Here's a Handy Guide to Crochet Abbreviations

If you’re new to crochet, patterns probably look like a foreign language to you. “Sc2tog, sc to last 3 st, bpdc.” Say what? The first step to decoding all those crazy lines (and starting your first project!) is figuring out what each abbreviation means.

Good to Know: It’s worth noting that not all patterns are alike. While abbreviations for basic stitches (single crochet, double crochet, etc.) remain the same across the board, others may be different depending on the designer.

As your crochet skills advance, you’ll find that you probably won’t even need to refer to a list anymore. Until then, this guide will get you started on the basics.

Abbreviations to Know

  • beg – beginning
  • bpdc – back post double crochet
  • ch – chain stitch
  • ch sp – chain space
  • cont – continue
  • dc – double crochet
  • dec – decrease
  • dtr – double treble crochet
  • fpdc – front post double crochet
  • fpsc – front post single crochet
  • fptr – front post treble crochet
  • hdc – half double crochet
  • inc – increase
  • lp – loop
  • mc – main color
  • pm – place marker
  • rem – remaining
  • rep – repeat
  • rs – right side
  • rsc – reverse single crochet
  • sc – single crochet
  • sc2tog – single crochet two stitches together
  • sc3tog – single crochet three stitches together
  • sk – skip
  • sl – slip
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • st – stitch
  • t-ch – turning chain
  • tbl – through the back loop
  • tr – treble crochet
  • ws – wrong side
  • yrh – yarn round hook
  • Symbols

    Sometimes you’ll see symbols like parentheses and brackets used in a crochet pattern. These are telling you to repeat whatever instructions are within the bracket.

    For example, you might see a line in your pattern that reads, “(Sk 2 sc, sc in next 3 sts) 4 times.” This means you should skip two single crochet, then single crochet in the next three stitches. Repeat this four times before moving on to the next part of the pattern.

    Special Abbreviations

    Often, patterns will have their own special abbreviations. For example, you might crochet a sweater that has a special bobble stitch. The pattern will indicate this abbreviation at the beginning (near the gauge information) and provide specific instructions for making the stitch. When you come to that abbreviation in the pattern, you simply refer back to the stitch instructions at the beginning. Easy!

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    2 Responses to “Here's a Handy Guide to Crochet Abbreviations”

    1. REBECCA Camarena

      thank you I will print and keep it with me when I crochet .

    2. Rickie D Souza

      Looking for, knitting, crochet and quilt patterns