A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Crochet Abbreviations

Crochet has its own shorthand, which is useful once you know it and slightly rude before you do.

A pattern that says “Ch 2, dc in next st, rep from * around” is not trying to keep secrets from you. It is simply using standard abbreviations so the instructions stay compact.

This guide covers the crochet abbreviations you are most likely to meet in beginner and intermediate patterns. Unless stated otherwise, the terms below use US crochet terminology.

Basic crochet abbreviations

These are the abbreviations you will see constantly. If you learn only a handful at first, start with ch, sl st, sc, hdc, dc, st, and sp.

Increase and decrease abbreviations

Patterns often use increases and decreases to shape fabric.

An increase usually means placing more than one stitch into the same stitch or space.

A decrease combines two or more stitches into one, reducing the stitch count.

For example, sc2tog means you begin a single crochet in one stitch, begin another in the next stitch, then finish them together as one stitch.

Front loop, back loop, and post abbreviations

Some patterns tell you exactly where to insert your hook.

Working through only one loop can create ribbing, ridges, or extra flexibility. Post stitches are worked around the vertical post of a stitch rather than through the top loops and are commonly used for texture and crochet cables.

Pattern instruction abbreviations

Some abbreviations describe what to do rather than which stitch to make.

You may also see FO used informally for “fasten off” or “finished object,” depending on context. The surrounding sentence usually makes the meaning clear.

Measurement abbreviations

Patterns may also shorten measurement terms:

• in = inch / inches
• cm = centimeters
• mm = millimeters
• yd = yard / yards
• m = meter / meters
• oz = ounce / ounces
• g = grams

Yarn labels and hook sizes often use both metric and US systems, so it is normal to see several measurement styles in the same pattern.

What do asterisks mean in crochet?

Asterisks mark a sequence that needs to be repeated.

Example:

*Sc in next st, ch 1, sk next st; rep from * across.

This means you repeat everything after the asterisk until the pattern tells you to stop.

Sometimes a pattern uses ** to mark a second level of repeat. Read the full row before beginning so you know how the sections fit together.

What do parentheses and brackets mean?

Parentheses and brackets group instructions.

Example:

(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next sp

Everything inside the parentheses goes into the same space.

A pattern may also use parentheses to show stitch counts:

Round 5: ... (42 sts)

That means you should have 42 stitches at the end of Round 5.

Brackets often group a larger repeat, especially when the instructions inside already contain parentheses.

US vs. UK crochet abbreviations

This is important: US and UK crochet terms use some of the same names for different stitches.

For example:

A UK pattern using “dc” does not mean the same stitch as a US pattern using “dc.”

Before beginning any project, look for a note that says US terms or UK terms. If the pattern does not say, check the stitch descriptions or contact the designer.

Do you need to memorize crochet abbreviations?

No.

You will remember the common ones naturally because you use them over and over. Keep a reference nearby for everything else.

Even experienced crocheters look things up. There is no prize for pretending you remember what a rarely used abbreviation means.

FAQ

What does “sc” mean in crochet?

In US crochet terminology, sc means single crochet. In UK terminology, the equivalent stitch is called double crochet.

What does “rep” mean in crochet?

Rep means repeat. It tells you to repeat a stitch sequence, row, round, or section of the pattern.

What does “sk” mean in crochet?

Sk means skip. For example, “sk next st” means leave the next stitch unworked and continue with the following instruction.

What does “sp” mean in crochet?

Sp means space. A pattern may ask you to work into a chain space or another visible opening rather than into the top of a stitch.

Soft CTA: Save this page for the next time a pattern starts speaking in shorthand. Then pair it with How to Read a Crochet Pattern for the full picture.