Crochet is a delightful craft that brings together yarn, hooks, and creativity. However, like any craft, it has its own set of languages and terminologies that can sometimes feel like a secret code.
One of the key elements in crochet patterns is the use of abbreviations. These shorthand notations streamline instructions, making patterns quicker and easier to follow. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, familiarising yourself with these abbreviations can significantly enhance your crochet experience. Let’s dive into the most common crochet abbreviations and what they mean!
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If you want to learn any crochet stitches or need a refresher, here are video tutorials for UK and US crochet stitches.
ch – Chain: This is the foundation stitch for most crochet projects. It’s the loop you create on the hook to start your work.
dc – Double Crochet: This is a basic stitch that creates a small, tight stitch. It’s often used in amigurumi and other projects that require dense fabric.
tr – Treble Crochet: This stitch is taller than a double crochet, giving your work a more open and airy texture. It’s great for making blankets and shawls.
dtr – Double Treble Crochet: This stitch is even taller than the treble crochet, creating a loose and lacy fabric. It’s perfect for garments and shawls.
slst – Slip Stitch: This stitch is used to join rounds or to move from one stitch to another without creating any height.
htr – Half Treble Crochet: This stitch is a happy medium between double and treble crochet, offering a fabric that’s a bit more textured than double crochet but not as airy as treble crochet.
2tog – Crochet Two Together: This decrease stitch reduces the number of stitches, helping to shape your work.
sp – Space: Refers to the gap between stitches where you will insert your hook to create a new stitch.
rnd or round: Indicates that the instructions are to be worked in a continuous circle, typical in amigurumi and hats.
dtr – Double Treble Crochet: This stitch is taller than a treble crochet, creating an even looser and lacier fabric.
BL – Back Loop: A stitch worked in the back loop of the stitch, creating a unique texture and thickness in your fabric.
FL– Front Loop: This technique works in the front loop only, creating a raised texture on the back.
BP – Back Post Treble: This stitch involves crocheting around the post of a stitch, giving the fabric a textured, ribbed effect.
FP – Front Post: Similar to back post crochet, this stitch is worked around the front of the stitch post, creating a raised, textured design.
TL – Third Loop Crochet: Crocheting into this loop pushes the front two loops forward, resulting in a distinctive ribbed effect perfect for adding dimension to hats, cuffs, and blankets.
Use a Cheat Sheet: Keep a handy reference sheet of abbreviations by your side as you work on your projects. It can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re just starting out.
Practice Swatches: Create small swatches to practice different stitches and their abbreviations. This helps you become more familiar with the terms and their execution.
Read Patterns Carefully: Pay attention to the key or legend in your pattern. It will provide you with the abbreviations used and their meanings, ensuring you’re on the right track.
Hi, I’m Andrea!
I am a wife and mum of 6 kids.
I love to camp, eat chocolate and I’m addicted to crochet!
Floornament was born out of a love of crochet and a desire to create crochet patterns so that others can decorate their home with beautiful crochet floor rugs.
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