Crochet School · Reading patterns
Crochet Abbreviations Chart (US & UK)
A clear reference chart of common crochet abbreviations in US terms, with UK equivalents and links to step-by-step stitch tutorials.
On this page
Crochet patterns rely on abbreviations to keep instructions short. This chart lists the ones you will meet most often, written in US terms with UK equivalents. Stitch names link to full tutorials.
| Abbreviation | Meaning (US) | UK |
|---|---|---|
| approx | approximately | — |
| beg | beginning | — |
| BLO | back loop only | — |
| BPdc | back post double crochet | BPtr |
| ch | chain | — |
| ch-sp | chain space | — |
| dc | double crochet | tr |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 together (decrease) | tr2tog |
| dec | decrease — work 2 stitches together | — |
| FLO | front loop only | — |
| FPdc | front post double crochet | FPtr |
| hdc | half double crochet | htr |
| inc | increase — work 2 stitches in the same stitch | — |
| invdec | invisible decrease (front loops of 2 stitches together) | — |
| MR | magic ring | — |
| pm | place marker | — |
| rep | repeat | — |
| rnd(s) | round(s) | — |
| RS | right side | — |
| sc | single crochet | dc |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 together (decrease) | dc2tog |
| sk | skip | miss |
| sl st | slip stitch | ss |
| sp(s) | space(s) | — |
| st(s) | stitch(es) | — |
| tog | together | — |
| tr | treble crochet | dtr |
| WS | wrong side | — |
| yo | yarn over | yoh |
| [ ] | repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated | — |
| * | repeat from the asterisk as instructed | — |
| ( ) | stitch count at the end of a round or row, or a group worked into one stitch | — |
A dash (—) in the UK column means UK patterns use the same abbreviation.
Increases and decreases
inc (increase) means working two stitches into the same stitch, which adds one stitch. In amigurumi patterns, inc almost always means two single crochet in the same stitch.
dec (decrease) means working two stitches together so they become one. The most common version is sc2tog: insert your hook into a stitch and pull up a loop, do the same in the next stitch, then yarn over and pull through all three loops.
invdec (invisible decrease) is a neater decrease for amigurumi. Insert your hook into the front loop only of the next two stitches, yarn over and pull through both front loops, then yarn over and pull through the two loops on your hook.
Loops and posts
The top of every stitch has two loops shaped like a sideways V.
- FLO (front loop only) — work into the loop closest to you.
- BLO (back loop only) — work into the loop farthest from you. Both create a ridge.
- FPdc (front post double crochet) — work around the vertical post of the stitch, from the front.
- BPdc (back post double crochet) — work around the post from the back. Front and back post stitches together create ribbing.
Tips for learning abbreviations
- Keep this chart open, or print it, while you work through your first patterns.
- Read the whole pattern once before starting and look up anything unfamiliar.
- Check whether the pattern uses US or UK terms before you make a single stitch.
Common questions
Are crochet abbreviations standardized?
Mostly. The common abbreviations are widely shared, but designers sometimes define their own. Always check the abbreviations list at the start of a pattern.
What does “tog” mean in crochet?
Together. It appears in decreases such as sc2tog, where two stitches are worked together to become one.
Written by
Editor — placeholder profile
This is a placeholder author profile. Before launch, replace it with the real person who writes, designs and tests the patterns on this site.
Placeholder profile — replace before launch
Put it into practice
Patterns to practice with
Free pattern
Free pattern
Newsletter
A little crochet inspiration in your inbox.
New free patterns, gentle tutorials and seasonal ideas — about twice a month.