US & UK Crochet Abbreviations
US & UK crochet terminology reference chart.
⚠️ Important: US and UK crochet terms use the same words to mean different stitches. Always check which terminology a pattern uses before you begin — using the wrong system will change your stitch count and fabric texture.
| US Term / Abbrev. | UK Term / Abbrev. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Stitches | ||
| slip stitch (sl st) | slip stitch (sl st) same | Shortest crochet stitch; used to join rounds or move yarn without adding height |
| chain (ch) | chain (ch) same | Foundation chain; a series of interlocked loops |
| single crochet (sc) | double crochet (dc) | Basic short stitch; one loop pulled through, one yarn-over pull-through |
| half double crochet (hdc) | half treble crochet (htr) | Mid-height stitch with a yarn-over before inserting hook |
| double crochet (dc) | treble crochet (tr) | Standard tall stitch; yarn-over once before inserting hook |
| treble crochet (tr) | double treble crochet (dtr) | Tall stitch; yarn-over twice before inserting hook |
| double treble crochet (dtr) | triple treble crochet (ttr) | Very tall stitch; yarn-over three times before inserting hook |
| triple treble crochet (trtr) | quadruple treble crochet (qtr) | Extra-tall stitch; yarn-over four times before inserting hook |
| Increases & Decreases | ||
| sc2tog | dc2tog | Single/double crochet two stitches together — a decrease |
| dc2tog | tr2tog | Double/treble crochet two stitches together — a decrease |
| increase (inc) | increase (inc) same | Work two stitches into the same stitch to add one stitch |
| decrease (dec) | decrease (dec) same | Work stitches together to reduce the stitch count |
| invisible decrease (inv dec) | invisible decrease (inv dec) same | Neater decrease worked through front loops only |
| Special Stitches & Clusters | ||
| magic ring (MR) / magic circle (MC) | magic ring (MR) same | Adjustable loop used to start crocheting in the round with a closed center |
| bobble (bob) | bobble (bob) same | Cluster of partial stitches worked in same stitch, joined at top |
| puff stitch (puff) | puff stitch (puff) same | Multiple yarn-overs pulled up in same stitch, closed together |
| popcorn (PC) | popcorn (PC) same | Group of complete dc/tr worked in same stitch, then joined at top |
| shell (sh) | shell (sh) same | Multiple stitches worked into the same stitch or space, forming a fan shape |
| v-stitch (v-st) | v-stitch (v-st) same | Two stitches with a chain between them worked into same stitch or space |
| picot (pic) | picot (pic) same | Decorative loop made with chains, used in edging |
| Loops & Stitch Placement | ||
| front loop only (FLO) | front loop only (FLO) same | Insert hook in the front loop only of the stitch |
| back loop only (BLO) | back loop only (BLO) same | Insert hook in the back loop only of the stitch |
| both loops (BL) | both loops (BL) same | Default placement — insert hook under both loops of the stitch |
| front post (FP) | front post (FP) same | Work stitch around the post of the stitch from the front |
| back post (BP) | back post (BP) same | Work stitch around the post of the stitch from the back |
| front post double crochet (FPDC) | front post treble crochet (FPTR) | Double/treble crochet worked around the front post of the stitch |
| back post double crochet (BPDC) | back post treble crochet (BPTR) | Double/treble crochet worked around the back post of the stitch |
| General Pattern Terms | ||
| beginning (beg) | beginning (beg) same | Refers to the start of a row or round |
| between (bet) | between (bet) same | Work in the space between two stitches |
| chain space / chain loop (ch-sp / ch-lp) | chain space / chain loop (ch-sp / ch-lp) same | The open space formed by one or more chains |
| continue (cont) | continue (cont) same | Keep working in the established pattern |
| fasten off (FO) | fasten off (FO) same | Cut yarn and pull tail through last loop to secure |
| join (j) | join (j) same | Connect the end of a round to the beginning with a slip stitch |
| repeat (rep) | repeat (rep) same | Work the bracketed or asterisked instructions again as many times as indicated |
| right side (RS) | right side (RS) same | The public-facing side of the work |
| wrong side (WS) | wrong side (WS) same | The back or hidden side of the work |
| right-hand side (RHS) | right-hand side (RHS) same | Directional — the right side of the piece as worn or viewed |
| round (rnd) | round (rnd) same | One complete circuit of stitches when working in the round |
| row | row same | One horizontal line of stitches worked flat (back and forth) |
| space (sp) | space (sp) same | An open area (usually from a chain) into which stitches are worked |
| stitch (st) | stitch (st) same | A single crochet stitch |
| stitches (sts) | stitches (sts) same | Plural of stitch |
| through back loop (tbl) | through back loop (tbl) same | Insert hook through the back loop only |
| turning chain (tch) | turning chain (tch) same | Chain(s) worked at the start of a row to bring the yarn to the correct height |
| yarn over (yo / yoh) | yarn over hook (yoh) same | Wrap yarn over the hook from back to front |
| work even | work straight same concept | Continue without increasing or decreasing |
