Crochet abbreviations are short labels for stitches, actions and positions in a written pattern. Ch means chain, sc means single crochet in US terms, and rep tells you to repeat an instruction. Start with the pattern's own key, then use this illustrated reference to decode the terms it does not explain.
The tables below separate stitch names from actions, compare US and UK terminology and show how punctuation changes a line. All Crochet Mom lessons use US terms unless a comparison is clearly labeled.
Crochet Abbreviations You Need First
The shortest abbreviations name the stitches: ch is chain, sc is single crochet and dc is double crochet in US terminology. A written pattern should state which terminology it uses and define any special stitches near the beginning. When its key differs from a general reference, follow the key supplied with that pattern.
This guide presents crochet abbreviations with pictures of the matching chart symbols. The visual key helps when a pattern includes both written instructions and a diagram, but the symbol and abbreviation are two separate ways to describe the stitch.
| Abbreviation | US term | Plain-language action |
|---|---|---|
| ch | chain | Make a chain stitch. |
| sl st | slip stitch | Pull the yarn through the stitch and the loop on the hook. |
| sc | single crochet | Work one short, compact stitch. |
| hdc | half double crochet | Yarn over, insert the hook, then pull through all three loops. |
| dc | double crochet | Work a taller stitch in two pull-through stages. |
| tr | treble crochet | Yarn over twice and work the loops off in pairs. |
The treble crochet abbreviation is tr in US terms. In a UK pattern, tr names the stitch that US instructions call dc, which is why the terminology note must be checked before you begin.
Crochet Abbreviation Chart for Actions and Positions
Not every shortened term is a stitch. Some tell you where to place the hook, which side should face you or what part of the line repeats. Learn these words as actions rather than trying to memorize one long list.
Stitches and spaces are not the same place
St means stitch, so insert the hook under the loops at the top of the named stitch unless the pattern says otherwise. Sp means space, an opening between stitches or groups. Ch-sp means a space made by one or more chains on the previous row. If an instruction says “3 dc in next ch-2 sp,” put all three double crochets into the opening beneath those two chains.
Front loop, back loop and posts
A stitch top looks like a sideways V. FLO uses only the front loop and BLO uses only the back loop. FP and BP mean front post and back post; the hook goes around the vertical post of a stitch instead of through its top loops. A longer abbreviation names the stitch too: FPdc is front post double crochet and BPhdc is back post half double crochet.
Increases and decreases
Inc means increase and dec means decrease, but the exact stitch can change by project. An amigurumi key may define inc as 2 sc in the next stitch and dec as sc2tog. A lace pattern might use dc increases instead. Terms such as sc2tog, hdc2tog and dc2tog name the stitch and the number worked together, so sc2tog means single crochet two stitches together.
US and UK Crochet Abbreviations
American crochet abbreviations and UK crochet abbreviations can use the same letters for stitches of different heights. The motions are not different; the naming systems are. British crochet abbreviations use dc for the stitch called sc in the US, and tr for the stitch called dc in the US.
English crochet abbreviations are not automatically US or UK terms. “English” describes the language, while US and UK identify the stitch-naming system. Look for an explicit “US terms” or “UK terms” note. If sc appears, that is a strong sign of US terminology because the standard UK list has no single crochet.
For a line-by-line conversion, use the US to UK stitch converter. Convert the terminology before crocheting, then compare the result with the pattern's own key and keep the original stitch counts.
How to Read Asterisks, Brackets and Parentheses
Punctuation controls grouping and repetition. Read the complete row or round once before working it, because the words after a repeat often change the final repetition.
- An asterisk marks the beginning of a repeat. “Rep from *” sends you back to that point.
- Brackets usually contain a group to repeat. They can also separate instructions for different sizes, so read the pattern notes.
- Parentheses can group stitches placed in one location, show a repeated group or give a stitch count at the end of a line.
- A number before a stitch usually means that many stitches go in one place. “3 dc in next st” is different from “dc in next 3 sts.”
For a full example of a round split into its parts, see how to read crochet patterns.
How to Decode One Pattern Line
Take this line: Rnd 3: [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (18)
- Rnd 3 means you are starting Round 3.
- Work one sc in the first stitch.
- Work two sc in the next stitch. That is an increase.
- Repeat the bracketed two-stitch sequence six times.
- Each repeat makes three stitches, so the round finishes with 18 stitches.
Count the 18 stitches before beginning Round 4. The live loop on the hook is not a stitch. If the piece is worked in a continuous spiral, move the stitch marker into the first stitch of each new round.
Common Abbreviation Mistakes
- Skipping the terminology note. A US dc and a UK dc are different heights.
- Assuming every inc is identical. Check which stitch the pattern uses for its increase.
- Working into a stitch instead of a space. St, sp and ch-sp point to different locations.
- Repeating too far. Read the instruction after “rep from *” to see where the final repeat ends.
- Ignoring capitalization. MC and CC can mean main color and contrasting color, while m can mean marker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ch mean in crochet?
Ch means chain stitch. A number after it tells you how many chains to make, while ch-sp refers to an existing chain space.
What does sk mean in crochet?
Sk means skip. Leave the named stitch or space unworked, then continue at the next location stated in the instruction.
What does sp mean in crochet?
Sp means space. Insert the hook into the opening between stitches or groups rather than under the top loops of a stitch.
What is the difference between st and sp?
St means a stitch, while sp means an open space. A ch-sp is the opening beneath chains made on the previous row or round.
How can I tell if crochet abbreviations are US or UK?
Look for a terminology note first. If the pattern uses sc, it is normally in US terms because the standard UK terminology does not include single crochet.
Does a pattern key override a standard abbreviation list?
Yes. Designers may define special abbreviations, so the key printed with the pattern controls how its instructions should be read.
Reference Sources
The terminology and punctuation in this guide follow the Craft Yarn Council crochet abbreviations master list. Chart symbols follow the Craft Yarn Council crochet chart symbols. Source: Craft Yarn Council's www.YarnStandards.com.
Clara Parker
I’m Clara — a mom who is never without a hook, and the crochet half of the Recipes Dad family. I write cozy, practical patterns you can actually finish.
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