How to Read Crochet Abbreviations
Crochet patterns can look like a code at first—but don’t worry! Once you understand how to read crochet abbreviations, you’ll be breezing through patterns with ease. These helpful shorthand terms are used in most patterns to keep instructions clear and concise, and with just a little practice, you’ll be able to read them like a pro.
Whether your pattern uses US or UK crochet terms, we’re breaking down what all those little letters mean so you can follow any crochet project with confidence.
What Are Crochet Abbreviations?
Crochet abbreviations are short-form codes used in patterns to simplify instructions. For example, instead of writing out “single crochet,” most patterns use sc. It saves space and helps you move through patterns more quickly—but if you’re new to reading them, they can feel overwhelming at first.
The good news? These abbreviations for crochet are very consistent, and once you’ve learned them, you’ll recognize them everywhere.
US vs UK Crochet Terms and Abbreviations: What’s the Difference?
Before jumping into a pattern, it’s important to know if it uses US or UK crochet terms. The stitches are the same in practice—but they’re named differently depending on which version you’re reading. For example, what’s called a single crochet (sc) in the US is known as a double crochet (dc) in the UK.
Here’s a quick reference chart:
| 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 (With Abbreviations)
Let’s look at a real example to break down what the pattern is saying.
Pattern Example:Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (9 sc).
Translation:
Chain 10 stitches. Then, starting in the second chain from your hook, work one single crochet in each chain across. You’ll end up with 9 single crochet stitches total.
Once you know the crochet stitch abbreviations, this shorthand saves time and helps you follow complex patterns more easily.
Okey Dokeys Tips for Reading Crochet Abbreviations
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Keep a cheat sheet handy: Especially when you’re starting out, having a quick-reference list by your side can make a huge difference.
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Highlight your place: Use a sticky note or highlighter to track where you are, especially in patterns with repeats.
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Start simple: Practice with beginner-friendly patterns that use basic stitches like sc, dc, and hdc.
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Use clear yarn: Our chenille yarn is easy to see and super soft—perfect for learning stitches and spotting your loops.
Why Learning Crochet Abbreviations Matters
Understanding how to read crochet abbreviations opens the door to thousands of patterns. Whether you're following written instructions or watching video tutorials, this crochet “language” will help you move through projects faster, with fewer mistakes.
From plushies to scarves to home décor, you'll find crochet abbreviations in every pattern. Master them now, and you’ll never feel confused mid-row again.
Ready to try reading a pattern?
Browse our free crochet patterns or check out our beginner-friendly crochet kits to put your skills to work. For even more help, visit our Crochet Basics page for tutorials and stitch guides.