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Crochet Abbreviations Guide

February 21, 2022

Crochet Abbreviations Guide

Crochet Abbreviations

When first learning to crochet, reading patterns and seeing a crochet abbreviation can feel rather daunting. However, it’s a necessary skill to know to read and understand crochet patterns. Crochet charts on the other hand are different and don’t have abbreviations, they are purely visual. Want to know more about crochet charts? Take a read!

Somethings covered are:
What is a crochet abbreviation?
What do all those abbreviations mean?
Why are crochet abbreviations used?
A list of basic crochet abbreviations.

Crochet Abbreviations List

SC = Single Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
HDC = Half Double Crochet

TR = Treble Crochet

STS = Stitches (plural)

ST = Stitch (singular)
SLST = Slip Stitch

CH = Chain

FSC = Foundation Single Crochet

FDC = Foundation Double Crochet

FHDC = Foundation Half Double Crochet

_2TOG =  2 Together *Usually seen as sc2tog or dc2tog (single crochet 2  stitches together or double crochet 2 stitches together). It’s any stitch that’s being used in the pattern, crocheting 2 of the stitches together.

YO = Yarn Over

SK = Skip *skipping a stitch usually follows a chain or double crochet.

INC = Increase

DEC = Decrease

RS = Right Side

WS = Wrong Side

FP = Front Post

BP = Back Post

BLO = Back Loop Only

FLO = Front Loop Only

MR = Magic Ring

PM = Place Marker

 

A crochet abbreviation is a shortened version of the word(s) being used. Generally, it’s either the first 2 or 3 letters of the word or the beginning of the word i.e. popcorn stitch = pop, increase = inc, single crochet = sc.

Crochet abbreviations provide an easier way of reading patterns. At first, it may not feel like an easier way of reading; but, if every abbreviated word was written in its entirety patterns would be VERY long, especially if each row has specific instructions (i.e. 2dc, ch1, sk st, sc, ch1, 2dc would be 2 double crochet, chain 1, skip stitch, single crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet).

Cozy Thoughts

When first learning to crochet, learning to chain will most likely be the first thing you learn. Chaining is used at the beginning of many patterns. Most commonly chaining is seen when making shawls, clothing items, bags, some amigurumi, and many many other projects. Chaining opens the crocheted doors to creating some really beautiful pieces of art.
I am sorry to admit, that I hate crocheting into chains, I find it to be too much of a hassle. Although I’ve been crocheting for many years, crocheting into a continuous chain is difficult for me. The chain following the chain I crochet into always gets smaller, which is to be expected; I’m certain my problem is that I have too tight of a pull on my working yarn.  It may not be difficult for you though! I truly hope it isn’t. However, if it is I highly recommend a chainless foundation. It’s super simple once you understand the process. It’s also a useful skill to know if you get to the end of your continuous chain, only to discover you’re short one, two, or many chains. Instead of starting over as beginner me did, foundation chains can be a time saver! Instead of ripping out all your work (sometimes 200+ stitches), you can add to the chain seamlessly! Foundation crocheting can be used for single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, or if you’re adventurous any tall crochet stitch depending on how many yarn overs you do!
A fun stitch to get used to back posts and front posts is the waffle stitch! Using all double crochets it’s a fun and relaxing stitch for beginners 10/10 highly recommend!