Crochet patterns use short abbreviations to keep instructions compact. Bookmark this page and keep it open while you work — it covers the most common abbreviations, pattern symbols and the US/UK terms that confuse almost everyone at first.
US vs UK crochet terms
The US and UK use the same names for different stitches. A UK “double crochet” is a US “single crochet”. Pattern Swirl always uses US terms.
| US term | UK term |
|---|---|
| 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 (trtr) |
| skip | miss |
| yarn over (yo) | yarn over hook / yarn round hook (yoh / yrh) |
| gauge | tension |
Quick tip: if a pattern mentions “single crochet” anywhere, it is written in US terms — UK patterns don’t have a single crochet.
Common crochet abbreviations (US)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| approx | approximately |
| beg | begin / beginning |
| BLO | back loop only |
| bobble | bobble stitch |
| BP | back post (e.g. BPdc = back post double crochet) |
| ch | chain |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| cl | cluster |
| cont | continue |
| dc | double crochet |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 stitches together (decrease) |
| dec | decrease |
| dtr | double treble crochet |
| FLO | front loop only |
| FP | front post (e.g. FPdc = front post double crochet) |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| inc | increase (2 stitches in the same stitch) |
| invdec | invisible decrease |
| lp(s) | loop(s) |
| MR | magic ring (magic circle) |
| pm | place marker |
| prev | previous |
| rem | remain / remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| RS | right side |
| sc | single crochet |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease) |
| sk | skip |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sm | slip marker |
| sp(s) | space(s) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| tbl | through back loop |
| tch | turning chain |
| tog | together |
| tr | treble (triple) crochet |
| WS | wrong side |
| yo | yarn over |
Pattern symbols explained
| Symbol | How to read it |
|---|---|
| * … * | Repeat the instructions between the asterisks as many times as stated. |
| [ ] or ( ) | Work the instructions inside the brackets as a group — into one stitch, or the number of times stated. |
| (24) | The number in parentheses at the end of a row or round is the total stitch count. |
| “to end” | Repeat the sequence until you reach the last stitch of the row or round. |
| “in next st” | Work into the next available stitch. |
Next step: learn how hook sizes and yarn weights work together in the hook size chart and the yarn weight chart.