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Confused by sc, dc, hdc, or tr? This Crochet Abbreviations Cheat Sheet covers every stitch, US vs. UK terms, and how to read patterns easily.
If you are confused about the short forms used for crochet stitches in tutorials or written patterns, read this article thoroughly. Here you will find all the abbreviations used across crochet tutorials and what each one represents. A detailed guide for all your queries!
Crochet Abbreviations Cheat Sheet
Every crochet pattern or tutorial uses abbreviations to keep the instructions short and clear. Instead of writing the entire names of all the stitch techniques every time, designers use the standard abbreviations that are followed worldwide. And once you learn all these short forms, you will be able to follow patterns way faster and more efficiently. One of the most important things to check before starting a project is whether the pattern uses US or UK crochet terms. While many abbreviations do look similar, some stitches represent something entirely different based on the terminology. For example,
| US Term | UK Term |
|---|---|
| Single Crochet (sc) | Double Crochet (dc) |
| Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Half Treble Crochet (htr) |
| Double Crochet (dc) | Treble Crochet (tr) |
| Treble Crochet (tr) | Double Treble Crochet (dtr) |
| Double Treble Crochet (dtr) | Triple Treble Crochet (trtr) |
Most designers clearly mention whether their pattern uses US or UK terminology at the very beginning. Checking this little detail before you start will help you avoid accidentally making the wrong stitches.
Crochet Abbreviations vs. Crochet Symbols
Although both abbreviations and symbols are used by designers to help simplify their patterns for the audience, they are still not the same.
Crochet Abbreviations are short forms of stitch names used for instructions given in text or writing, such as sc for single crochet, ch for chain, or dc for double crochet. Whereas Crochet Symbols are small diagrams or icons used in crochet charts. Each symbol represents a specific stitch, helping those who are more comfortable following a visual pattern instead of written instructions.
In many recent crochet patterns, designers include both written abbreviations and symbol charts, giving crocheters the option to use whichever they prefer most.
How to Read Crochet Abbreviations in a Pattern
Crochet abbreviations are usually read from left to right, just like a normal sentence. Each short form tells you what stitch to make and where to place it. For example,
- sc in next st. It tells you to work a single crochet into the next stitch.
- ch 3. Means you have to make 3 chain stitches.
- dc 5 in ch-2 sp. Work 5 double crochet stitches into the gap created by making two chain stitches (chain-2 space).
- rep from * to end. Repeat the instructions marked by the asterisks until you reach the end of the row or round.
Most tutorials also include a list of abbreviations used throughout the pattern before the instructions begin. If you ever come across an unfamiliar term, it is best to simply refer back to that guide to understand what it means before continuing.
Basic Crochet Stitch Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ch | Chain | Foundation stitch used to begin most crochet projects |
| sl st | Slip Stitch | Used to join rounds or move across stitches |
| sc | Single Crochet | Short, dense stitch commonly used for amigurumi |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet | Medium-height stitch |
| dc | Double Crochet | Tall stitch that works up quickly |
| tr | Treble Crochet | Tall stitch often used for lace |
| dtr | Double Treble Crochet | Extra-tall stitch |
| trtr | Triple Treble Crochet | One of the tallest decorative stitches |
Foundation Stitch Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| fsc | Foundation Single Crochet | Creates foundation chain and first row together |
| fhdc | Foundation Half Double Crochet | Combines chain and hdc in one step |
| fdc | Foundation Double Crochet | Creates chain and dc simultaneously |
| ftr | Foundation Treble Crochet | Stretchy foundation using treble crochet |
Loop & Placement Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| BLO | Back Loop Only | Work only into the back loop |
| FLO | Front Loop Only | Work only into the front loop |
| BL | Back Loop | Refers to the back loop of a stitch |
| FL | Front Loop | Refers to the front loop of a stitch |
| BP | Back Post | Work around the back post |
| FP | Front Post | Work around the front post |
(In crochet, a Post is the long, vertical body of a stitch from the previous row.)
Front & Back Post Stitch Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| FPsc / BPsc | Front/Back Post Single Crochet | Single crochet worked around the front or back post |
| FPhdc / BPhdc | Front/Back Post Half Double Crochet | Half double crochet around the post |
| FPdc / BPdc | Front/Back Post Double Crochet | Double crochet around the post |
| FPtr / BPtr | Front/Back Post Treble Crochet | Treble crochet around the post |
| FPdtr / BPdtr | Front/Back Post Double Treble Crochet | Double treble crochet around the post |
Increase & Decrease Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| inc | Increase | Make multiple stitches in one stitch |
| dec | Decrease | Combine stitches to reduce stitch count |
| sc2tog | Single Crochet 2 Together | Single crochet decrease |
| hdc2tog | Half Double Crochet 2 Together | Half double crochet decrease |
| dc2tog | Double Crochet 2 Together | Double crochet decrease |
| tr2tog | Treble Crochet 2 Together | Treble crochet decrease |
| sc3tog | Single Crochet 3 Together | Join three single crochets |
| dc3tog | Double Crochet 3 Together | Join three double crochets |
| inv dec | Invisible Decrease | Nearly invisible decrease used in amigurumi |
Textured Stitch Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| puff/ps | Puff Stitch | Raised stitch made by pulling multiple loops |
| bob | Bobble Stitch | Rounded textured stitch |
| pc | Popcorn Stitch | Raised stitch made from completed stitches |
| cl | Cluster Stitch | Multiple partial stitches worked together |
| shell | Shell Stitch | Fan-shaped group of stitches |
| picot | Picot Stitch | Small decorative loop |
Amigurumi Stitch Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| MR / MC | Magic Ring / Magic Circle | Adjustable starting loop |
| FO | Fasten Off | Finish and secure your yarn |
| inv dec | Invisible Decrease | Invisible decrease for amigurumi |
Pattern Instruction Abbreviations
Now that you are all familiar with the stitches and their specific abbreviations, along with when or how they are used, let us move to some other very important short forms that almost every designer uses while writing their instructions:
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| alt | Alternate | Work every other stitch or row |
| approx | Approximately | Estimated measurement or stitch count |
| beg | Beginning | Start of a row or round |
| bet | Between | Work between stitches |
| ch-sp | Chain Space | Gap formed by chain stitches |
| cont | Continue | Keep working |
| ea | Each | Every stitch or row |
| foll | Following | Next stitch or row |
| hk | Hook | Crochet hook being used |
| join | Join | Join stitches, usually with a slip stitch |
| lp | Loop | Loop on the hook or in a stitch |
| PM | Place Marker | Insert a stitch marker |
| prev | Previous | Previous stitch or row |
| rem | Remaining | Stitches or rows left |
| rep | Repeat | Repeat instructions |
| RS | Right Side | Front side of the fabric |
| sk | Skip | Leave a stitch unworked |
| SM | Stitch Marker | Move or use a stitch marker |
| st | Stitch | Individual crochet stitch |
| sp | Space | Gap between stitches |
| tog | Together | Work stitches together |
| turn | Turn | Flip the work |
| WS | Wrong Side | Back side of the fabric |
| yo | Yarn Over | Wrap yarn over the hook |
Apart from stitch and instructional abbreviations, designers also often use short forms to indicate measurements. Some of the most common ones are:
| Abbreviation | Full Form |
|---|---|
| cm | Centimeters |
| g | Grams |
| in | Inches |
| m | Meters |
| mm | Millimeters |
| oz | Ounces |
| yd | Yards |
Every experienced crocheter, too, once started by looking up abbreviations. So, don’t worry if you can’t remember or memorize them all on the first try. With every project, you will become more familiar with these terms and spend less time looking up charts to see which short form is for which stitch.
Do save or bookmark this complete crochet abbreviation guide, so you will always have a reliable reference whenever you need it. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this guide has got you all covered!
