Common crochet abbreviations and symbols found in patterns include:
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st – stitch
- inc – increase
- dec – decrease
- rep – repeat
- rnd – round
Symbols
- asterisk (*) – indicates a point where you should repeat a set of stitches
- parentheses ( ) – enclose sets of stitches that should be worked together
- brackets [ ] – used to indicate a group of stitches that should be worked together or the number of times a set of stitches should be repeated
- plus sign (+) – used to indicate where multiple stitches should be worked into the same stitch or space
- bullet point (•) – used to indicate a specific point or instruction
Additional Abbreviations
Some patterns may also use additional abbreviations that are less common but still important to know. These can include:
- yo – yarn over
- blo – back loop only
- flo – front loop only
- hdc – half double crochet
- htr – half treble crochet
- sk – skip
- sl – slip
- tog – together
- ws – wrong side
- rs – right side
Understanding Abbreviations and Symbols
Abbreviations and symbols are used in crochet patterns to make them more concise and easier to read. Once you familiarize yourself with these common abbreviations and symbols, you’ll be able to follow crochet patterns with ease. Here are a few tips to help you understand and remember them:
- Practice makes perfect – The more you crochet and encounter these abbreviations and symbols, the more familiar they will become to you.
- Refer to a crochet abbreviation guide – Keep a handy guide or cheat sheet of crochet abbreviations and symbols for quick reference.
- Read the pattern carefully – Make sure to carefully read through the entire pattern before you start to ensure you understand all the abbreviations and symbols used.
- Look up unfamiliar terms – If you come across an abbreviation or symbol you’re not familiar with, don’t hesitate to look it up in a crochet dictionary or online resource.
Practical Example
Let’s look at a practical example to see how these abbreviations and symbols are used in a crochet pattern:
Pattern: ch 20, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn (19 sc)
In this pattern, the abbreviations and symbols are used as follows:
- ch 20 – chain 20 stitches
- sc – single crochet
- 2nd ch from hook – work the single crochet stitch in the second chain from the hook
- turn – turn your work to start the next row
- (19 sc) – you should have 19 single crochet stitches at the end of this row