Crochet Abbreviations Chart: Every Term Explained (US & UK)
ch, sc, hdc, dc, BLO, FLO, fpdc, sc2tog, rep, sk, sp — every common crochet abbreviation in one chart with its meaning and UK equivalent, plus how to read *, ( ) and [ ].
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 5 minute read
In this post
Crochet patterns are written in a shorthand that looks like a secret code until you know it. This chart lists every common crochet abbreviation with what it means, the UK equivalent, and the symbols that tell you what to repeat.
Bookmark it — it's the page you'll check most while reading patterns.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Basic stitches
| US abbreviation | US term | UK term (abbr.) |
|---|---|---|
| ch | chain | chain (ch) |
| sl st | slip stitch | slip stitch (ss) |
| sc | single crochet | double crochet (dc) |
| hdc | half double crochet | half treble (htr) |
| dc | double crochet | treble (tr) |
| tr | treble (triple) crochet | double treble (dtr) |
| dtr | double treble | triple treble (trtr) |
Not sure which terms a pattern uses? If it never mentions "single crochet" or "sc", it's almost certainly UK. More in our US vs UK guide.
Increases, decreases and loops
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| inc | increase — 2 stitches in the same stitch |
| dec | decrease — 2 stitches worked together into one |
| sc2tog / dc2tog | single / double crochet 2 together (a decrease) |
| invdec | invisible decrease — sc2tog through front loops only |
| BLO | back loop only |
| FLO | front loop only |
| fpdc / bpdc | front post / back post double crochet |
| MR | magic ring — see our magic ring tutorial |
Instructions and places
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| st / sts | stitch / stitches |
| sk | skip (UK: miss) |
| sp / ch-sp | space / chain space |
| rnd / rnds | round / rounds |
| rep | repeat |
| yo | yarn over (UK: yoh, yarn over hook) |
| tch / t-ch | turning chain |
| RS / WS | right side / wrong side |
| pm | place marker |
| beg | beginning |
| cont | continue |
| tog | together |
| FO | fasten off |
Special stitches
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| cl | cluster — several stitches worked together or into one space |
| bob / BS | bobble stitch |
| pc | popcorn stitch |
| puff | puff stitch |
| fsc | foundation single crochet |
| picot | usually ch 3, sl st into the first ch |
Symbols: *, ( ) and [ ]
- * asterisk: "repeat from *" — go back to the asterisk and repeat the instructions after it, as many times as stated.
- ( ) parentheses: either a group worked into one stitch — "(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the corner" — or a repeat: "(sc, inc) 6 times".
- [ ] brackets: a repeat inside a repeat, or a sequence repeated a set number of times.
- (18) at the end of a round: the stitch count you should have.
Putting it together: "(2 sc, inc) 6 times. (24)" means: one sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch, do that 6 times, and you should have 24 stitches. More examples in how to read a crochet pattern.
Common questions
What does "sc2tog" mean?
Single crochet two together: insert into the first stitch and pull up a loop, insert into the next and pull up a loop (3 loops), then yarn over and pull through all three. Two stitches become one.
What does "inc" mean in crochet?
Increase: work two stitches into the same stitch, adding one stitch to the count.
What does "rep from * to end" mean?
Repeat the instructions that come after the asterisk until you reach the end of the row or round.
Is "dc" the same in every pattern?
No — dc is a double crochet in US patterns but a single crochet (UK "double crochet") in UK patterns. Always check which terms are used.
Which abbreviation confused you the most when you started? 🧶
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