How to Read Crochet Abbreviations
Most crochet and knitting patterns use abbreviations.
Crochet and knitting abbreviations are a convention that has been used for many years and are fairly standardized among designers and publishers. Abbreviations make patterns easy to read by condensing instructions into the most efficient form of communication. (It’s my own theory that in the early days of published crochet patterns, using abbreviations also took up less paper and ink!)
In order to create a crochet item using a pattern, you need to know common abbreviations. Usually, but not always, the abbreviations that will be used in a pattern are explained in a special section of the pattern. Sometimes only “special stitches” are defined.
Use the chart below as a quick reference.
List of Crochet Abbreviations
| Abbreviation |
Definition |
| alt | alternate |
| approx | approximately |
| beg | begin – beginning |
| bet | between |
| BL or BLO | back loop only |
| BP | back post |
| BPdc | back post double crochet |
| BPdtr | back post double treble crochet |
| BPhdc | back post half double crochet |
| BPsc | back post single crochet |
| BPtr | back post treble crochet |
| CC | contrasting color |
| ch | chain |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| CL | cluster |
| cont | continue |
| dc | double crochet |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 stitches together |
| dec | decrease |
| dtr | double treble crochet |
| edc | extended double crochet |
| ehdc | extended half double crochet |
| esc | extended single crochet |
| etr | extended treble crochet |
| FL or FLO | front loop only |
| foll | following |
| FP | front post |
| FPdc | front post double crochet |
| FPdtr | front post double treble crochet |
| FPhdc | front post half double crochet |
| FPsc | front post single crochet |
| FPtr | front post treble crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| hdc2tog | half double crochet 2 stitches together |
| inc | increase |
| lp | loop |
| m | marker |
| MC | main color |
| pat or patt | pattern |
| pc | popcorn stitch |
| pm | place marker |
| prev | previous |
| ps or puff | puff stitch |
| rem | remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| RS | right side |
| sc | single crochet |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together |
| sh | shell |
| sk | skip |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sm or sl m | slip marker |
| sp | space |
| st | stitch |
| tbl | through back loop |
| tch or t-ch | turning chain |
| tog | together |
| tr | treble crochet |
| trtr | triple treble crochet |
| tr2tog | treble crochet 2 stitches together |
| WS | wrong side |
| yo | yarn over |
| * | repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed |
| * * | repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed or repeat at specified locations |
| { } | work instructions within brackets as many times as directed |
| [ ] | work instructions within brackets as many times as directed |
| ( ) | work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed or work a group of stitches all in the same stitch or space |
Related: US vs UK Crochet Terms
