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Crochet Abbreviations | U.S. Terminology Explained For Beginners



Hi everyone, welcome. You are here because you want to learn how to read crochet abbreviations so that you can understand a crochet pattern. Crochet abbreviations are a universal shorthand used to condense complex instructions, making patterns compact, readable at a glance, and much easier to follow than a long paragraph-style text. So today we are going to go over common U.S. crochet abbreviations and what they actually mean. Below you will find the basic abbreviations used in crochet patterns. Let's get started with the basics.

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  • beg - beginning - Refers to the start of a row or round.
  • bet - between - Insert your hook between the post of the stitch.
  • BLO - back loop only - Work only in the back loop of the stitch.
  • cc - color change - Is used when working with multiple colors.
  • ch - chain stitch - The foundation stitch used to begin crochet projects
  • ch-sp - chain space - The space made by chaining between stitches.
  • cont - continue - It is a directive to keep working the established pattern.
  • dc - double crochet - A taller stitch used for blankets, shawls and open designs.
  • dc2tog - double crochet two stitches together - A decrease with double crochet.
  • dec - decrease - Reducing stitches to shape the piece.
  • FLO - front loop only - Working in the front loop only.
  • FO - finish off - Finish the project by cutting and securing the yarn.
  • hdc - half double crochet - A slightly taller stitch than the single crochet.
  • inc - increase - Adding stitches to make the piece wider.
  • MC - magic circle Adjustable ring often used for hats and amigurumi.
  • prev - previous - Frequently used to refer to a previous stitch, row or round.
  • rem - remaining - To preform an action across the rest of the stitches.
  • rep - repeat or (rpt) - TO work a specific sequence of stitches again.
  • rnd - round - Working in a circular pattern.
  • sc - single crochet - A short tight stitch used in amigurumi and dense fabrics.
  • sc2tog - single 2 singles together - A decrease using two stitches into one.
  • sk - skip - Leave a stitch unworked.
  • sl st - slip stitch - A stitch used to join rounds or move yarn without adding height.
  • sp - space - The gap between stitches or chains.
  • st - stitch - Refers to one crochet stitch.
  • tog - together - Too combine two or more stitches together.
  • tr - treble crochet / triple crochet - A tall stitch creating airy fabric.
  • RS - right side of work - Front side of the project.
  • WS  - wrong side of work - Back side of the project.
  • yo - yarn over - Wrapping yarn over the hook.
Below you will find a breakdown of the basic crochet abbreviations in U.S. terminology

Ch means chain.
The chain stitch is usually the foundation of your project. It's often the very first thing you'll make when starting a blanket, scarf, or wearable.

Sl st means slip stitch.
A slip stitch is used to join your work, especially when crocheting in the rounds. It doesn't add height but helps move your yarn into position.

Sc means single crochet.
This is one of the shortest and most common stitches. It creates a tight fabric and is prefect for amigurumi, hats, and dishcloths.

Hdc means half double crochet
This stitch is a little taller than a single crochet and works up faster while still staying fairly dense.

Dc means double crochet. 
Double crochet is one of the most popular stitches because it works up quickly and creates a softer, more open fabric.

Tr means treble or triple crochet.
This is a taller stitch that gives projects a more airy decorative look.

St means stitch and sts means stitches
These simply refer to the crochet stitches you are working into.

Sk means skip
This tells you to leave a stitch unworked.

Rep or Rpt means repeat
If you see repeat, follow those instructions again as many time as the pattern says.

Rnd means round and row means row.
Rounds are worked in circles, while rows are worked back and forth.

Inc means increase.
This add stitches to make your project wider.

Dec means decrease.
This removes stitches to shape your project, often used in amigurumi, 

Sc2tog or Dc2tog means to single or double two together.
This simply crocheting two stitches together to decrease.

Yo means to yarn over.
You'll do this constantly in crochet by wrapping yarn over your hook.

MC means magic circle or magic ring.
this is often used to start projects that are worked in the rounds.

BLO means back loop only, and FLO means front loop only.
These create texture by changing where you place your stitches.

Finally FO means fasten off.
This is how you finish off your projects and secure our yarn.

Crochet patterns can feel overwhelming at first, but once you learn the abbreviations, reading them becomes so much easier. I hope this helped you in your adventure of learning how to crochet.






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