Crochet Abbreviations Explained
Look through our dictionary of crochet terms and chart (that you can download) to learn all the abbreviations!
Get your free Crochet Abbreviations Chart PDF (below)!
Before you can start crocheting, you need to make sure you know the basics, particularly abbreviations for crochet. You might know how to complete basic stitches (or not), but you need to learn what the crochet abbreviations are before you make any progress on a crochet pattern... and crochet has a lot of abbreviations. Some abbreviations are quite simple to figure out without a guide, but some might take a bit to remember.
If you look at a crochet pattern, you will see a lot of shorthand. Our page, How to Read Crochet Patterns, will certainly help guide you through understanding and this page will detail all the popular crochet abbreviations. Not only will Crochet Abbreviations Explained be a helpful page to search specific terminology but we have an awesome downloadable list for you, too!
Plus, for all the crochet stitch abbreviations in this guide, we've included step-by-step instructions so that you can work it up yourself. So, before you get started, take a second to look through this handy guide to the most common crochet abbreviations.
Print or pin our handy abbreviations guide (below), and then keep scrolling for a list of each popular abbreviation, an explanation or stitch description and some handy step-by-step video tutorials.
Crochet Abbreviations Chart (PDF)
This handy printable and pinnable abbreviations guide is just what you need to keep those crochet abbreviations straight. Whether you are brand new to crochet or just need a reminder, this helpful chart will help you keep things straight. We recommend printing out this chart and keeping it with your crochet supplies so you don't have to run back to your computer every time an abbreviation on a crochet pattern is confusing. Click the button or image below to download your free copy.
Crochet Stitch Abbreviations
There's a seemingly endless number of crochet stitches and so there may be a few missing from this list. However, we know it includes all of the common stitch abbreviations and many of the special stitches. If the pattern you are looking at has a unique or special stitch, there's a very good chance that it will be explained.
Note that you may see slight variations in capitalization or abbreviation. When there are multiple common abbreviations, they are included. These are listed in alphabetical order.
BO - bobble
CH - chain
CL - cluster
DC - double crochet
DTR - double treble/triple crochet
EDC - extended double crochet
EHDC - extended half double crochet
ESC - extended single crochet
ETC - extended treble/triple crochet
HDC - half double crochet
PC - popcorn stitch
PS/PUFF - puff stitch
SC - single crochet
SH - shell
ST - stitch
TR - treble/triple crochet
TRTR - triple treble/triple crochet
Below, find more detailed explanations and tutorials on how to do the stitch for the more popular and common stitches:
CH (Chain Stitch)
1. Make a slip knot and place it on your hook. Hold your hook in your right hand.
2. Using your hook, pull yarn (from the skein of yarn, not your tail) through your slip knot loop. You've just made one chain stitch.
3. Repeat step 2 to make as many chains as your pattern calls for.
SC (Single Crochet)
1. Insert your hook into center of your next working chain. Grab yarn (known as a yarn over) and draw through the chain stitch and up onto the hook so that you have two loops on your hook.
2. Using your hook, grab yarn and draw it through both loops on your hook, leaving just one loop on your hook. You've made one single crochet stitch.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 as many times as your pattern calls for.
HDC (Half Double Crochet)
1. Yarn over, then insert your crochet hook into the center of your next working chain. Yarn over and draw through the chain stitch and up onto the hook so that you have three loops on your hook.
2. Yarn over and pull through all three of your loops. You've just made one half double crochet stitch.
3. Repeat steps 1-2 as many times as your pattern calls for.
DC (Double Crochet)
1. Yarn over, then insert your crochet hook into the center of your next working chain. Yarn over and draw through the chain stitch and up onto the hook so that you have three loops on your hook.
2. Yarn over and pull through two of the loops on your hook, leaving two loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook, leaving just one loop. You've just made one double crochet stitch.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 as many times as your pattern calls for.
TR (Treble or Triple Crochet)
1. Yarn over twice and then insert your hook into the center of your next working chain. Yarn over and draw up a loop so that you have four loops on your hook.
2. Yarn over and pull through two of the loops on your hook, leaving three loops on your crochet hook.
3. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through two loops, leaving two loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over for the last time and pull the yarn through both loops on your hook so that you only have one loop. You've just made one triple/treble crochet stitch.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 as many times as your pattern calls for.
Instruction Abbreviations
Now that we have gone over the main stitch abbreviations, the rest are more instructional. There are a few that involve stitch names and actions involving particular stitches, others are simple commands or explanatory for the pattern. Once again, we want to note that you may see slight variations in capitalization, abbreviation, or explanation. When there are multiple common abbreviations, they are included. These are listed in alphabetical order.
ALT - alternate
APPROX - approximately
BEG - begin/beginning
BET - between
BL/BLO - back loop or back loop only
BP - back post
BPDC - back post double crochet
BPDTR - back post double treble/triple crochet
BPHDC - back post half double crochet
BPSC - back post single crochet
BPTR - back post treble/triple crochet
CC - contrasting color
CH- - refer to chain or space previously made, e.g., ch-1 space
CH-SP - chain space
CONT - continue
DC2TOG - double crochet 2 stitches together
DEC - decrease
FL/FLO - front loop or front loop only
FOLL - following
FP - front post
FPDC - front post double crochet
FPDTR - front post double treble/triple crochet
FPHDC - front post half double crochet
FPSC - front post single crochet
FPTR - front post treble/triple crochet
HDC2TOG - half double crochet 2 stitches together
INC - increase
LP - loop
M - marker
MC - main color
PAT/PATT - pattern
PM - place marker
PREV - previous
REM - remaining
REP - repeat
RND - round
RS - right side
SC2TOG - single crochet 2 stitches together
SK - skip
SL ST - slip stitch
SM/SL M - slip marker
SP - space
TBL - through back loop
TCH/T-CH - turning chain
TOG - together
TR2TOG - treble/triple crochet 2 stitches together
WS - wrong side
YO - yarn over
YOH - yarn over hook
* - 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
Below, find more detailed explanations and tutorials on how to do the action for the more popular and common instruction abbreviations:
YO/yo (Yarn Over)
1. Bring the yarn over the hook of your crochet hook so that the hook can catch the yarn
2. Draw it through the loop.
SL ST (Slip Stitch)
1. Insert your hook into the center of your next working chain.
2. Yarn over and draw up a loop through all the loops on your hook. You've just completed one slip stitch.
3. Repeat steps 1-2 as many times as your pattern calls for.
SK (Skip)
To skip a stitch means to leave it completely unworked and move on to the next one.
DEC (Decrease)
To work a stitch decrease, you will crochet a certain number of stitches together (according to your pattern), reducing the number of stitches available to work into for the next row.
INC (Increase)
To work a stitch increase, you will crochet a certain number of extra stitches into a single stitch (according to your pattern), increasing the number of stitches available to work into for the next row.
SC2TOG (Single Crochet 2 Together)
1. Insert your hook into center of your next working chain. Grab yarn (known as a yarn over) and draw through the chain stitch and up onto the hook so that you have two loops on your hook.
1. With those two loops on your hook, repeat step one into the next stitch. You will now have three loops on your hook.
2. Using your hook, grab yarn and draw it through all three loops on your hook, leaving just one loop on your hook. You've just single crocheted two stitches together.
FPDC (Front Post Double Crochet)
Work just as a normal double crochet stitch, only instead of working into the next chain space, you work around the vertical post, around the front. Insert your hook from the front of your work to the back and then back out to the front, moving from right to left.
BPDC (Back Post Double Crochet)
Work just as a normal double crochet stitch, only instead of working into the next chain space, you work around the vertical post, around the back. Insert your hook from the back of your work to the front and then back out to the back, moving from right to left.
BL/BLO (Back Loop Only)
Back loop only stitches, when repeated for a project, can produce a ribbed effect. Instead of inserting your hook until both loops of a chain space, you will insert it only under the back loop. The rest of your crochet stitch remains the same.
BONUS! More Abbreviation Resources
We have several pages that focus on specific abbreviations or techniques abbreviated in patterns. Check them out if you want to learn more:
- What Does SP Mean in Crochet?
- What Does PM Mean in Crochet?
- What Does Turn Mean in Crochet?
- Crochet Slip Knot vs Slip Stitch Crochet
- How to Use Stitch Markers
- How to Use a Yarn Needle
What other abbreviations or techniques are you still struggling with? Let us know!
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tennisisfun 853963 4
May 08, 2017
The next direction is "Row 7 Ch 1, sc 2 tog twice, sc in next 2 (2, 4) sts, sc 2 tog twice, turn 6 (6, 8) sts." what is -6 or-8 stitches? Is it just a count indicator? I'm stumped and have looked all over for this abbreviation. Lol
maeve63
Apr 20, 2017
What a great article! Thanks! Its wonderful to have a list available when youre crocheting that not only explains what each abbreviation means but also offers a how to for each stitch. Not only does this article include those points it also includes some of the more difficult to find stitch explanations. I wish I had this available to me when I first needed to learn what a BPDC was and how to do it. I spent a long time trying to figure that one out its nice to have access to something like this.
greydogsma
Jun 24, 2015
I recently ran across a pattern here from allfreecrochet that had an abbreviation I have never seen before. I have no idea what Fsc is. I assume the "sc" part is single crochet but what is "Fsc"?
jamid4nelli 092432 3
Nov 26, 2014
In the Comfy Cozy Headband it says to cl in the next stich, what is cl?
primsann95 1298698
Feb 01, 2014
Does ant the abbreviation sp is? Im trying a new pattern and am new at it!
nayjay99 1412112
Jan 06, 2014
Im very interested in starting to crochet. Are there any tips or suggestions on where i can begin or learn!! Anything will be helpful. Thanks again :)
ellafer 2291858
Oct 19, 2013
Can you tell me how to do front post double crochet and back post double crochet
ellafer 2291858
Oct 19, 2013
Can you tell me how to do the back post double crochet and the front post double crochet.
debzcrossley
Jun 24, 2013
OK I give. I've been crocheting for many years and I know there are a great many new stitches and patterns now for crochet but please tell me what TR CL is an abbreviation for.
debzcrossley
Jun 24, 2013
I am probably answering my own question but what the heck. I am thinking that TR is abbreviation for treble crochet and CL is abbreviation for cluster so TR CL must mean treble cluster correct? someone correct me if I am wrong because I really feel knda dumb now LOL
2ez2fly 9617440
Feb 13, 2013
It looks pretty clear. I don't see all of the abbreviations in crochet patterns. What does rc mean?
laurateagle93 9658 509
Dec 04, 2012
what is bpdc?
ummnadia 0023148
Dec 10, 2012
bpdc is a back post double crochet. I'm new to crocheting and only learned this abbreviation when it was included in a pattern for a hat I'm trying to make. Because I'm a visual learner, I've found youtube videos very useful for learning various stitches. I can pause them and replay them over and over again until I've mastered the technique.
edwardschute 24696 80
Nov 15, 2012
I am making the turkey potholder and there is a term I have not seen before..."ypo". I know the yo is yarn over, but do not know what the 'P" is..help..I have to send them out tomorrow!!! Arada
ChandraLee13
Nov 10, 2012
This was really helpful, but I would like it if it explained how to do these different things. :)
gloriambreen 93109 23
Aug 04, 2012
Does anyone know what "xdc2 over first 2 dc"; "xdc3 over 3 dc" means? thanks for any help anyone can provide.
odessa55 0338057
Nov 12, 2012
to help you ("xdc2)this is the japanese symbols in it means .(single crochet =x) and then you do your double crochet. So I hope this help's you out.
rgstidham 5201898
Feb 27, 2012
I am a beginner and in trying to read a pattern it was very confusing. In one place it had 13 sc - +4. Does this mean four more stitches?
nebyak 5068040
Feb 25, 2012
I am making a list to help me understand and picture each term as I learn them. My sketches are crude but I find them helpful for me. I a working on a Mile a Minute afgan and I wish I could find pattern directions somewhere. This pattern uses a fan shape as the focal point. I am happy to have found this website. i am a beginner. Thank you.
Lizgefre 5160998
Jan 07, 2012
I have been crocheting for over 50 years and I ran into an abbreviation that I don't know Pattern reads "ch 1, cr in nxt ch". What is cr? It is in the next several rows of the pattern.
greenthumb1 396601 1
Jan 01, 2012
greenthumb1woman Does anyone know what "work a row of scan side edge" means? I appreciate the help. Thank you, greenthumb1woman
craigadams35 54968 01
Jan 01, 2012
I'm new....but I'm thinking that its may just be a typo. put a space between the c and the a....and change the a to an o... and it becomes.... " work a row of sc on side edge ". Does this make sense?
vandraellis 842421 8
Dec 23, 2011
Help PLEASE. I am crocheting a scarf and there is an instruction (sk next ch-1 sp). Could you please explain this to me. Thank you.
JennyBee1
Dec 23, 2011
@vandraellis 8424218, I'm sorry to hear of your trouble. I have two options for you: 1. You can contact the pattern designer directly for help. The designer is specified in the byline. 2. I might also suggest that you try posting your question to our sites Facebook page. It is monitored by the editor and is a great resource for helpful tips and suggestions from our Facebook friends; perhaps they can offer some guidance! Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/AllFreeCrochet --editors of AllFreeCrochet
mishy01 5648627
Mar 10, 2012
It means to skip the next space that you did a single chain in the last row.
editorKS
Dec 05, 2011
Hi, nchuth 9738691. Here is a link to a video on the AllFreeCrochet YouTube channel that might be able to help you learn to crochet a treble stitch: http://youtu.be/sj2idLdRqgI Hi, 2jdhayes 7372043. PM stands for "place marker." It means that you should place a stitch marker in the specified spot on your crochet work. I hope this helps! --Editors of AllFreeCrochet
nchuth 9738691
Dec 02, 2011
I am crocheting a Lace Ruffles scarf and do not know how to make the stitch "tr". Thank you.
JennyBee1
Nov 23, 2011
@daiquiria, Thank you! I believe it was actually gdthedean 0202176 that was asking. Also, here is a link to a video tutorial on AllFreeCrochet's YouTube channel on how to do this stitch, as well: http://www.youtube.com/allfreecrochet#p/search/0/C_57l3m6h4I --Editors of AllFreeCrochet
daiquiria
Nov 20, 2011
@JennyBee FPdc means "Front Post Double Stitch" and here's a link showing how it's done httpwww.youtube.comwatch?v=yIu4HfUpvsY. It looks interesting and not that complicated either. I think I'll try it on one of my projects. Hope this helped!!
candycegermann 741 0895
Nov 16, 2011
here are the instructions in a ripple afgan I am trying to make . work 3 st dec in next 3 chain - here are the instructions I have for a 3 st dec -*yo, insert hook thur next stich, yo & pull loop through stich, yo & pull through 1st 2 loops on hook -Repeat from * twice . yo & pull through remaining 4 loops on hook.. My question is are all these worked in same chain stitch ?
JennyBee1
Sep 16, 2011
@spypanda007 5443957, dtr stands for double treble. Here is a link for a tutorial: http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Crochet-Videos/How-To-Double-Treble-Crochet-Stitch/ --Editor of AllFreeCrochet
spypanda007 544395 7
Sep 15, 2011
I am making the Sweet Pea Shawl and I do not know what this abbreviation is for a shell It says to: (DTR, [ch 2, dtr] 4 times. What does dtr mean? Could you email me the instruction on it please. Thank you
ptmay27 5668388
Jun 14, 2011
I need a complete lis of crochet abbreviations to complete my items. I am at a lost because I have never seen some of them before and they have put a stop to several projects. Somebody please let me know where I may obtain just a list. Thanks yarn baby
JessiCAN
May 13, 2011
@ krjerr 4317395: Are these the 7 flower patterns you wanted? http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Crochet-Flower-Patterns/7-Free-Crochet-Flower-Patterns Hope this helps! -- Editors of AllFreeCrochet
krjerr 4317395
May 13, 2011
I can't get the 7 flower patterns to download -I can't find a place that says to download
cissmyazz 8915497
May 09, 2011
I can't find what (FC) means......Does it mean front crochet? and if it does how do I do it?
Julieagain 7404879
Feb 07, 2011
Can anyone explain in great detail how to dtrfp? I don't understand what the post of the next stitch means. Any diagrams would be most helpful. Thanks
Editor for AllFree CrochetAfghanPatte rns
Jan 25, 2011
SR could mean split ring for tatting. For those looking for more definitions please check the basics category for information. Thanks!
tidegrad94 2496450
Jan 03, 2011
While your comments about more explicit directions are accurate, you can search the description and find more detailed instructions and even videos.
lilliedavenport 95 15985
Dec 26, 2010
The abreviations are good but they do not give instructions on how to implement them.
fitnessfiveonetwo 2456322
Dec 10, 2010
It would really help for beginner's to also be provided with the defenition of the above abbreviations.
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