When looking at a pattern to create something using the needlecraft known as crochet, you are bound to run into a lot of crochet abbreviations. Abbreviations are meant to make patterns more succinct and easier to follow by standardizing the methodology of crocheting. However, if you don't know all of these important shorthand terms, they can be awfully confusing.
The next time you're working with a new crochet pattern or you're browsing through your favorite crochet website or magazine, be sure to keep this list of abbreviations handy, and you'll commit them to memory in no time at all.
Commonly Used Crochet Abbreviations
Listed below are several of the most common crochet abbreviations used by amateurs, enthusiasts, and professionals alike. They're organized here in alphabetical order for your convenience.
- alt - alternate
- approx - approximately
- beg - beginning
- bet - between
- cc - contrasting color
- ch-sp - chain space
- cl - cluster
- cont - continue
- dec - decrease
- FO - finished object
- foll - following
- FP - front post
- inc - increase
- incl - include / including / inclusive
- lp - loop
- MC - main color
- p - picot
- pat - pattern
- pc - popcorn
- prev - previous
- rem - remaining
- rep - repeat
- rnd - round
- rnds - rounds
- RS - right side
- sh - shell
- sk - skip
- sm - slip marker
- sp - space
- sps - spaces
- tog - together
- WS - wrong side
- yd - yard
- yo - yarn over
Abbreviations for Stitches and Techniques
When it comes to crocheting, it’s all about the stitch. Explore different crochet shorthand for the various types of stitches and techniques.
- BL - back loop, block, or bobble, depending on the context
- BLO - back loop only
- bo - bobble
- BP - back post
- BPdc - back post double crochet
- BPdtr - back post double treble crochet
- BPhdc - back post half double crochet
- BPsc - back post single crochet
- BPtr - back post treble crochet
- ch - chain stitch
- dc - double crochet
- dc2tog - double crochet two stitches together
- dtr - double treble crochet
- edc - extended double crochet
- Ehdc - extended half double crochet
- Esc - extended single crochet
- etr - extended triple crochet
- FL - front loop
- FLO - front loop only
- half dc - half double crochet
- hdc - half double crochet
- hdc2tog - half double crochet two stitches together
- pc - popcorn stitch
- ps - puff stitch
- sc - single crochet
- sc2tog - single crochet 2 stitches together
- sl st - slip stitch
- st - stitch
- sts - stitches
- tbl - through back loop
- tch - turning chain
- tr - treble crochet / triple crochet
- trtr - triple treble crochet
- yoh - yarn over hook
Afghan or Tunisian Crochet Abbreviations
Afghan (Tunisian) crocheting has a bunch of different patterns out there. However, these stitches require a specific technique, which is similar to knitting. Check out the Tunisian crochet abbreviations.
- etss - extended Tunisian simple stitch
- FwP - forward pass
- RetP- return pass
- tbo - Tunisian bobble
- tbs - Tunisian bar stitch
- tdc - Tunisian double crochet
- tfs - Tunisian full stitch
- thdc - Tunisian half double crochet
- tks - Tunisian knit stitch
- tps - Tunisian purl stitch
- trs - Tunisian reverse stitch
- tsc - Tunisian single crochet
- tss - Tunisian simple stitch
- tslst - Tunisian slip stitch
- ttc - Tunisian treble crochet
- ttw - Tunisian twisted
Measurement Crochet Abbreviations
When it comes to weighing and measuring yarn, these simple measurement abbr. come in handy.
- cm - centimeter
- g - gram
- in - inch
- m - marker or meter
- mm - millimeter
- oz - ounce
- yd - yard
More About Crochet Abbreviations
Some catalogues, designs and patterns use their own abbreviation system to tell you how to complete a craft. Be careful to check and see if the pattern is using non-standard abbreviations. Otherwise, you could be caught in quite the loop, and it may be difficult to needle your way back out again.
Usually a list of the correct crochet abbreviations can be found at the end of a pattern or at the back of a book. Be sure to check there before starting on any new crafting project. If you are looking for more information about abbreviations used in crochet patterns, be sure to check out a crocheting book that gives a more comprehensive list of crochet abbreviations and their meanings. Keep your love of creation going by looking at knitting abbreviations.