Crochet patterns are full of short little codes—like sc, ch, or rep—that can feel confusing when you’re just starting out. But don’t worry! These crochet abbreviations are simply a quick way to write out the steps without taking up a ton of space.
This page is here to help you get comfortable with the terms you’ll see in my patterns (and most others, too). Whether you’re new to crochet or just need a quick refresher, you’ll find everything you need right here.
UPDATED: MAY 19, 2025 BY BRITTANY
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What Are Crochet Abbreviations?
Crochet abbreviations are like shorthand for crochet steps. Instead of writing “make one chain stitch,” a pattern will just say “ch 1.” This makes patterns easier to follow once you get the hang of it.
Here’s a quick example:
Pattern says: ch 3, dc in the next 5 sts.
That means: Make 3 chain stitches, then make 1 double crochet in each of the next 5 stitches.
Once you know the abbreviations, the whole pattern starts to make more sense—and you’ll read them faster too.
Crochet Abbreviation Chart: US Crochet Terms
Below you’ll find the most common crochet abbreviations used in my patterns (and many others too). This chart is a quick-reference guide, so you can scroll through and find what you need whenever something in a pattern doesn’t quite click.
Each abbreviation comes with the full stitch name and a simple explanation—perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a refresher.
Don’t worry about memorizing them all. Just come back here anytime you need a hand!
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Approx | Approximately |
| Beg | Begin / Beginning |
| Bet | Between |
| BL | Back Loop(s) |
| bo | Bobble |
| BP | Back Post |
| BPdc | Back Post Double Crochet |
| BPsc | Back Post Single Crochet |
| BPtc | Back Post Treble Crochet |
| BBO | Back Bar Only |
| BLO | Back Loop Only |
| Ch | Chain |
| Ch-sp | Chain Space |
| CL | Cluster |
| Cont | Continue |
| Dc | Double Crochet |
| Dc2tog | Double Crochet Two Together |
| dec | Decrease |
| Dtr | Double Treble |
| ea | Each |
| FL | Front Loop |
| FP | Front Post |
| FPdc | Front Post Double Crochet |
| FPsc | Front Post Single Crochet |
| FPtc | Front Post Treble Crochet |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet |
| hk | Hook |
| inc | Increase |
| MC | Main Color |
| Pat(s) | Pattern(s) |
| pm | Place Marker |
| Prev | Previous |
| rem | Remaining |
| rep | Repeat |
| rd(s) | Rounds |
| RS | Right Side |
| Sc | Single Crochet |
| Sc2tog | Single Crochet Two Together |
| sk | Skip |
| Slst | Slip Stitch |
| sp(s) | Space(s) |
| st(s) | Stitches |
| tbl | Through the Back Loop |
| tch | Turning Chain |
| tog | Together |
| Tr | Treble |
| trtr | Triple Treble |
| WS | Wrong Side |
| YO | Yarn Over |
US vs UK Crochet Abbreviations: What’s the Difference?
Most of the patterns on my site use US crochet terms, but it’s always good to know there’s a second set out there—UK terms—that look almost exactly the same, but mean something different.
Here’s the tricky part: the stitch names are the same words, but they describe different stitches. So a “double crochet” (dc) in the US is actually a “treble crochet” (tr) in the UK. That can get confusing fast!
Here’s a quick comparison:
| 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) |
How to tell which one a pattern uses:
- Most designers will list it at the top of the pattern.
- If you see a pattern with no “single crochet (sc)” and lots of “double crochet (dc),” there’s a good chance it’s using UK terms.
- When in doubt, check the stitch guide or look for a note about terminology.
If you’re following one of my patterns, you’re all set—everything is written in US terms.
Crochet Abbreviations in Action
Let’s look at a real examle. Here’s a short piece of a pattern you might find in your crochet pattern:
With abbreviations:
ch 10, sc in the 2nd ch from the hk, and in each ch across. (9 sts)
Written Out:
Make 10 chain stitches. Starting in the second chain from your hook, make 1 single crochet in each chain aross. You’ll have 9 stitches total.
This shows how patterns are written in shorthand to keep things tidy and print-friendly, but once you know what the abbreviations mean, it all clicks!
Tips for Remembering Crochet Abbreviations
Learning abbreviations takes time, but there are a few simple tricks that can make it easier:
- Practice with small projects. Dishcloths, granny squares, or simple scarves are great for getting familiar with the common terms.
- Say it out loud. When you read a line like sc in the next 5 sts, say the full version in your head: “Single crochet in the next five stitches.” It helps your brain link the short form with the full meaning.
- Watch and follow along. If you’re more of a visual learner, try following a video tutorial where the pattern is shown and spoken out loud—that combo can really help things click.
- Don’t stress about knowing them all. Even experienced crocheters look up abbreviations now and then. The more you use them, the more second-nature they’ll feel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crochet Abbreviations
How can I tell if a pattern uses US or UK terms?
Most patterns will say at the top! If it doesn’t, check if “dc” means “double crochet” (US) or “treble crochet” (UK). That’s usually the giveaway.
What’s the difference between “sc2tog” and “dec”?
Both mean to decrease (turn two stitches into one), but “sc2tog” tells you exactly how to do it—by single crocheting two stitches together. “Dec” is more general.
Why are there stars or parentheses in patterns?
Stars (*) and brackets help show what parts of the pattern to repeat or group together. If you see something like *sc, ch 1; rep from *, it means you’ll keep doing that same set of steps.
What does it mean when a pattern says “repeat from ” or “repeat between ()”?
That’s just the designer’s way of showing which steps you should do again. For example, if you see *sc, ch 1; rep from *, you’ll keep doing that same set—single crochet, chain 1—until the instructions say to stop. Parentheses and brackets work the same way: they group steps together so you know what to repeat.
Why are some abbreviations in all caps (like BLO or RS) and others in lowercase?
Great question! All caps are usually used for placement or position—like BLO (back loop only) or RS (right side). Lowercase ones usually refer to stitches or actions, like sc (single crochet) or ch (chain). It helps make things a little easier to scan when you’re reading through a pattern.
More Crochet Help for Beginners
Looking for more support? Try one of these next: