Crochet patterns are written in short codes so a whole row fits on one line. Below is every code we use in our patterns and stitch guide, with the UK version beside it. Tap a stitch to see plain steps.
The one thing to know first: US and UK patterns use the same words for different stitches. US single crochet (sc) is UK double crochet (dc). US double crochet (dc) is UK treble (tr). If a project comes out far too tall or too short, this is usually why.
Crochet abbreviations chart
| US | Meaning | UK |
|---|---|---|
ch | chain | ch |
sl st | slip stitch | ss |
sc | single crochet | dc |
hdc | half double crochet | htr |
dc | double crochet | tr |
tr | treble crochet | dtr |
MR | magic ring | MR |
inc | increase | inc |
sc2tog / invdec | decrease (sc2tog / invisible) | dc2tog |
FLO | front loop only | FLO |
BLO | back loop only | BLO |
pc | popcorn | pc |
shell | shell | shell |
V-st | v-stitch | V-st |
3-dc cl | granny cluster | 3-tr cl |
tch | turning chain | tch |
FO | fasten off | FO |
weave in | weave in ends | weave in |
dtr | double treble crochet | trtr |
dc2tog | double crochet 2 together (1 stitch decreased) | tr2tog |
sk | skip | miss |
yo | yarn over | yrh (yarn round hook) |
st(s) | stitch(es) | st(s) |
sp | space: the gap under a chain | sp |
ch-2 sp | the gap made by 2 chains in the row before | ch-2 sp |
rep | repeat | rep |
rnd | round | rnd |
RS / WS | right side / wrong side of the work | RS / WS |
pm | place a stitch marker | pm |
tog | together | tog |
US to UK crochet terms
| US term | UK term |
|---|---|
| sc | dc |
| hdc | htr |
| dc | tr |
| tr | dtr |
| dtr | trtr |
| sc2tog | dc2tog |
| dc2tog | tr2tog |
| skip (sk) | miss |
| yarn over (yo) | yarn round hook (yrh), crochet only |
| gauge | tension |
Symbols and short words
| You see | It means |
|---|---|
* | Marks the start of a part you repeat. "*sc in next st, inc; rep from * 6 times" means do the part after the star 6 times. |
( ) | Work everything inside into one stitch or space, like "(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next sp". At the end of a line, a number in brackets is the stitch count you should have, like "(29 hdc)". |
[ ] | A group to repeat, followed by how many times, like "[k4, M1] 3 times". |
across / around | To the end of the row / all the way around the round. |
Want to see these in a real pattern? The Ridge Dishcloth and the Round Coaster show each line in plain words with the codes under it. Our guide on how to read a crochet pattern walks through a few lines.
Questions
What does sc mean in crochet?
In US patterns sc means single crochet. UK patterns call the same stitch double crochet and write it dc.
Why does dc mean two different stitches?
US and UK patterns name stitches one step apart. A US double crochet (dc) is a UK treble (tr), and a UK double crochet (dc) is a US single crochet (sc). Check which terms a pattern uses before you start. It is usually stated near the top.
How can I tell if a pattern uses US or UK terms?
Look for a note near the top. If there is none, look for "sc": only US patterns use it. "htr" or "miss" means UK. A pattern from a US designer or a US yarn brand is usually US terms.
What does sc2tog mean?
Single crochet 2 together. You start a single crochet in one stitch, start another in the next stitch, then finish them as one. It takes away one stitch. UK patterns write dc2tog.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app has this whole chart built in. Pick US or UK terms once and the stitch guide and our patterns follow it. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
