Last Updated on July 1, 2022 by Cheryl Moreo
Just like with knitting, crochet has its own set of terms or abbreviations. When you first learn to crochet, they can be confusing and intimidating. Designers use shortened versions to save space. Pattern-specific crochet abbreviations and definitions are usually explained in the design or as a glossary in a book of patterns. If your pattern doesn’t have the abbreviation explained, I have created a list of crochet abbreviations and their definitions.
After the list, there is a link to my free printable resource library. Save or print this abbreviation guide for when you need a quick reference when following along with a crochet pattern. It will help you remember what all the abbreviations mean!
Crochet Abbreviations and Definitions
Below I have included a list of crochet abbreviations and their definitions. Want a list for your crochet bag?
| Abbreviation | Definition |
| * ** | repeat the instructions following the * as directed Repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed or repeat from a given set of instructions |
| (), {} | work the instructions within parentheses or brackets as directed |
| alt | alternate, alternating |
| beg | begin, beginning |
| bel | below |
| bet bk lp or BL | between back loop |
| bo BP | Bobble Back post |
| BPdc | Back post double crochet |
| BPsc | Back post single crochet |
| BPtr | Back post treble |
| CC | contrast color |
| cl | cluster |
| cont | continue |
| dc | Double crochet |
| dc2tog | Double crochet 2 stitches together |
| dec | decrease |
| dtr | double treble crochet stitch |
| est | established |
| even | Without increases or decreases |
| fasten off | Cut the yarn and pull the cut end through the last loop |
| fl(s) or FL | front loops |
| Abbreviation | Definitions |
| Fp or FP | front post |
| FPtr | Front post treble crochet |
| gp(s) | group(s) |
| hdc | Half-double crochet |
| hk | hook |
| inc | increase |
| incl | inclusive |
| lp(s) | loops |
| MC | Main color |
| p | picot |
| pat(s) | pattern(s) |
| pm prev Rem rep | place marker Previous remaining repeat |
| rnd(s) | rounds |
| RS | Right side |
| sc2tog | Single crochet 2 stitches together |
| sk | skip |
| sp | space |
| st | stitch |
| T-ch or tch | turning chain |
| tbl | through the back loop |
| tog | together |
| tr | Treble crochet |
| trtr | Triple treble crochet |
| WS | Wrong side |
| yo | yarnover |
| yoh | yarn over hook |
To get your free printable Crochet Abbreviations and Definitions Chart, complete the form below to sign up for my Library of free resources and newsletter. You will receive the password to the library in your confirmation email. If you already receive my newsletter and have the password for the free resources, click on Resource Library.
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