Crochet abbreviations glossary
Stuck on an unknown stitch mid-row? Unsure what an abbreviation means?
This glossary gathers exact equivalents between international abbreviations (US/UK) and French, complete with step-by-step technique notes for each stitch.
US vs UK reminder: identical words mean different stitches depending on pattern origin (e.g., dc = double crochet in US, but single crochet equivalent in UK). If a pattern contains sc, it uses US terms; if it mentions htr, it uses UK terms.
Basic stitches & US / UK conversions
| US English 🇺🇸 | UK English 🇬🇧 | Technique description |
|---|---|---|
chChain | chChain | 1 yarn over, pull yarn through the active loop on hook. |
sl st / ssSlip stitch | sl st / ssSlip stitch | Insert hook, 1 yarn over, pull directly through both the stitch and the loop. |
scSingle crochet | dcDouble crochet | Insert hook, 1 yarn over, pull up loop, 1 yarn over, draw through 2 loops. |
hdcHalf double crochet | htrHalf treble | 1 yarn over, insert hook, 1 yarn over, pull up loop, 1 yarn over, draw through all 3 loops. |
dcDouble crochet | trTreble | 1 yarn over, insert hook, 1 yarn over, pull up loop, [1 yarn over, draw through 2 loops] twice. |
trTreble / Triple | dtrDouble treble | 2 yarn overs, insert hook, 1 yarn over, pull up loop, [1 yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 3 times. |
dtrDouble treble | trtrTriple treble | 3 yarn overs, insert hook, 1 yarn over, pull up loop, [1 yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 4 times. |
incIncrease | incIncrease | Work 2 stitches into the exact same stitch of the previous row. |
dec / sc2togDecrease | dec / dc2togDecrease | Work 2 stitches together (use front loops only for seamless invisible decrease). |
MR / MCMagic ring / circle | MR / MCMagic ring / circle | Adjustable loop for working in the round without a center hole. |
FOFasten off | FOFasten off | Cut working yarn and pull through final loop to lock the knot securely. |
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Post stitches, textures & 3D stitches
| US 🇺🇸 / UK 🇬🇧 Terms | Technique description |
|---|---|
BLOBack loop only | Insert hook only under the back loop of the «V» (farthest from you). |
FLOFront loop only | Insert hook only under the front loop of the «V» (closest to you). |
FPdc (US)FPtr (UK)Front post double / treble crochet | Insert hook from front to back and back to front around the stitch post. |
BPdc (US)BPtr (UK)Back post double / treble crochet | Insert hook from back to front and front to back around the stitch post. |
pop / pcPopcorn stitch | 5 double crochets in same stitch, drop loop, insert into 1st dc and pull loop through. |
bo / bobbleBobble stitch | 4 or 5 partial double crochets in same stitch, yarn over and draw through all loops together. |
puff / psPuff stitch | Repeat [1 yarn over, insert, pull up tall loop] multiple times, yarn over, draw through all, ch 1. |
cl / dc3togCluster stitch | Multiple partial stitches across consecutive or same stitch, closed together at top. |
p / picotPicot stitch | Chain 3, then 1 slip stitch into the 1st chain to create a decorative point. |
rev sc / crab stCrab stitch | Single crochets worked backwards from left to right for a firm corded edge. |
Pattern directives & repeats
| US 🇺🇸 / UK 🇬🇧 Terms | Technique description |
|---|---|
st / stsStitch / Stitches | Generic designation for a single stitch (st) or multiple stitches (sts). |
skSkip | Leave a stitch unworked and insert hook directly into the next one. |
sp / ch-spSpace | Work under the chain loop (in the gap) rather than piercing into the yarn strand. |
repRepeat | Repeat the instructions framed by brackets or asterisks the indicated number of times. |
Turn | Turn your piece like turning a book page before starting the next row. |
RSRight side | The decorative front-facing side of the project. |
WSWrong side | The back or inner side of the project. |
remRemaining | Number of unworked stitches left before the end of the row. |
contContinue | Keep working in the established pattern across the specified length. |
togTogether | Work indicated stitches into a single top loop (decrease or cluster). |
tblThrough back loop | Insert hook solely under the back loop of the «V» (synonymous with BLO). |
Gauge / Tension | 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) test swatch to calibrate hook size before beginning. |
Pattern punctuation guide
Enclose a sequence to repeat a set number of times or across the row (e.g., *1 sc, 1 inc* repeat 6 times).
• A group of stitches worked into the same stitch (e.g., (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st).
• The total stitch count at the end of a row (e.g., (36)).
• A sub-sequence to repeat within a larger repeat block (e.g., [1 sc, 1 inc] 3 times, 4 sc repeat 2 times).
• A direct alternative to asterisks for repeats (e.g., [1 sc, 1 inc] x 6).
• Total stitch count at row end (e.g., [36]).
Finishing & assembly
| US 🇺🇸 / UK 🇬🇧 Terms | Technique description |
|---|---|
Join | Connect two pieces together (using crochet hook or tapestry needle). |
sl st joinSlip stitch join | Join two edges using crochet slip stitches for a flat or decorative ridge. |
sc joinSingle crochet join | Connect two pieces by working a single crochet through both layers. |
Whip stitch | Spiral sewing seam using a tapestry needle wrapping over edges. |
Mattress stitch | Edge-to-edge needle seam through inner loops for an invisible joint. |
Weave in ends | Thread leftover yarn tails through stitches with a needle to hide securely. |
International crochet hook size chart
| Metric size (mm) | US hook size 🇺🇸 | Old UK hook size 🇬🇧 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,00 mm | — | 14 |
| 2,25 mm | B-1 | 13 |
| 2,50 mm | — | 12 |
| 2,75 mm | C-2 | — |
| 3,00 mm | — | 11 |
| 3,25 mm | D-3 | 10 |
| 3,50 mm | E-4 | 9 |
| 3,75 mm | F-5 | — |
| 4,00 mm | G-6 | 8 |
| 4,50 mm | 7 | 7 |
| 5,00 mm | H-8 | 6 |
| 5,50 mm | I-9 | 5 |
| 6,00 mm | J-10 | 4 |
| 6,50 mm | K-10.5 | 3 |
| 7,00 mm | — | 2 |
| 8,00 mm | L-11 | 0 |
| 9,00 mm | M-13 | 00 |
| 10,00 mm | N/P-15 | 000 |
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