Learning how to crochet can be intimidating in a lot of ways. For one thing, it seems like some kind of magic is required to transform yarn into a sweater using only a hook (is it a wand in disguise?) For another thing, even once you’ve picked up the hook and learned how to get started, the first time you look at a pattern your reaction might be something along the lines of “um… is this English?” There are a lot of repeated actions in crochet, so almost every pattern will use abbreviations to keep things short and sweet – otherwise your already-lengthy sweater pattern would be the size of a book! Even once you’ve mastered the basic abbreviations, along comes a new pattern leaving you clueless once again.
Well, worry no more. I’ve broken down all of the crochet terms you need to know to tackle most patterns and assembled them into the handy infographic you see below! Print it out and keep it with your yarn stash for easy referencing. I’ve also copied them below the image in text form (but be warned, it’s a long post to scroll through!)
(these abbreviations and more can be found at the Craft Yarn Council website!)
( ): work instructions as many times as directed
* *: repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed
*: repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
[ ]: work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
”: inches
alt: alternate
approx: approximately
beg: begin/beginning
bet: between
BL: back loop
bo: bobble
BP: back post
BPdc: back post double crochet
BPsc: back post single crochet
BPtr: back post treble crochet
ch: chain stitch
ch-: refers to chain or space previously made: e.g., ch-1 space
ch-sp: chain space
CL: cluster
cont: continue
dc: double crochet
dc2tog: double crochet 2 stitches together
dec: decrease
dtr: double treble
FL: front loop
foll: follow
FP: front post
FPdc: front post double crochet
FPsc: front post single crochet
FPtr: front post treble crochet
hdc: half double crochet
inc: increase
lp: loop
MC: main color
p: picot
pat or patt: pattern
pc: popcorn
pm: place marker
prev: previous
rem: remain/remaining
rep: repeat
rnd: round
RS: right side
sc: single crochet
sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together
sk: skip
Sl st: slip sitich
sp: space
st: stitch
tbl: through back loop
tch or t-ch: turning chain
tog: together
tr: treble crochet
trtr: triple treble crochet
WS: wrong side
yo: yarn over
yoh: yarn over hook
Did we miss any important abbreviations? Which ones had you stumped at first?
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Finally! Crocheting explained in layman’s terms. I’ve tried learning to crochet before and much like the article said, it can be intimidating and leave you frustrated, making you quit altogether. Thanks for the quick cheat-sheet of terms. I might actually try learning again.
I get confused with yarn over and yarn over the hook. Are the two the same?
Yes, “yarn over” and “yarn over hook” are the same instruction. Pattern writers just might write it differently! Thanks, S&U, for listing both! 🙂
I’m a long-time knitter, but I’m just starting to learn how to crochet, and this article is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I love the range of projects available on this site; from expert level patterns to the simplest beginner instructions. Can’t wait to really get a feel for crochet!
Hi,
This is very helpful, but does anyone know how to keep yarn from getting in a tangled mess when pulling it out from the skein?? I’ve spent more time untangling than working on the project! Some types are fine, but Red Heart seems to be the most problematic! Please Help!!
I’ve been thinking about learning to crochet, and this is just what I need to get started! All of these terms and abbreviations in one place will make everything easier.