Crochet Abbreviations Complete List: 80+ Terms Explained
📅 Last updated: February 2026Crochet patterns are written in a specialized shorthand that can feel like reading a foreign language to beginners. Every stitch, technique, and instruction has an abbreviation, and learning these abbreviations is like learning the alphabet before you can read. Once you know them, patterns that seemed impossibly complex become clear step-by-step recipes for beautiful projects.
The most important thing to understand is that US and UK crochet terms describe completely different stitches using the same words. A US single crochet (sc) is the same stitch as a UK double crochet (dc). A US double crochet (dc) equals a UK treble (tr). This difference has caused more frustration and failed projects than any other issue in crochet. Always check whether your pattern uses US or UK terminology before starting.
Essential Abbreviations Reference
| US Abbreviation | US Term | UK Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ch | Chain | ch | Foundation stitch, creates loops |
| sl st | Slip stitch | ss | Joining, no-height stitch |
| sc | Single crochet | dc (double crochet) | Short, dense stitch |
| hdc | Half double crochet | htr (half treble) | Medium height stitch |
| dc | Double crochet | tr (treble) | Tall, versatile stitch |
| tr | Treble crochet | dtr (double treble) | Very tall, open stitch |
| sk | Skip | miss | Skip the next stitch |
| sp | Space | sp | Chain space between stitches |
| yo | Yarn over | yoh | Wrap yarn around hook |
| inc | Increase | inc | 2 stitches in same stitch |
| dec | Decrease | dec | Combine 2 stitches into 1 |
| tog | Together | tog | Work stitches together (decrease) |
| rep | Repeat | rep | Repeat instructions |
| beg | Beginning | beg | Start of row/round |
| FO | Fasten off | FO | Secure and cut yarn |
| RS | Right side | RS | Front/public side of fabric |
| WS | Wrong side | WS | Back/hidden side of fabric |
| PM | Place marker | PM | Place stitch marker |
| MR | Magic ring | Magic ring | Adjustable starting ring |
| FPdc | Front post double crochet | RFtr | Work around front of post |
| BPdc | Back post double crochet | RBtr | Work around back of post |
| BLO | Back loop only | BLO | Insert hook in back loop only |
| FLO | Front loop only | FLO | Insert hook in front loop only |
Understanding Pattern Symbols
Asterisks (*): Instructions between asterisks are repeated. Example: *sc, dc, sc* across means repeat the sequence sc, dc, sc for the entire row.
Parentheses (): Can mean two things: (1) a group of stitches worked into the same stitch, like (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in corner space, or (2) the stitch count at the end of a row, like Row 5 (24 sc).
Brackets []: Usually indicate a group to be repeated a specific number of times. Example: [sc in next 3 st, inc] x 6 means repeat the bracketed sequence 6 times.
The US vs UK Trap
This cannot be overstated: if you follow a UK pattern using US terminology (or vice versa), your project will be completely wrong. The stitches are all shifted by one height category. A UK dc is a US sc. A UK tr is a US dc. Before starting any pattern, determine the origin. British, Australian, and some European patterns use UK terms. American and most Asian patterns use US terms. When in doubt, check the gauge swatch: if the stated gauge seems too dense for double crochet, the pattern likely uses UK terms.
Sources
- Craft Yarn Council — Official Crochet Abbreviation Standards
- Crochet Guild of America — Terminology Reference