a variation of the regular treble crochet where the stitches are linked together. |
| m | marker | A marker is used to mark off a specific stitch or row on a crochet project. Helpful when crocheting repeats to avoid counting all the time. |
| m | meter | Used to give a measurement either on the crochet project or how many meters of yarn you need for the crochet project. |
| MC | main color | Used to define what color you should use on that stitch or row. This is often the most used color on a project. |
| MGBTC | must get back to crocheting | The need to get back to crocheting after a break or distraction. |
| ML | make loop (the loop stitch) | A stitch made to create a faux fur like effect on your crochet project. |
| mm | millimeter | Used to give a measurement on the crochet project. Like how big the project is when finished or in instructions to tell you how long you should repeat a certain number of rows/rounds. |
| mr | magic ring | Instructs you to make a magic ring. |
| nontr | nontuple treble crochet | A tall stitch worked as the basic stitches, start with 10 yarn overs. |
| octtr | octuple treble crochet | A tall stitch worked as the basic stitches, start with 9 yarn overs. |
| oz | ounce/ounces | Common yarn labels or in the materials needed section on crochet patterns to tell you how much yarn you need. |
| pat or patt | pattern(s) | A set of instructions you follow to crochet a project. |
| pc | popcorn stitch | A stitch that looks like a popcorn when finished, includes combination of several stitches and can be crocheted different ways. |
| PHD | project half done | A crochet project you’re half way finished with. |
| pm | place marker | Instructs you to place a marker on a given stitch. |
| prev | previous | Refers to something you have already done, like the previous row. |
| ps | puff stitch | A stitch that looks like a puff, can be crocheted in several different ways. |
| puff | puff stitch | A stitch that looks like a puff, can be crocheted in several different ways. |
| qtr | quadruple treble crochet | A tall stitch worked as the basic stitches, start with 5 yarn over. |
| quintr | quintuple treble crochet | A tall stitch worked as the basic stitches, start with 6 yarn over. |
| rem | remaining | Instructs to do something for the remaining stitches/rows. |
| rep | repeat | Instructs to repeat stitches or instructions, like from *to*. |
| RetP | return pass | The return pass in Tunisian crochet is worked from left to right and is where you work the loops off the crochet hook after the forward pass. |
| rev | reverse | To crochet in the opposite direction, from left to right instead of right to left. |
| rev sc | reverse single crochet | The reverse single crochet stitch is a single crochet worked in the opposite direction. |
| rnd or rnd(s) | round(s) | Used when you crochet something in rounds. |
| RS | right side | Tells you that this is the front of your crochet pattern. |
| sc | single crochet | The single crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches. |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 together | Decrease 1 stitch by working two single crochet stitches together. |
| sc3tog | single crochet 3 together | Decrease 2 stitches by working 3 single crochet stitches together. |
| sc4tog | single crochet 4 together | Decrease 3 stitches by working 4 single crochet stitches together. |
| septtr | septuple treble crochet | A tall stitch worked as the basic stitches, start with 8 yarn overs. |
| sexttr | sextuple treble crochet | A tall stitch worked as the basic stitches, start with 7 yarn overs. |
| sh | shell | A combination of crochet stitches that looks like a shell when finished, can be crocheted in several different ways. |
| sk | skip(ped) | Instruction to skip a given number of stitches before you continue crocheting in the next one. |
| sl st or ss | slip stitch | The slip stitch is one of the basic crochet stitches. |
| sm or sl m | slip marker | More common in knitting and means to slip the marker from one stitch to another while you work, rather than placing it in a specific spot. |
| sp or sp(s) | space(s) | A space often refers to chain spaces previously made by chains. You can crochet into the space instead of into the chains. |
| st or sts | stitch(es) | Refers to a stitch or stitches. |
| tbl | through the back loop | Instruction you to crochet through the back loop only. |
| tch or t-ch | turning chain | The chains you crochet at the start of the row so your row start at the height of the stitches you are going to crochet. |
| tdc | Tunisian double crochet | The Tunisian crochet version of a regular double crochet. |
| tfl | through the front loop | Instruction you to crochet through the front loop only. |
| tfs | Tunisian full stitch | A Tunisian crochet stitch that looks woven. |
| thdc | Tunisian half double crochet | The Tunisian crochet version of a regular half double crochet. |
| tks | Tusnisian knit stitch | A Tunisian crochet stitch that looks like it’s knitted. |
| tog | together | Used when decreasing crochet stitches where you work crochet stitches together. |
| tps | Tunisian purl stitch | A Tunisian crochet stitch that looks like a knitted purl stitch. |
| tr or trc | treble crochet or triple crochet | The treble crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches. |
| tr2tog | treble crochet 2 together | Decrease 1 stitch by working two treble crochet stitches together. |
| tr3tog | treble crochet 3 together | Decrease 2 stitches by working 3 treble crochet stitches together. |
| tr4tog | treble crochet 4 together | Decrease 3 stitches by working 4 treble crochet stitches together. |
| trs | Tunisian reverse stitch | A stitch similar to the Tunisian Simple Stitch but is made in the back vertical bar instead of the front. |
| trtr | triple treble crochet | A tall stitch worked as the basic stitches, start with 4 yarn over. |
| tsc | Tunisian single crochet | The Tunisian crochet version of a regular single crochet. |
| tslst | Tunisian slip stitch | A way to bind of your Tunisian crochet project. |
| tss | Tunisian simple stitch | One of the basic Tunisian crochet stitches. |
| ttr | Tunisian treble crochet | The Tunisian crochet version of a regular treble crochet. |
| ttw | Tunisian Twisted | A stitch where you twist the vertical bar when you insert the crochet hook and pull up a loop. |
| UFO | unfinished object | Unfinished object refers to a crochet project you have not completed and have set aside. |
| USO | un-started object | A crochet project you haven’t started yet. |
| WIP | work in progress | Work in progress refers to a crochet project you are currently working on. |
| WS | wrong side | This tells you that this is the back of your crochet pattern. |
| yarnie | someone who loves yarn | Someone who loves yarn. |
| yd | yards | Used to give a measurement either on the crochet project or how many yards of yarn you need for the crochet project. |
| yo | yarn over | Instructs to place the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front. |
| yoh | yarn over hook | Instructs to place the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front. |
Crochet Abbreviation Inconsistencies
Crochet abbreviations may have inconsistencies from crochet pattern to crochet pattern.
Even though some crochet abbreviations are quite standard, some crochet designers or writers may occasionally abbreviate a common term differently. Make sure you always check the abbreviation list in the crochet pattern you follow to make sure you are doing the correct stitch.
In some cases special stitches like puffs, popcorn stitches and shells also may include different crochet stitches depending on the pattern. In that case the crochet pattern writer should have included a specific instruction for those stitches in the pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crochet Abbreviations
What does CH 5 SP mean in crochet?
The crochet abbreviation CH 5 SP in crochet means chain 5 space, which refers to a space previously made with 5 chains.
What is the crochet abbreviations for beginning?
The crochet abbreviation for beginning is beg.
What is R1 in crochet?
The crochet abbreviation R1 in crochet usually means row 1.
What does CHS mean in crochet?
The crochet abbreviation CHS in crochet usually means chains.
Crochet Patterns To Try Using The Different Crochet Abbrevaitions
Looking for crochet patterns to try while learning the different crochet abbreviations?
Find a selection of free crochet patterns, paid printable crochet patterns & crochet pattern bundles to choose from.
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