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
Welcome to Anayah London. This is my personal blog. I am an Artist / Maker born and raised in London of Ghanaian descent, I’m strongly inspired by colour, African culture, bohemian fashion, crochet, handmade & wellness. Follow in my journey through Arts + Culture, Fashion, Hair & Beauty. I share to help women feel empowered and inspired.
