Crochet Abbreviations Master List

This is a crochet abbreviations master list. Crochet abbreviations are shortened names for crochet stitches, and they are also used for actions that need to be taken in a pattern. Using abbreviations makes writing and following a crochet pattern much easier without writing or reading out every word.

Also, keep in mind that some designers use their own unique abbreviations when creating a pattern, and these kinds of abbreviations will not be found on this list.  If this should happen, always remember to read the designer's notes at the beginning of the pattern so that you will fully understand the designer's meaning.

When first starting, it may seem challenging to distinguish crochet abbreviations when reading a pattern, but it will become easier with practice and experience.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission at no cost to you if you decide to purchase through my links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my Disclaimer for more information. Thank you for supporting this website, Bobbie

Crochet Abbreviations Master List

The abbreviations and definitions used below reflect U.S. crochet terminology.

This crochet abbreviations master list will include the following:

• U.S. crochet abbreviations
• Crochet pattern symbols
• Crochet pattern measurements
• The differences between the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdoms abbreviations

Abbrev    

Description

Abbrev

Description

alt           

alternate(ing)

FPtr

front post treble crochet

approx

approximately

hdc

half double crochet

beg

begin, begins, beginning

hdc2tog

half double crochet 2 stitches together

bet

between

inc

increase, increasing

BL/BLO

back loop/back loop only

lp(s)

loops(s)

bo

bobble

m

marker

BP

back post

MC

main color

BPdc

back post double crochet

mult

multiple

BPdtr

back post double treble (triple)

pat 

pattern

BPhdc

back post half double crochet

pc

popcorn stitch

BPsc

back post single crochet

pm

place marker

BPtr

back post treble (triple) crochet

prev

previous

CC

contrasting color

ps puff

puff stitch

ch(s)

chain(s), chain stitch

rem

remains, remaining

ch-

chain or space previously made

rep

repeat(s)

ch-sp

chain space

rnd(s)

round(s)

CL

cluster

RS

right side

cont

continue

sc

single crochet

dc

double crochet

sc2tog

single crochet 2 stitches together

dc2tog

double crochet 2 stitches together

sh

shell

dec

decrease

sk

skip

dtr

double treble (triple) crochet

sl st

slip stitch

edc

extended double crochet

sm/sl m

slip marker

ehdc

extended half double crochet

sp(s)

space(s)

esc

extended single crochet

st(s)

stitch(es)

etr

extended treble crochet

tbl

through back loop

FL/FLO

front loop or front loop only

tch/t-ch

turning chain

foll

following

tog

together

FP

front post

tr

treble (triple) crochet

FPdc

front post double crochet

tr2tog

treble (triple) crochet 2 stitches together

FPdtr

front post double treble crochet

trtr

triple treble crochet

FPhdc

front post half double crochet

WS

wrong side

FPsc

front post single crochet

yo/yoh

yarn over/yarn over hook

Crochet Pattern Symbols

Symbol

Description

*

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

Crochet Pattern Measurements

Abbrev

Description

in

inch

cm

centimeter

g

gram

m

meter

mm

milimeter

oz

ounce

yd

yard

Pin This Post!

Save this crochet abbreviations list to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later. 

Thank you for supporting Crochet Guru!

Crochet abbreviations are a way to shorten crochet stitches to make pattern writing simple. #crochet #learncrochet #crochetabbreviations

Crochet Conversion Chart

U.S./Canada

U.K.

slip stitch (sl st)

slip stitch (ss)

single crochet (sc)

double crochet (dc)

half double crochet (hdc)

half treble crochet (htr)

double crochet (dc)

treble crochet (tr)

treble or triple crochet (tr)

double treble crochet (dtr)

double treble or triple (dtr)

triple treble crochet (trtr)

U.S.

U.K./Canada

gauge

tension

yarn over (yo)

yarn over hook (yoh)

You can always check out the craft yarn council for more information on crochet abbreviations and other crochet resources. 

Variations in Crochet Abbreviations

Crochet abbreviations are the same in most patterns. However, it is helpful to know that there are situations where crochet abbreviations will differ between patterns. 

For example, shells, clusters, and popcorn stitches will vary from pattern to pattern because there are several variations to making these stitches. Therefore, the stitch's abbreviations and instructions should be included in the pattern.

Also, I'd like to point out that vintage crochet patterns will have different abbreviations from modern patterns because the rules on abbreviations have changed over time. 

If you are looking for a glossary with the crochet abbreviations defined in detail, you can go to the crochet glossary page here. 

Have Questions? Join My Crochet Guru Facebook Group!

I hope this article was helpful! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my Crochet Guru Facebook Group. This group is for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out!