Why crochet patterns use abbreviations

Abbreviations keep a repeated set of instructions short enough to scan while your hands are busy. A good pattern defines its own terms, so always use the included key first. The same letters can mean different stitches in US and UK terminology.

The core stitch abbreviations

In US terms, ch means chain, sl st means slip stitch, sc means single crochet, hdc means half double crochet, dc means double crochet, and tr or tc means treble crochet. A number after the abbreviation tells you how many times to work it: sc 6 means one single crochet in each of the next six stitches.

  • st or sts: stitch or stitches
  • sp: a chain space or other named space
  • RS / WS: right side and wrong side
  • FO: fasten off
  • MR or mgc: magic ring or magic circle

What if a crochet abbreviation is unfamiliar?

Not every abbreviation is universal. For example, some designers use edc for extended double crochet, while another pattern may define its shorthand differently. Check the abbreviation key supplied by the designer before relying on a general list. If a term is missing, look for a technique note or contact the designer rather than guessing.

Shaping abbreviations

An increase adds stitches, while a decrease removes them. Inc commonly means work two single crochets into one stitch. Dec often means combine the next two stitches with an invisible decrease. Patterns using taller stitches may specify dc-inc or dc2tog so you know which stitch is being shaped.

Where you place the hook

BLO means back loops only and FLO means front loops only. Unless the pattern says otherwise, insert the hook under both top loops. Working into only one loop leaves the unused loop visible as a ridge, which can create ribbing, a fold line, or the gill texture beneath an amigurumi mushroom cap.

How repeats are written

A phrase inside parentheses followed by a multiplication symbol is repeated as one unit. For example, (sc, inc) × 6 means work one single crochet and one increase six times. The final number printed beside a round is normally the expected stitch count, not another instruction.

Keep the key beside your work

Write unfamiliar abbreviations on a small note or keep the PDF key visible. Translate one instruction at a time, mark the first stitch of a round, and verify the total before continuing. Familiarity arrives naturally after seeing the same compact language across several projects.