How to Read Crochet Abbreviations
Crochet patterns are like little puzzles filled with abbreviations, but don’t worry—they’re easy to crack! Once you learn how to read crochet abbreviations, you’ll be able to follow patterns like a pro. Whether you're using US or UK terminology, Okey Dokeys is here to guide you through the lingo and help you tackle any project with confidence.
What Are Crochet Abbreviations?
Crochet terms and abbreviations are shorthand used in patterns to save space and make instructions clearer. Instead of spelling out every single stitch or instruction, patterns use abbreviations like SC for single crochet or DC for double crochet. These abbreviations make patterns easier to read but can be a little confusing at first.
US vs. UK Crochet Stitch Abbreviations
Before diving into a pattern, it’s important to know whether it uses US or UK crochet terms. While many of the abbreviations look similar, they can mean different things in each system. Here's a quick rundown of the most common ones:
| Stitch | US Abbreviation | UK Abbreviation |
| Chain | ch | ch |
| Slip Stitch | sl st | sl st |
| Single Crochet | sc | double crochet (dc) |
| Half Double Crochet | hdc | half treble (htr) |
| Double Crochet Stitch | dc | treble crochet (tr) |
| Treble Crochet | tr | double treble (dtr) |
Okey Dokeys Tip: Always check which version of the pattern you’re using before starting! If it’s a UK pattern, the terms will be different from US ones, even though they might look familiar.
Common Crochet Acronyms/Abbreviations
Here are a few more crochet abbreviations you’ll commonly see in both US and UK patterns:
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| alt | Alternate | A directive to work in an alternating pattern or sequence. |
| approx | Approximately | Indicates an estimated measurement. |
| beg | Begin/Beginning | Refers to the start of a pattern or stitch sequence. |
| bet | Between | Refers to working in the space between stitches. |
| BL or BLO | Back Loop or Back Loop Only | Working stitches into the back loop of the stitch only. |
| bo | Bobble | A decorative stitch made by grouping multiple stitches into the same space. |
| BP | Back Post | A stitch worked around the back post of the stitch below. |
| BPdc | Back Post Double Crochet | A double crochet worked around the back post of the stitch below. |
| BPdtr | Back Post Double Treble Crochet | A taller stitch worked around the back post. |
| BPhdc | Back Post Half Double Crochet | A half double crochet worked around the back post. |
| BPsc | Back Post Single Crochet | A single crochet worked around the back post. |
| BPtr | Back Post Treble Crochet | A treble crochet worked around the back post. |
| CC | Contrasting Color | A color change to create contrast in the pattern. |
| ch | Chain Stitch | A foundational stitch made by pulling yarn through a loop. |
| ch- | Chain Space | Refers to chain or space previously made (e.g., ch-1 space). |
| ch-sp | Chain Space | An open space created by chains. |
| CL | Cluster | A group of stitches worked together at the top to form a single point. |
| cont | Continue | A directive to proceed with the pattern as instructed. |
| dc | Double Crochet | A taller stitch made by yarn over, inserting the hook, and pulling through loops. |
| dc2tog | Double Crochet 2 Together | Combines two stitches into one using double crochet. |
| dec | Decrease | Reduces the number of stitches by combining two or more stitches into one. |
| dtr | Double Treble Crochet | A taller stitch with two yarn overs before inserting the hook. |
| edc | Extended Double Crochet | A double crochet with an extra loop pulled through for added height. |
| ehdc | Extended Half Double Crochet | A half double crochet with added height. |
| esc | Extended Single Crochet | A single crochet with an extra loop pulled through. |
| etr | Extended Treble Crochet | A treble crochet with added height. |
| FL or FLO | Front Loop or Front Loop Only | Working stitches into the front loop of the stitch only. |
| foll | Following | Indicates steps or instructions that follow. |
| FP | Front Post | A stitch worked around the front post of the stitch below. |
| FPdc | Front Post Double Crochet | A double crochet worked around the front post. |
| FPdtr | Front Post Double Treble Crochet | A taller stitch worked around the front post. |
| FPhdc | Front Post Half Double Crochet | A half double crochet worked around the front post. |
| FPsc | Front Post Single Crochet | A single crochet worked around the front post. |
| FPtr | Front Post Treble Crochet | A treble crochet worked around the front post. |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet | A stitch between single and double crochet in height. |
| hdc2tog | Half Double Crochet 2 Together | Combines two stitches into one using half double crochet. |
| inc | Increase | Adds stitches by working more than one stitch into the same space. |
| lp | Loop | Refers to the yarn on the hook or an open loop in the fabric. |
| m | Marker | A tool used to mark stitches or rounds for reference. |
| MC | Main Color | The primary color used in a project. |
| pat or patt | Pattern | The design or instructions to follow. |
| pc | Popcorn Stitch | A cluster of stitches closed with a slip stitch to create a popcorn effect. |
| pm | Place Marker | A directive to insert a stitch marker in the work. |
| prev | Previous | Refers to earlier stitches or rounds. |
| ps or puff | Puff Stitch | A textured stitch made by working multiple loops into the same space and pulling through. |
| rem | Remaining | Refers to stitches or spaces left in a row or round. |
| rep | Repeat | A directive to repeat a sequence of stitches or actions. |
| rnd | Round | A circular row of stitches. |
| RS | Right Side | The front-facing side of the project. |
| sc | Single Crochet | A basic stitch made by inserting the hook, yarn over, and pulling through two loops. |
| sc2tog | Single Crochet 2 Together | Combines two stitches into one using single crochet. |
| sh | Shell | A decorative stitch made by working multiple stitches into the same space. |
| sk | Skip | To bypass a stitch or space in a pattern. |
| sl st | Slip Stitch | A joining stitch used to move between stitches or close rounds. |
| sm or sl m | Slip Marker | A directive to move a stitch marker to a new location. |
| sp | Space | Refers to an open space created by chains or skipped stitches. |
| st | Stitch | Refers to an individual loop or stitch in the work. |
| tbl | Through Back Loop | A stitch worked through the back loop only. |
| tch or t-ch | Turning Chain | Chains made at the start of a row to set the height for the stitches in that row. |
| tog | Together | Combines two or more stitches into one. |
| tr | Treble Crochet | A taller stitch with one yarn over before inserting the hook. |
| tr2tog | Treble Crochet 2 Together | Combines two treble stitches into one. |
| trtr | Triple Treble Crochet | A very tall stitch with three yarn overs before inserting the hook. |
| WS | Wrong Side | The back-facing side of the project. |
| yo | Yarn Over | Wrapping the yarn over the hook before making a stitch. |
| yoh | Yarn Over Hook | An alternate term for yarn over. |
How to Read a Crochet Pattern
Now that you’re familiar with the abbreviations, let's talk about how to actually read a crochet pattern. Here's an example of what you might see in a pattern and how to interpret it:
- Pattern: Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (9 sc).
- Translation: Chain 10 stitches, then single crochet in the second chain from the hook. After that, single crochet in each chain stitch until you’ve worked a total of 9 single crochet stitches.
Okey Dokeys Tips for Reading Crochet Patterns
- Keep a Cheat Sheet Handy: Until you memorize the abbreviations, it’s helpful to keep a list nearby for quick reference. You can even jot down a few key abbreviations in the margin of your pattern.
- Highlight Your Place: When following a pattern with lots of repeats, use a highlighter or a sticky note to mark your spot and avoid getting lost.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Like anything, reading crochet patterns and abbreviations becomes easier with practice. Start with beginner-friendly patterns that use simple stitches and work your way up to more complex designs.
With this handy guide, you’re ready to tackle crochet patterns like a pro! Okey Dokeys is here to help you master each new stitch and abbreviation as you continue on your crocheting journey. Happy stitching!