Crochet Abbreviations (US vs UK): Complete Beginner Guide
Crochet patterns use abbreviations to keep instructions short and easy to follow. If you have ever opened a pattern and seen terms like dc, hdc, sl st, or yo and wondered what they mean — this guide covers everything you need.
By the end, you will know the most common crochet abbreviations, understand the difference between US and UK terms, and feel confident reading any crochet pattern.
What Are Crochet Abbreviations?
Crochet abbreviations are shortened versions of stitch names and instructions used in patterns. Instead of writing “double crochet” dozens of times across a row, designers write dc. This keeps patterns compact and easy to repeat.
Once you learn the most common abbreviations, patterns become much faster to read.
Complete Crochet Abbreviations Chart (US Terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble crochet |
| dtr | double treble crochet |
| yo | yarn over |
| st | stitch |
| sts | stitches |
| sp | space |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| sk | skip |
| inc | increase |
| dec | decrease |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| row | row |
| beg | beginning |
| tog | together |
| pm | place marker |
| blo | back loop only |
| flo | front loop only |
| tbl | through back loop |
| FPdc | front post double crochet |
| BPdc | back post double crochet |
| MR / MC | magic ring / magic circle |
| MB | make bobble |
| PC | popcorn stitch |
| CL | cluster |
US vs UK Crochet Abbreviations
This is the most important thing to check before starting any pattern. US and UK crochet use different names for the same stitches. Using the wrong terminology will change the height of your stitches and break the pattern.
Always check whether the pattern specifies US or UK terms — most modern patterns include this note at the beginning.
| US Term | US Abbreviation | UK Term | UK Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| slip stitch | sl st | slip stitch | ss |
| single crochet | sc | double crochet | dc |
| half double crochet | hdc | half treble crochet | htr |
| double crochet | dc | treble crochet | tr |
| treble crochet | tr | double treble crochet | dtr |
| double treble crochet | dtr | triple treble crochet | ttr |
| yarn over | yo | yarn over hook | yoh |
The most confusing pair: US double crochet (dc) = UK treble crochet (tr). If you follow a UK pattern thinking it uses US terms, your stitches will be one height taller than intended throughout the entire project.
Most US abbreviations follow the standard set by the Craft Yarn Council.
How to Read Crochet Abbreviations in Patterns
Crochet abbreviations are combined with numbers and symbols to describe stitch sequences. Here is a real example:
ch 20
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across — 19 sts
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc across
Parentheses indicate repeated groups:
(dc, ch 1) rep 5 times
This means: work double crochet, chain one — repeat that sequence five times.
Asterisks work the same way:
sc, ch 1 rep across row
Everything between the asterisks repeats across the row.
Printable Crochet Abbreviations Chart
Keep this chart nearby while crocheting. Many crocheters save it on their phone for quick reference when following digital patterns.
US vs UK: Why Are They Different?
US and UK crochet terminology developed separately in the 19th and early 20th centuries as patterns spread through magazines and books in each region. By the time international communication made the differences obvious, both systems were already standardized within their regions.
Today most patterns specify which system they use. If a pattern does not specify, check the country of origin — patterns from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand typically use UK terms.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Confusing US and UK terms — always check before starting. This single mistake causes more frogging (undoing work) than anything else.
Skipping the abbreviations key — most patterns include a key listing every abbreviation used. Reading it before starting saves time later.
Misreading repeats — pay close attention to parentheses and asterisks. Missing a repeat changes stitch counts and throws off the entire row.
FAQs
What does ch mean in crochet?
ch means chain — the foundation of almost every crochet project.
What does sc mean in crochet?
sc means single crochet in US terms. In UK terms, the same stitch is called double crochet (dc).
What does dc mean in crochet?
dc means double crochet in US terms. In UK terms, the same stitch is called treble crochet (tr).
What does sl st mean in crochet?
sl st means slip stitch — used to join rounds, finish edges, and move across stitches without adding height.
What does MR mean in crochet?
MR means magic ring (also called magic circle). It is used to start projects worked in the round, like amigurumi and granny squares, creating a tight center with no hole.
What does FPdc mean in crochet?
FPdc means front post double crochet — the hook is inserted around the front of the stitch post rather than through the top loops, creating raised texture.
Do all crochet patterns use the same abbreviations?
Most patterns follow the standard US or UK systems, but always check the pattern key. Some designers use custom abbreviations for specialty stitches and will define them at the beginning of the pattern.
See Also
If you are learning crochet basics, these guides from Patterns Here can help:
- How to Double Crochet Stitch (dc): Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
- How to Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc): Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
- Slip Stitch Crochet (sl st): Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
- Magic Circle Crochet (Magic Ring) – Easy Step-by-Step Guide
- Crochet Hook Size Chart (US & Metric) + Yarn Weight Guide
- Persian Tiles Crochet Pattern – A stunning crochet blanket pattern that works beautifully with worsted weight yarn and standard hook sizes.
- Sophie Hood Crochet Pattern: Easy and Free Step-by-Step
Conclusion
Crochet abbreviations are an essential part of reading crochet patterns. While they may seem confusing at first, most crocheters quickly become familiar with the most common terms.
By learning these abbreviations and practicing with beginner patterns, you will find that crochet instructions become much easier to follow.
As your skills grow, understanding crochet abbreviations will allow you to explore more complex patterns and creative projects.