Common Crochet Abbreviations Explained (US Terms)
If you've ever opened a crochet pattern and felt confused by instructions like "sc, inc, sl st, rep around," don't worry—you're not alone.
Crochet patterns use abbreviations to keep instructions concise and easy to follow. While these shortened terms may seem overwhelming at first, you'll quickly become familiar with them after a few projects.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll explain the most common crochet abbreviations used in US crochet patterns and show you how to understand them with confidence.
Why Do Crochet Patterns Use Abbreviations?
Imagine if every crochet pattern had to spell out every stitch name repeatedly. Patterns would become extremely long and difficult to read.
Instead, designers use standard abbreviations to:
- Save space
- Make instructions easier to follow
- Create a universal crochet language
- Keep patterns consistent
Once you learn the most common abbreviations, reading crochet patterns becomes much simpler.
Basic Crochet Stitch Abbreviations
These are the stitches you'll encounter most often.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| hdc | Half Double Crochet |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| tr | Treble Crochet |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
Chain (ch)
The chain stitch is usually the first stitch you'll learn.
Example:
Ch 20
This means create 20 chain stitches.
Single Crochet (sc)
Single crochet is one of the most commonly used stitches, especially in amigurumi patterns.
Example:
Sc in each stitch around
Work one single crochet into every stitch.
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Half double crochet creates a taller stitch than single crochet while remaining relatively compact.
Double Crochet (dc)
Double crochet is taller and creates a more open fabric.
It's commonly used in blankets, scarves, and granny squares.
Treble Crochet (tr)
Treble crochet creates an even taller stitch and is often used in decorative patterns.
Slip Stitch (sl st)
A slip stitch is used to join rounds or move across stitches without adding height.
Example:
Join with sl st
Join the round using a slip stitch.
Common Pattern Abbreviations
These abbreviations aren't stitches themselves but are frequently used in instructions.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| st | Stitch |
| sts | Stitches |
| sp | Space |
| rep | Repeat |
| sk | Skip |
| beg | Beginning |
| rnd | Round |
| FO | Fasten Off |
Stitch (st)
A stitch refers to a single crochet stitch already created.
Example:
Sc in next st
Work one single crochet into the next stitch.
Repeat (rep)
Patterns often use repeats to avoid writing the same instructions multiple times.
Example:
Rep from * around
Repeat the instructions indicated by the asterisk until the round is complete.
Skip (sk)
This means do not crochet into the specified stitch.
Example:
Sk next st
Skip the next stitch and continue.
Fasten Off (FO)
This means cut the yarn and secure the final stitch.
Most projects end with:
FO and weave in ends.
Amigurumi Crochet Abbreviations
If you enjoy making crochet toys, you'll see these abbreviations frequently.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| MR | Magic Ring |
| inc | Increase |
| dec | Decrease |
| inv dec | Invisible Decrease |
Magic Ring (MR)
A magic ring creates an adjustable starting loop that closes completely.
Example:
6 sc in MR
Work six single crochet stitches into a magic ring.
Increase (inc)
An increase means placing two stitches into the same stitch.
Example:
Inc around
Place two stitches into every stitch.
Decrease (dec)
A decrease combines two stitches into one.
This helps shape amigurumi projects and reduce stitch counts.
Invisible Decrease (inv dec)
Invisible decreases create a smoother finish and are commonly used in crochet toys.
Most modern amigurumi patterns use invisible decreases instead of standard decreases.
Understanding Parentheses and Repeats
Many crochet patterns include instructions inside parentheses.
Example:
(Sc, inc) x 6
This means:
- Single crochet once.
- Increase once.
- Repeat the sequence six times.
These shorthand instructions make patterns easier to read.
Understanding Stitch Counts
Most patterns include stitch counts at the end of rows or rounds.
Example:
Round 3: (Sc, inc) around (18)
The number in parentheses tells you how many stitches you should have after completing the round.
Always check your stitch count before moving to the next row.
US vs UK Crochet Terms
One important thing every beginner should know:
US and UK crochet terminology are different.
For example:
| US Term | UK Term |
| Single Crochet (sc) | Double Crochet (dc) |
| Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Half Treble Crochet (htr) |
| Double Crochet (dc) | Treble Crochet (tr) |
Always check which terminology a pattern uses before starting.
All Corgi Crochet patterns use standard US crochet terminology.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
Here are the abbreviations you'll see most often:
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st = stitch
- rep = repeat
- sk = skip
- MR = magic ring
- inc = increase
- dec = decrease
- inv dec = invisible decrease
- FO = fasten off
Consider bookmarking this page or keeping a printed copy nearby while you crochet.
Final Thoughts
Learning crochet abbreviations is one of the fastest ways to improve your confidence as a crocheter. While the shorthand may seem confusing at first, you'll quickly begin recognizing common terms and following patterns more easily.
Start with beginner-friendly projects, refer back to abbreviation guides when needed, and remember that every experienced crocheter was once learning these same terms.
Before long, you'll be reading crochet patterns with ease and tackling more advanced projects with confidence.
Happy crocheting!