Quick answer: Key crochet abbreviations: ch (chain), sc (single crochet), dc (double crochet), sl st (slip stitch), FO (finished object). Key knitting abbreviations: CO (cast on), BO (bind off), k (knit), p (purl). This glossary covers all the abbreviations you will find in crochet and knitting patterns.
Crocheting and knitting are creative and enjoyable crafts, but understanding and mastering the common terms is the first step to success for beginners. As a professional crochet blogger, I'm here to introduce you to some essential crochet terms that will help you better understand and apply these techniques. Whether you’re using the dazzling BlingBling Yarn or any other yarn, these terms are fundamental to your crocheting journey.
What Are Common Crochet and Knitting Abbreviations?
approx = approximately
beg= begin/beginning
bet = between
BL or BLO = back loop or back loop only
bo = bobble
BP = back post
BPdc = back post double crochet
BPdtr = back post double treble crochet
BPhdc = back post half double crochet
BPsc = back post single crochet
BPtr = back post treble crochet
CC = contrasting color
ch = chain stitch
ch- = refer to chain or space previously made, e.g., ch-1 space
ch-sp = chain space
CL = cluster
cont = continue
dc = double crochet
dc2tog = double crochet 2 stitches together
dec = decrease
dtr = double treble crochet
edc = extended double crochet
ehdc = extended half double crochet
esc = extended single crochet
etr = extended treble crochet
FL or FLO = front loop or front loop only
foll = following
FP = front post
FPdc = front post double crochet
FPdtr = front post double treble crochet
FPhdc = front post half double crochet
FPsc = front post single crochetFPtr
hdc = half double crochet
hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 stitches together
inc= increase
lp = loop
m = marker
MC= main color
pat or patt = pattern
pc= popcorn stitch
pm= place marker
prev = previous
ps or puff = puff stitch
rem = remaining
rep = repeat
rnd= round
RS= right side
sc= single crochet
sc2tog= single crochet 2 stitches together
sh = shell
sk = skip
sl st = slip stitch
sm or sl m = slip marker
sp = space
st = stitch
tbl= through back loop
tch or t-ch = turning chain
tog= together
tr = treble crochet
tr2tog = treble crochet 2 stitches together
trtr= triple treble crochet
WS = wrong side
yo = yarn over
yoh= yarn over hook
