Master Crochet Abbreviations: US vs UK Terms & Glossary
When you first begin reading crochet patterns, the strings of letters like ch 3, sk 2, dc in next sp, blo sc can feel like an entirely foreign language. Fortunately, crochet abbreviations are simply an efficient shorthand that designers use to keep pattern instructions concise and easy to navigate.
In this master reference guide, we break down standard US crochet abbreviations, compare them side-by-side with UK equivalents, explain special stitch shorthand, and provide quick conversion tips so you can read any pattern in the world without hesitation.
US vs. UK Crochet Terms: The Critical Difference
The single most common cause of sizing and shape errors in crochet is confusing US and UK terminology. While both systems use the same names (like “single crochet” or “double crochet”), they refer to completely different stitch heights! Always check which country’s system a designer is using before starting row 1.
Master Glossary of Standard Crochet Abbreviations
Below is the alphabetical reference guide to standard Craft Yarn Council abbreviations used across modern patterns:
| Abbreviation | Full Meaning | Description / Action |
|---|---|---|
| beg | Beginning | Refers to the start of a round or row |
| bet | Between | Working into the space between two stitches |
| BLO | Back Loop Only | Insert hook under only the rear strand of the top ‘V’ |
| BPdc | Back Post Double Crochet | Work around the post from back to front to create ribbing |
| ch / chs | Chain / Chains | The foundational loop of crochet |
| ch-sp | Chain Space | The gap formed beneath one or more chains |
| cl / cluster | Cluster | A group of partial stitches joined together at the top |
| dec | Decrease | Combining 2 or more stitches into 1 to narrow the fabric |
| FLO | Front Loop Only | Insert hook under only the front strand of the top ‘V’ |
| FPdc | Front Post Double Crochet | Work around the vertical post from front to back to create cable relief |
| inc | Increase | Work 2 or more stitches into the exact same stitch |
| MR | Magic Ring | An adjustable starting loop that pulls tightly shut |
| pop / pc | Popcorn Stitch | 5 completed dc in one st, joined top-to-bottom for 3D puff texture |
| puff | Puff Stitch | Multiple yarn-over pull-ups held on hook, closed together with ch 1 |
| rem | Remaining | The stitches left unworked in the row |
| rep | Repeat | Repeat the instruction section indicated |
| rnd / rnds | Round / Rounds | Working circularly without turning work inside out |
| RS / WS | Right Side / Wrong Side | The public display side vs. back interior side of fabric |
| sk | Skip | Leave designated stitches unworked |
| sp / sps | Space / Spaces | Open holes created by chains |
| st / sts | Stitch / Stitches | Individual loops completed |
| tog | Together | Work designated stitches together as one decrease |
| yo | Yarn Over | Wrap working yarn over the hook from back to front |
Understanding Symbols, Brackets, and Asterisks
- Asterisks (* … *): Instructions between asterisks should be repeated across the row as many times as specified. For example:
*1 sc, 2 dc* repeat from * to end of row. - Square Brackets [ … ]: Work all enclosed instructions into the exact same stitch or space. For example:
[3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in corner ch-sp. - Parentheses ( … ): Used to indicate total stitch counts at the end of a row (e.g., “(24 sts)”) or to group actions performed as a single unit.
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