Crochet Abbreviations
Crochet abbreviations are used in patterns. If you are new to crochet, it may take you a bit to get used to seeing short form abbreviations in the instructions. This is done so that patterns don’t have to be mini novels. It can simplify instructions. The list is general and typically if a designer has used something unusual, they generally make a note and explain the abbreviation.
Crochet abbreviations and terminology has become standard thanks to the Yarn Craft Council of America. It is council where yarn companies and designers come together to create standards where yarn users, like you and I, can count on being the same. If you look at yarn ball labels in the major retailers, you will notice the terminology, symbols and more are similar between all major yarn manufacturers.
Not everyone follows this standard, there are some new designers that are unaware of standards that are in place and may make up their own abbreviations. Usually these type of patterns are self published. Following a standard makes it easier for everyone.
The terms are in North American Standards.
Download the Abbreviations List Here
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Have a pattern for a shawl that says “corner”, but no instructions on how to do that. It’s the point of the shawl. HELP please.
This is very useful not all patterns give definisions of abrv
Most long term pattern writers DO leave a list of abbreviations used in pattern as well as special stitches. If you do no understand the stitch, give the pattern writer a call and nicely ask her you need how many chains, and stitches do you need. If you need help, yell for me or any of the ladies and you will ge the help you need.
That’s solid advice and yes, many patterns do have the meaning of the special stitching as well.
I have been writing my own crochet patterns and have followed all of the abbreviations, but I have many of the abbreviations in caps, such as SC and DC. Should I go back and change my patterns to have them lower case, as you have listed? Does this make them incorrect for the standard or is it interchangeable? Thanks!
No really. I don’t think that is a deal breaker. I have done that too. Usually when a sentence starts like “Dc in the first stitch.” the first letter is capitalized because it’s the first letter of the sentence. I think you are fine.