
I still remember what is was like reading my first crochet pattern. Reading the abbreviations and terminology for the first time can be a little scary.
Whether you are a crochet beginner or enthusiast, the chart below will help make the process a lot easier for you.
Please note: the terms below are standardised and meant to be used as a guide only. Always check whether your pattern is UK or US, this will usually be stated clearly.
Abbreviation | Description |
---|---|
( ) | repeat instructions within parenthesis as many times as directed. |
* | repeat the instructions after the single asterisk as directed |
* * | repeat instructions within the asterisks as many times as directed or repeat from a set of instructions |
[ ] | Repeat instructions within brackets as many times as directed. |
| inch(es) |
3trcl | cluster of 3 treble stitches |
4trcl | cluster of 4 treble stitches |
5trcl | cluster of 5 treble stitches |
alt | alternative |
alt | alternate(ing) |
approx | approximately |
beg | begin(ning) |
bet | between |
bl/bk lp | back loop(s) |
blk | block |
bo | bobble |
bp | back post |
bpdc | back post double crochet |
bpsc | back post single crochet |
bptr | back post treble |
C | contrast colour |
c2c | corner to corner |
CA | color A |
CB | color B |
CC | contrasting color |
ch | chain stitch |
ch- | chain or space previously made: e.g., ch-1 space |
ch-sp | chain space |
ch(s) | chain(s) |
cl | cluster |
cm | centimeter(s) |
cont | continue or continued |
dc | double crochet |
dc2tog | double crochet two stitches together to create a decrease |
dcl | double cluster |
dk | double knitting |
ddk | double double knitting |
dec | decrease |
dtr | double treble |
dtrcl | double treble cluster |
ea | each |
est | established |
fl | front loop(s) |
foll | follow(s) |
fp | front post |
fpdc | front post double crochet |
fpsc | front post single crochet |
fptr | front post treble |
g | gram |
gr | group |
grp(s) | group(s) |
hdc | half double crochet |
hk | hook |
htr | half treble |
in | inch |
inc | increase |
incl | include (ing) |
lk | love knot |
lp (s) | loop (s) |
lpst | loop stitich |
M | main colour |
M | meter(s) |
MC | main color |
mm | millimeter(s) |
oz | ounce(s) |
p | picot |
pat(s) or patt(s) | pattern(s) |
pc | popcorn |
pm | place marker |
prev | previous |
quadtr | quadruple treble |
Rdtrf | raised double treble front |
rem | remain (ing) |
rep | repeat(s) |
rnd(s) | round(s) |
rquadtrf | raised quadruple treble front |
rs | right side |
rtr | raised treble |
rtrb | raised treble back |
rtrf | raised treble front |
sc | single crochet |
sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together |
sk | skip |
slip knot | view |
sl st | slip sitich |
sp(s) | space(s) |
ss | slip stitch |
st(s) | stitch(es) |
tbl | through back loop |
tch or t-ch | turning chain |
tdtr | tunisian double treble |
tog | together |
tr | treble crochet |
tr2tog | treble two together |
tr3tog | treble three together |
trcl | treble cluster |
trtr | triple treble |
ts | tunisian simple stitch |
ttr | tunisian treble crochet |
wip | work in progress |
ws | wrong side |
yd(s) | yard(s) |
yo | yarn over |
yo(h) | yarn over (hook) |
See also: Crochet Hook Size Conversions