Crochet Abbreviations Chart (US & UK) - Complete List + Examples
Every crochet abbreviation decoded in plain English — from ch and sc to sc2tog, FLO, BLO, post stitches and special stitch shorthand. US terms with UK equivalents included. Bookmark this page so you can read any pattern with confidence.
What are crochet abbreviations and why do patterns use them?
Crochet abbreviations are the shorthand a pattern designer uses to keep instructions compact and easy to scan. Instead of writing "work one single crochet in each of the next five stitches," a designer writes "sc in next 5 sts" — the meaning is identical, but it fits on a single line and is far less likely to cause misreading mid-row. Once you know the crochet shorthand, a pattern stops looking like a cipher and starts reading like a clear recipe.
Most abbreviations used in US patterns follow standards published by the Craft Yarn Council, which means that a crochet abbreviations list from one American designer will look nearly identical to one from another. That said, some designers add their own special stitch abbreviations for textured or original stitches, so always read the key or legend at the start of the pattern first. When you learn how to read a crochet pattern, understanding the abbreviations is step one.
This crochet abbreviations chart covers every common term you will encounter, organized by category so you can find what you need quickly. All terms below are US crochet terms; where the UK equivalent differs, it is listed in the relevant column. For a full side-by-side comparison, see our dedicated US vs UK crochet terms chart.
Basic stitch abbreviations — US terms with UK equivalents
The core stitches you will see in almost every pattern. The US and UK use the same stitch mechanics but different names — knowing both prevents expensive mistakes when following a non-US source.
| Abbr. | US meaning | UK equivalent | Height (chains tall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ch | Chain | Chain (same) | N/A — foundation stitch |
| sl st | Slip stitch | Slip stitch (same) | 0 — no height added |
| sc | Single crochet | dc — double crochet | 1 chain tall |
| hdc | Half double crochet | htr — half treble crochet | 2 chains tall |
| dc | Double crochet | tr — treble crochet | 3 chains tall |
| tr | Treble crochet (triple crochet) | dtr — double treble crochet | 4 chains tall |
| dtr | Double treble crochet | trtr — triple treble crochet | 5 chains tall |
| trtr | Triple treble crochet | qtr — quadruple treble | 6 chains tall |
The "height" column tells you how many turning chains to work at the start of a flat row — a useful rule of thumb when a pattern simply says "tch" (turning chain) without specifying a number. For the complete stitch-name translation table, visit our US vs UK crochet terms chart.
General crochet abbreviations — structure and notation
These terms appear in almost every pattern regardless of the stitches involved. They describe where to work, how many times to repeat, and how to track your progress through a crochet pattern.
| Abbr. | Meaning | Used in context |
|---|---|---|
| st | Stitch | "sc in next st" |
| sts | Stitches | "sc in next 3 sts" |
| sp | Space (chain space) | "dc in next ch-2 sp" |
| ch-sp | Chain space | "work into the ch-sp" |
| sk | Skip | "sk next st" (UK: miss / m) |
| rep | Repeat | "rep from * to end" |
| rnd | Round | "Rnd 4: sc in each st" |
| rnds | Rounds | "rep for rnds 5–8" |
| beg | Beginning | "beg ch-3" |
| tch / t-ch | Turning chain | "ch 3 (counts as dc)" |
| yo | Yarn over (hook) | UK: yoh — "yo, pull through 2 loops" |
| yoh | Yarn over hook | UK equivalent of yo |
| RS | Right side (public face) | "RS facing, join yarn" |
| WS | Wrong side | "WS facing, sl st to join" |
| pm | Place marker | "pm in last st" |
| sm | Slip marker | "sm and continue" |
| rm | Remove marker | "rm before working dec" |
| MC | Main color | Color A in some patterns |
| CC | Contrasting color | Color B or secondary yarn |
| FO | Fasten off | "FO and weave in ends" |
| WE / WI | Weave in ends | After fastening off |
| lp / lps | Loop / loops | "pull through rem lps" |
| rem | Remaining | "8 sts rem at end of row" |
| cont | Continue | "cont in pattern" |
| patt | Pattern (stitch pattern) | "work in patt as est" |
| est | Established | "as est" or "as established" |
| foll | Following | "rep in foll rows" |
| alt | Alternate | "alt rows" or "alt sts" |
| approx | Approximately | "approx 6 inches" |
| ea | Each | "sc in ea st across" |
Shaping abbreviations — increases, decreases and special loop techniques
These are the terms that let you add or remove stitches, work in specific loop positions, and create texture. Many beginners find these the most confusing part of the crochet terms glossary — each one is explained fully below the table.
| Abbr. | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| inc | Increase | Work 2 stitches in the same stitch — adds 1 st to the count |
| dec | Decrease | Combine 2 stitches into 1 — removes 1 st from the count |
| tog | Together | Work multiple stitches as one; used in decreases |
| sc2tog | Single crochet 2 together | Standard sc decrease — combines 2 sts into 1 invisible join |
| dc2tog | Double crochet 2 together | Taller decrease — combines 2 dc sts into 1 |
| hdc2tog | Half double crochet 2 together | Decrease for hdc fabric; slightly taller than sc2tog |
| invdec | Invisible decrease | Insert into front loops only of next 2 sts — gapless; preferred for amigurumi |
| MR | Magic ring (magic circle) | Adjustable starting loop that closes tight; also written "mc" or "magic loop" |
| FLO | Front loop only | Work into the front (near) loop of the stitch only; creates a ridge on the back |
| BLO | Back loop only | Work into the back (far) loop only; creates a ribbed, stretchy texture on the front |
| BL | Back loop | Alternate shorthand for BLO in some patterns |
| FL | Front loop | Alternate shorthand for FLO in some patterns |
| FPdc | Front post double crochet | Insert hook around the stitch post from front — raises a ridge on the right side |
| BPdc | Back post double crochet | Insert hook around the post from back — raises a ridge on the wrong side |
| FPsc | Front post single crochet | Same technique, sc height — creates a very pronounced raised stitch |
| BPsc | Back post single crochet | Shorter raised stitch, often used in ribbing alongside FPsc |
| FPtr | Front post treble crochet | Tall raised stitch; used in cable patterns |
| BPtr | Back post treble crochet | Back-facing tall raised stitch used in cabled textures |
Three pattern bundles to put your new abbreviations knowledge to work
Now that you can read the shorthand, here are three MrsCrochetWorld bundles — each written in clear US terms with all abbreviations defined inside the pattern.
50 No-Sew Amigurumi Bundle
BestsellerFifty amigurumi designs in one download, each written with every crochet abbreviation defined in context. Because these are no-sew patterns, the shaping abbreviations — sc2tog, invdec, inc — are the only technique group you need beyond basic stitches. A perfect first project once you know the shorthand. Our crochet glossary is a handy companion for any term you want to look up mid-pattern.
Princess Crochet Doll Bundle — 12 Patterns
Great giftTwelve princess amigurumi dolls, each using BLO ribbing, sc2tog shaping and FPdc detailing. This bundle introduces post stitches in a low-stakes way — every pattern explains what FPdc and BLO mean the first time they appear, so you learn the abbreviations in context. See how your hook and yarn choice affects every stitch with our yarn and hook guide.
20-in-1 Animal Coasters Bundle
Beginner-friendlyTwenty animal coaster designs that rely almost entirely on the basic stitch abbreviations from the first table above — ch, sc, dc, inc, sl st to join. Each pattern includes an abbreviations key so nothing catches you off guard. A great first project to practice your pattern-reading skills. Browse everything in the full pattern collection.
Special stitch abbreviations
Special stitch abbreviations appear in texture and cluster stitches. Always follow the pattern's individual stitch key for exact instructions, because execution can vary by designer even when the abbreviation looks familiar.
| Abbr. | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| cl | Cluster | Several partial stitches joined at the top into one point |
| bob | Bobble | Typically 5 dc worked in the same stitch, joined at the top — creates a bump on the right side |
| pop | Popcorn | 5 dc worked and slipped off the hook, then re-inserted — creates a bold 3D raised bump |
| puff | Puff stitch | Multiple hdc loops pulled up in the same stitch, then joined — softer than a bobble |
| shell | Shell stitch | Several dc worked into the same stitch or space; fan-shaped |
| V-st | V-stitch | dc, ch 1, dc in the same stitch or space — forms a V shape |
| X-st | X-stitch (crossed stitch) | Two stitches crossed over each other, forming an X |
| spike sc | Spike single crochet | sc worked into a row below the current row — adds a vertical color slash in colorwork |
| ch-# | Chain of # stitches | "ch-3 sp" means a space created by chaining 3 stitches |
| PS | Puff stitch | Alternate abbreviation for puff; check the pattern's own definition |
| BS | Bobble stitch | Alternate abbreviation; always check the pattern definition first |
| sl st2tog | Slip stitch 2 together | Used in some crochet bind-off methods to close a seam invisibly |
For special stitch abbreviations, always follow the pattern's stitch key over any generic definition — a designer's "cl" may call for 3 partial dc, another's may call for 5. All standard abbreviations above follow Craft Yarn Council conventions. Browse our crochet glossary for step-by-step stitch definitions.
"Once the crochet abbreviations click, a pattern stops looking like a puzzle and starts reading like a clear set of directions — and that changes everything about how much you enjoy the craft."— Ava, MrsCrochetWorld
Worked examples — the tricky abbreviations explained in plain English
Seeing an abbreviation in a real pattern line makes it stick far better than a definition alone. Here are the ones that trip up most crocheters, with a plain-English walkthrough of exactly what to do with your hook and yarn.
What does sc2tog mean in crochet?
sc2tog means "single crochet two stitches together." Insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Without completing the stitch, insert again into the following stitch and pull up another loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. The result: two stitches have become one, your stitch count drops by one, and the fabric draws inward. This is the standard single crochet decrease used for shaping hats, sleeves, toys and almost every amigurumi piece. The alternative — the invisible decrease or invdec — works the same way but inserts into the front loops only of both stitches, closing without any visible gap at the join.
What does FLO and BLO mean in crochet?
Every crochet stitch has two loops across its top — a front loop (nearest to you as you work) and a back loop (farthest away). FLO (front loop only) means you insert your hook into the near loop and leave the back loop unworked. BLO (back loop only) means you insert into the far loop, leaving the front loop free. BLO worked across a row leaves a visible ridge of freed front loops along the surface — that ridge is exactly what creates the ribbed, stretchy texture you see in cuffs, hat brims and waistbands. FLO is used for decorative joins, fold lines and surface embellishment rows. Both techniques use the same mechanics as a regular stitch; the only difference is which loop your hook enters.
What does yo mean in crochet?
yo means "yarn over" — draw the working yarn over your hook from back to front. Nearly every stitch involves at least one yo. In US terms it is always abbreviated yo; in UK patterns you may see yoh (yarn over hook) meaning exactly the same thing. Understanding where each yo appears in a stitch sequence is what separates a single crochet (one yo total, pulled through 2 loops) from a double crochet (two yo's worked at different points) from a treble (three yo's, each pulling through 2 loops in sequence). Getting your yarn overs consistent is also the single biggest factor in even tension — see our guide on how to get even crochet tension.
What does sk mean in crochet?
sk means "skip" — move past the next stitch or chain without working into it. In UK patterns you will see "miss" or simply "m" instead. Skipping stitches is foundational to lace and mesh patterns: "sk 2, dc in next st, ch 2" creates the open, airy look of filet crochet and shell stitch fabrics. On its own a skip removes a stitch from your working count, so well-written patterns always balance each skip with an equivalent number of new stitches worked somewhere nearby to keep the total row count stable.
What does inc mean and how does dec differ?
inc (increase) means work two stitches into the same stitch, adding one stitch to your total. dec (decrease) means combine two stitches into one, removing one from your total. In amigurumi these two moves are the entire toolkit for shaping three-dimensional forms — increases make a flat circle widen outward, decreases pull it closed. The exact stitch used (sc inc, dc inc, sc2tog, dc2tog, hdc2tog) depends on the fabric you are working in. For smooth toy surfaces, the invisible decrease (invdec) into FLO of two stitches closes without a visible gap or hole at the decrease point.
Reading a full pattern instruction from start to finish
Put it all together and a line like "Rnd 5: [sc in next 4 sts, inc] x 6. (36)" means: in round five, work one single crochet in each of the next four stitches, then an increase (two single crochets into the same stitch), and repeat that six-stitch group six times around — ending with 36 stitches total. The number in parentheses at the end of a row or round is always your stitch count check; it should match exactly what you have on your hook. Our detailed guide on how to read a crochet pattern walks through bracket notation, asterisk repeats and stitch counts step by step, with examples for both flat rows and in-the-round instructions.
Bracket and asterisk notation
Patterns use two main repeat notations. Square brackets like [sc, ch 2, dc] x 4 mean repeat the group inside the brackets the stated number of times. Asterisks like *sc, ch 2, dc; rep from * 3 more times mean the same thing with slightly different punctuation. Both formats are equally valid — you will see either depending on the designer's style. Some older patterns use parentheses for repeats, which can look similar to the stitch-count parentheses at the end of a row, so always check the pattern's own notation key if anything seems ambiguous. If you want to count what you have already worked, see our guide on how to count crochet stitches and rows.
US vs UK crochet abbreviations — why the difference matters
The biggest source of confusion in reading a crochet pattern is the US vs UK naming convention. Both traditions use the same physical stitches, but call them by different names — and some of those names overlap in a frustrating way. A US double crochet (dc) and a UK double crochet (dc) are entirely different stitches: the UK dc is what the US calls a single crochet. Following a UK pattern with US technique — or vice versa — means every stitch will be one height level off from what was intended, and the finished piece will be noticeably larger or smaller than specified.
The safest rule: determine whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before you start. US patterns are the standard on most American websites and on Ravelry. UK patterns are common on British yarn brand sites and older books. Most modern patterns state "US terms" or "UK terms" clearly at the top; older publications and some free blog patterns omit this. If you are unsure, look at the turning chain instruction for a single-crochet row — US sc rows turn with ch 1, UK dc rows (the same stitch) also turn with ch 1, so you need a second clue: does the pattern use "dc" for its shortest non-slip stitch? If so, it is likely UK. Our full US vs UK crochet terms chart gives you every stitch paired side by side with clear labels.
How to use a crochet abbreviations list while you work
Most patterns list abbreviations used in that specific pattern at the beginning, sometimes under a heading like "Special stitches" or "Abbreviations used." Always read this section before you start — designers sometimes give a standard abbreviation a custom definition (for example, "sc = foundation single crochet" or a cluster worked a specific way). Having the crochet shorthand clear from the start prevents frogging and restarting later.
Keep this chart open in a browser tab or bookmark the page so you can check any unfamiliar term as you go. Over time, the most common abbreviations become second nature. The ones that stay slippery longest are usually the post stitches (FPdc, BPdc), the loop-only versions (FLO, BLO) and the combined decreases (sc2tog, dc2tog, invdec) — so it is worth spending a few minutes with a swatch practicing these before you commit them to a real project.
Once you are comfortable with abbreviations, the next step is understanding gauge — how big your stitches are relative to the pattern's intention. Use our crochet gauge calculator to check your tension before starting any sized project, and consult our crochet yarn calculator to estimate how much yarn you will need. For a complete starting point, our complete beginner guide to crochet walks you through everything from holding your hook to finishing your first piece. All the tools and charts together live on our free crochet tools and charts hub.
For projects where size really matters — hats, garments, blankets — pair your abbreviation knowledge with our crochet hat size chart and crochet blanket size chart. These give you the standard finished dimensions for every age group so you know exactly how many rounds to work and when to start decreasing.
Easy No-Sew Amigurumi Book for Beginners
Perfect for learnersThis beginner-focused collection uses only the foundational abbreviations from the basic stitch table above — sc, hdc, dc, inc, sc2tog — making it the ideal project set for anyone who just learned to read a crochet pattern. Every abbreviation is explained in the introduction, and the no-sew format means you practice shaping (inc, dec) without adding a sewing step. Check our best yarn for beginner crochet guide to choose the right material for these projects.
Common mistakes when reading crochet abbreviations — and how to fix them
Six errors that trip up beginners and intermediate crocheters alike — with clear, actionable fixes.
Confusing US dc with UK dc
The same abbreviation describes entirely different stitches in each tradition. Always confirm whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before you pick up your hook — look for a label at the top of the pattern or cross-check with our US vs UK chart.
Missing the stitch count in parentheses
The number at the end of a row or round — like (36) — is your stitch count check. Skipping it means errors compound silently across rows until the shape goes wrong. Count after every row when you are learning.
Forgetting the turning chain rule
The ch 3 at the start of a dc row counts as your first dc. If you do not note this, you will either have one stitch too few or work into the wrong place at the row end — both cause the edge to look wavy or uneven.
Ignoring special stitch definitions
A designer's "cl" may differ from the Craft Yarn Council standard. Read the special stitches section at the top of every new pattern before starting — never assume the same definition carries over from a previous project.
Treating brackets and parentheses as the same
Brackets usually signal a repeat group; parentheses usually signal stitch counts. Mixing them up can make you repeat something that should only be done once, or vice versa — always check the pattern's own notation key if it seems ambiguous.
Working sc2tog as two separate stitches
sc2tog is one single move across two stitches, not two full single crochets. Working it incorrectly keeps the stitch count the same instead of decreasing it, which throws off all subsequent shaping — especially critical in amigurumi where every stitch count must match exactly.
Frequently asked questions about crochet abbreviations
What does sc mean in crochet?
sc means single crochet — the most fundamental crochet stitch in US terms. To work a single crochet, insert your hook into the stitch, pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. One stitch, two moves. In UK terms the same stitch is called double crochet (dc), which is one of the most common points of confusion between the two systems. The single crochet is the building block of amigurumi, blankets and almost every beginner project you will encounter.
What does dc mean in crochet?
In US terms, dc means double crochet — a stitch worked by yarning over once before inserting the hook, then pulling through loops in two separate steps. The result stands three chain-heights tall and is one of the most used stitches in granny squares, garments and dishcloths. In UK terms, dc also stands for double crochet, but that UK dc is what Americans call a single crochet — a completely different stitch. Always confirm whether a pattern uses US or UK terms. Our US vs UK crochet terms chart shows every stitch paired side by side.
What does hdc mean in crochet?
hdc means half double crochet in US terms. It is taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet. To work it, yarn over once before inserting the hook, pull up a loop (three loops on hook), then yarn over and pull through all three loops at once. The UK equivalent is htr (half treble crochet). The half double crochet is popular for hats and bags because it creates a dense, warm fabric slightly thicker than sc, and it leaves a distinctive third horizontal loop at the back of each stitch that is perfect for textured techniques like BLO ribbing.
What does tr mean in crochet?
In US terms, tr means treble crochet (also called triple crochet). You yarn over twice before inserting the hook, then work off the loops two at a time across three separate steps. The result is a tall, open stitch — four chain-heights tall — used in lace, shawls and granny squares. In UK terms, tr means treble crochet as well, but that UK tr is the same stitch as a US double crochet, one level lower. Check which system your pattern uses before you start — the turning chain instruction at row start will often confirm it.
What does sl st mean in crochet?
sl st means slip stitch — the shortest crochet stitch, adding virtually no height to the fabric. You insert the hook, pull up a loop and draw it straight through the loop already on the hook in one single motion. Slip stitches are used to join rounds without adding height, move along a row without building fabric, reinforce edges, create surface crochet details and finish off colorwork joins. The UK term is the same: sl st. It is one of the few abbreviations that is truly identical in both the US and UK systems.
What does sc2tog mean in crochet?
sc2tog means single crochet two together — the standard single crochet decrease. Insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop, then without finishing insert into the following stitch and pull up another loop (three loops on hook total), then yarn over and pull through all three loops at once. Two stitches become one, reducing your total stitch count by one. It is the decrease used most often in amigurumi, hats and any shaped project worked in single crochet. The invisible decrease (invdec) is a variation that inserts into the front loops only of both stitches, producing a tighter, gap-free join preferred for smooth toy surfaces.
What does FLO and BLO mean in crochet?
FLO means front loop only and BLO means back loop only. Each completed crochet stitch has two loops across its top when viewed from above. Working FLO inserts your hook into the near loop only, leaving the back loop as a free visible ridge on the fabric surface. Working BLO inserts into the far loop only, leaving the front loop free — and that freed front loop is exactly what creates the stretchy ribbed texture ideal for cuffs, hat brims and waistbands. FLO is often used for decorative joins, fold lines and surface detail rows where you want a raised edge without adding extra height to the fabric.
What does yo mean in crochet?
yo means yarn over — draw the working yarn over the hook from back to front. It is one of the most fundamental actions in crochet and appears in almost every stitch sequence. A single crochet involves one yo; a double crochet involves two; a treble involves three. Each additional yarn over adds one more "pull through 2 loops" step and makes the stitch one chain-height taller. In UK patterns you may see yoh (yarn over hook) instead, which means exactly the same motion. Getting your yarn overs smooth and consistent is the single biggest factor in maintaining even tension across a project.
Are US and UK crochet abbreviations the same?
Most non-stitch abbreviations are the same or very close: ch, sl st, yo, sk (or miss in UK), rep, rnd, FLO, BLO, RS, WS, MC, CC and others are shared across both systems. The critical difference lies in the stitch names themselves: every US stitch name describes a stitch that is one height level above its UK counterpart. A US single crochet (sc) is a UK double crochet (dc); a US double crochet (dc) is a UK treble crochet (tr); a US treble crochet (tr) is a UK double treble (dtr). The chain and slip stitch are identical in both systems. For the complete comparison, see our US vs UK crochet terms chart.
Where can I find more crochet tools and reference charts?
All our free reference tools are collected in one place: visit our free crochet tools and charts hub for the gauge calculator, yarn calculator, blanket size chart, hat size chart, yarn and hook guide, and this abbreviations chart. If you want to go deeper into any specific term, our crochet glossary gives step-by-step stitch definitions. To practice reading patterns immediately, browse our free patterns collection — every pattern is written in US terms with all abbreviations defined inside.
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