Crochet Abbreviations for Beginners

Crochet abbreviations are a way to shorten a certain crochet stitch name inside patterns.

Many designers, publishers, and companies will use abbreviations when referring to crochet stitches.

I use these crochet abbreviations extensively in my crochet patterns, so understanding these terms is very important when trying to crochet the perfect project.

Beginner Crochet Abbreviations

These are the most common abbreviations in standard US terms as determined by the crochet board. Some of these abbreviations refer to crochet stitches, while others refer to crochet actions.

Crochet Stitch Abbreviations:

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• hhdc = herringbone half double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st = stitch
• sc = single crochet
• tr = triple crochet (treble crochet)
• bo = bobble

Crochet Action Abbreviations:

• bet = between
• con = continue
• lp = loop
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• rep = repeat
• sk = skip
• sp = space
• yo = yarn over

Common Repeating Shorthand

Typically, inside patterns you will learn a short pattern of stitches, then be asked to repeat that pattern a set number of times to ensure that the measurement of the item you are trying to make comes out correct. This shorthand or abbreviations are important to know when using any crochet pattern, including ours.

These common crochet punctuations are shorthand for repeating pattern sections:

• * = Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed.
• ** = Repeat the instructions between the double asterisks as many times as directed or repeat at specified locations,
• { } = Work the instructions within curly braces as many times as directed.
• [ ] = Work the instructions within square brackets as many times as directed.
• ( ) = Work the instructions within the parentheses as many times as directed, This can also mean that you need to work a group of stitches all in the same stitch or space.

Advanced Crochet Abbreviations

The following stitches are for the more advanced crocheters, usually for making some Intermediate or Complex skill level patterns. These abbreviations are not common in most of my patterns, but are sometimes found in crochet patterns in other places.

• dtr = double treble crochet
• edc = extended double crochet
• dc2tog = double crochet 2 stitches together
• esc = extended single crochet
• ehdc = extended half double crochet
• edc = extended double crochet
• etr = extended treble crochet
• pc = popcorn stitch
• ps or puff = puff stitch
• tbl = turning back loop
• trtr = triple treble crochet

How to Start Crocheting

We created a beginners article to help those that are interested in learning more about the world of crochet. This beginners guide should help anyone when trying to understand the basics of becoming a crochet designer.

Crochet Patterns by Stitch Type

All of our free crochet patterns are tagged with the stitches they use. If you are looking for a crochet pattern to use with a specific stitch, check out our archives below.

Printable Crochet Abbreviation Guide

Save or print this 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!