Below is a long list of abbreviations in Alphabetical order for crochet abbreviations that appear in written patterns. The Yarn Council of America is looking to ensure patterns are standardized so that people don't come up with weird combinations for existing abbreviations. Click read more to get the list of all the abbreviations that can help you.
Helpful Tip When Reading Instructions
4th rnd: RS. Ch 1. *1 sc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, sk next st, 3 dcfp in next st, sk next st, 2 hdc in next st, 1 sc in next st. Rep from * around. Turn. Join. 9 sts, 45 sts.
Above is an example of an instruction. You will notice below that the first letter of the abbreviation is capitalized. It is because it's a start of a new sentence. When the instructions are presented, it's like a full sentence so that if the abbreviation is not the first word of a new sentence, it will stay the lower case. There are some exceptions like RS (right side) and WS (wrong side) but I don't really know why and some pattern writers do it both ways.
Pattern Instruction Abbreviations
- Alt = Alternate
- Approx = Approximately
- Beg = Begin(ning)
- Blo = Back Loop Only
- Bs = Bean Stitch
- CC = Contrasting Colour
- Ch = Chain(s)
- Cl = Cluster
- Cont = Continue
- Dtr = Double Treble
- Dc = Double Crochet
- Dcbp = Double Crochet Back Post
- Dcfp = Double Crochet Front Post
- Dec = Decrease
- Dir = Directions
- Dk = Dark
- Dnt = Do Not Turn
- Ea = Each
- Ex sc = Extended Single Crochet
- Fig = Figure 1, 2 or 3 and etc (picture or diagram on pattern)
- Flo = Front Loop Only
- Fo = Fasten Off
- Foll = Following
- Gr = Group
- Hdc = Half Double Crochet
- Hdcbp = Half Double Crochet Back Post
- Hdcfp = Half Double Crochet Front Post
- Hk = Hook
- Inc = Increase
- Incl = Including
- Ldc = Long Double Crochet
- Lsc = Long Single Crochet
- Lp(s) = Loop(s)
- Lsc = Long Single Crochet
- Lt = Light
- Pat = Pattern or Pattern Stitch
- Pc = Popcorn
- Prev = Previous
- Rem = Remaining
- Rep = Repeat(ing)
- Rnd(s) = Round(s)
- RS = Right Side
- Rsc = Reverse Single Crochet aka Crab Stitch
- Sc = Single Crochet
- Scbp = Single Crochet Back Post
- Scfp = Single Crochet Front Post
- Sk = Skip
- Sp(s) = Space(s)
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- Tch = Turning Chain
- Tog = Together
- Tr = Treble
- Trbp = Treble Back Post
- Trfp = Treble Front Post
- x times = Number of Times to Repeat
- WS = Wrong Side
- Yoh = Yarn Over Hook
Technical Abbreviations
- G = Grams
- In = Inches
- M = Metres / Meters
- MC = Main Colour
- Med = Medium
- No. = Number
- mm = Millimetres
- Oz = Ounces
- Yds = Yards
Tracey says
I haven't crocheted since I was a teenager. I have just picked it back up and I have a pattern that says "EMPTY: Empty Shell". Can you explain what this is?
Mikey says
Tracey, I've never heard of that before. Does it define what an empty shell is?
karen Turner says
"Row 1: Sc in 3rd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * until you have reached that same color change again, rip back 2-3 sts to the last sc, turn. You will not use the entire beginning chain, leave the rest of the chain unworked."
What does the RIP back 2-3 sts mean?
Mikey says
Afternoon Karen. Hmmmm that's strange. I'm really not sure. I've not seen that before.
karen Turner says
Thanks for you response. It seems to be common with plaid yarn patterns. I am stumped.
???
Mikey says
I'm too. I've never seen that before.