Understanding Crochet Abbreviations

Below you’ll find the most common written pattern crochet abbreviations in American English. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and many of the abbreviations here can be mixed and matched together. Not all designers use the standard abbreviations all the time, so always read a pattern thoroughly, including any notes, before you begin. I’ve also included some common crochet lingo you might see on message boards or social media. All abbreviations here are listed alphabetically for you.

Abbreviations:

alt   alternative/alternate

beg begin/beginning

bet  between

blo  back loop only

bp   back post (combined with other sts, such as bpdc)

CA   Colour A

CC   Colour C or Contrasting Colour

ch(s)       chain(s)

ch sp(s)  chain space(s)

cl     cluster

csdc chainless starting double crochet

dc    double crochet

dec  decrease (usually combined; also see inv dec – invisible decrease)

dtr   double treble

edc or exdc   extended double crochet

ehdc       extended half double crochet

esc or exsc     extended single crochet

fdc   foundation double crochet

fhdc        foundation half double crochet

flo   front loop only

FO   Finished Object or Finish Off

fsc   foundation single crochet

fp    front post

hbdc       herringbone double crochet

hdc          half double crochet

hhdc       herringbone half double crochet

HOTH     Hot Off The Hook

inc   increase

ldc   linked double crochet

lp(s) loop(s)

ltr    linked treble crochet

MC  Main Colour or Magic Circle

p      picot

pm  place marker (a stitch marker)

prev        previous

quadtr    quadruple treble

rem         remaining

rep  repeat

rnd  round

RS    Right Side

rsc   reverse single crochet (crab stitch)

sc    single crochet

sk    skip

sl st(s)    slip stitch(es)

sp(s)       space(s)

st(s) stitch(es)

tch  turning chain

tog  together

tr     treble

trtr          triple treble

UFO        Unfinished Object

v st  V stitch (usually dc, ch 1, dc in the same st)

WIP         Work In Progress

WS  Wrong Side

yo    yarn over

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