Crochet Terms and Abbreviations
A Beginner’s Guide
Learn crochet abbreviations, UK and US stitch terms, and how to read crochet patterns with confidence.
1. Introduction
Crochet patterns can feel confusing at first, especially with all the abbreviations and different terms.
This guide will help you understand the basics so you can follow patterns with confidence.
Whether you’re following your first crochet pattern or trying to understand unfamiliar abbreviations, this guide covers the most common crochet terms you’ll encounter.
2. UK or US terminology
Crochet patterns can use either US or UK terminology. Some stitches have different names depending on whether the pattern uses UK or US terminology, so it’s important to check whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before you start.
Example:
UK dc = US sc
UK htr = US hdc
UK tr = US dc
3. Most Common Crochet Abbreviations
- dtr = double treble crochet
- ch = chain
- ss = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet (UK)
- htr = half treble crochet
- tr = treble crochet
4. Pattern Abbreviations You’ll Often Seen
- rep = repeat
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- sp = space
- beg = beginning
- tog = together
- inc = increase
- dec = decrease
5. Understanding Abbreviations
Crochet patterns use abbreviations to keep instructions simple and quick to read.
UK term | Abbreviation | What it does | US term |
|---|---|---|---|
Chain | ch | The foundation of almost every project | Chain (ch) |
Slip Stitch | ss | Joins rounds or moves yarn without adding height | Slip Stitch (sl st) |
Double Crochet | dc | Short stitch, commonly used in rows and blankets | Single Crochet (sc) |
Half Treble Crochet | htr | Slightly taller than dc; adds flexibility | Half Double Crochet (hdc) |
Treble Crochet | tr | Taller stitch creating a more open texture | Double Crochet (dc) |
Double Treble Crochet | dtr | Very tall stitch, often decorative | Treble (tr) |
Magic Ring | MR | Starts projects worked in the round | Magic Ring (MR) |
Tip: Always check if the pattern is in UK or US terminology before starting.
6. How Patterns Are Written
Most patterns include the following information:
- Materials – yarn, hook size, and extras
- Abbreviations / Terminology – the terms used (it should state if it is using US or UK terminology)
- Pattern notes – often important information is provided in this section
- Instructions – step-by-step instructions on how to make the item
You may also see:
Photos of the finished item – it is good practice to include a photo of the finished item.
Gauge – number of stitches per measurement, this is important for projects where sizing is critical (such as with garments)
Finished Size – intended dimensions
Skills Required/Crochet Level – sometimes the pattern will outline the skills required to embark on the project or whether it is suitable for beginner/intermediate/advanced crocheters
Example of these sections in a written pattern
Read the pattern fully before starting to avoid surprises.
7. UK Crochet Stitches: How to Work Them
Chain (ch)
- Make a slip knot on your hook.
- Yarn over (wrap yarn over the hook) and pull through the loop on the hook.
- Repeat for the number of chains you need.
Slip Stitch (ss)
- Insert hook into the stitch or space.
- Yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
Double Crochet (dc)
- Insert hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through both loops.
Half Treble Crochet (htr)
- Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
Treble Crochet (tr)
- Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops.
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops.
Double Treble Crochet (dtr)
- Yarn over twice, insert hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops.
- Yarn over and pull through the next 2 loops.
- Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops.
8. Working in Rows or in the Round
Patterns will tell you how the project is constructed.
- Rows are worked back and forth, turning at the end of each row
- Rounds are worked continuously in a circle or square
The pattern will clearly label each step as either a row or a round, so you always know where you are.
Working in Rows
- Start with a chain forming the width
- Turn work at the end of each row
- Common for blankets, scarves, garments
- Add rows to reach desired length
Working in Rounds
- Common for granny squares, circular motifs, doilies, hats
- Add rounds to reach desired size
- Start in the centre with a magic ring or a ring made by joining chains. Find out more by clicking the button below:
9. How to Read Pattern Instructions
Most instructions are written like this:
Example (UK terms):
Chain 25
Row 1: Work 1 tr in the 4 ch from the hook and 1 tr in each ch
Row 2: Turn, ch 3, 1 tr in each st across
Step-by-step:
- Make 25 chains
- 1 treble crochet in 4th chain from hook
- 1 tr in each chain across
- Turn work
- Ch 3 to reach correct row height
- 1 tr in each stitch across
UK tr → US dc
10. Number of Stitches
Some patterns will often give a stitch count at the end of each row or round.
This tells you how many stitches you should have at the end of a row or round, helping you check that you haven’t accidentally added or missed any stitches.
For example:
Row 1: 1 dc in the 2nd ch from the hook and 1 dc in each ch across (20 sts)
11. Understanding Pattern Repeats
Crochet patterns often use symbols such as asterisks, brackets, and parentheses to show instructions that need to be repeated.
Asterisk (*)
An asterisk marks the beginning of a repeat. The pattern will tell you where to repeat from, often using wording such as “repeat from * to *”.
Example:
*1 dc in next st, ch 1*; repeat from * to *.
This means you repeat 1 dc, ch 1.
Brackets [ ]
Brackets group stitches that should be repeated together.
Example:
[3 tr, ch 2] 4 times
This means you work 3 treble crochet stitches and 2 chains, then repeat that sequence a total of four times.
Parentheses ( )
Parentheses ( ) are commonly used to show stitch counts, group stitches worked into the same space, or indicate how many times an instruction should be repeated. They can also be used to provide optional information. Always check the pattern notes, as designers may use them slightly differently.
Examples:
- Stitch count – e.g. Row 4: 1 dc in each st across. (24 sts)
- Grouping stitches – e.g. (2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr) in next ch-2 sp
- Repeating a set of instructions – 2 dc in next st (5 times)
- Optional information – e.g. Join with a slip stitch (do not turn).
12. Quick Reference Card
Common Stitches (UK → US)
- ch → ch
- ss → sl st
- dc → sc
- htr → hdc
- tr → dc
- dtr → tr
Row vs Round
- Rows: back-and-forth, turn at end
- Rounds: start in centre, work outward
Reading Patterns
Stitch counts help check work
Gauge & finished size guide project dimensions
Abbreviations save time
13. Tips for Beginners
- Check UK vs US terms before starting
- Keep a conversion chart handy
- Look up unfamiliar stitches rather than guessing
- Practice new stitches on scrap yarn first
14. You might also like
Learning crochet terminology can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basic abbreviations, stitch names, and pattern structure, reading crochet patterns becomes much easier. Keep this guide bookmarked as a quick reference whenever you come across an unfamiliar crochet term or abbreviation.