I'm Looking For A List of Crochet Abbreviations! MEGA LIST

Michael Sellick
Nov 14
14 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Mikey keeps a running list of the crochet abbreviations he uses in his designs. Abbreviations were also picked up from Yarnspirations as they taught their patterns, too. As Mikey encounters new abbreviations, he continually adds them to the list.

Updated November 16, 2025

What is the Purpose of Crochet Abbreviations?

Simple answer, KISS it! Keep it short and straightforward. Patterns can be very wordy if the full explanations are given each time. Let's review an example:

Round 1: Crochet one double crochet in each chain across to the end of the row. Turn project round.

In abbreviations, this would be as follows:

Rnd 1: 1 dc in each ch to end of row. Turn.

There are crochet standards in the USA, set by the Yarn Craft Council, to keep designers in line with standard terminology. Some designers don't know they exist or need to build skills to write instructions in a standard language. It's not easy, and it took me years.

Essentially, designers have to cut the fluff and get to the heart of the instruction.

Everyday Standard Crochet Abbreviations

Each link points to a video tutorial showing how the stitch or instruction is interpreted.

Approx = Approximately
Beg = Begin(ing)
Bet = Between
Ch = Chain
Continuous Rnds = Continuous rounds
Dc = Double crochet
Hdc = Half double crochet
Prev = Previous
Rem = Remain(ing)
Rep = Repeat
Rnd(s) = Round(s)
RS = Right side, Extra Tip to Identify This
Sc = Single crochet
Sk = Skip
Slip Knot = Slip knot
Slip Knot Inv = Slip knot invisible
Sp(s) = Space(s)
St(s) = Stitch(es)
Tog = Together
Tr = Treble
Turn = Turn the project around.
WS = Wrong side
Yoh or Yo = Yarn over hook

Complex Abbreviations

These are instructions that mix what the stitch needs with what it already has.

2 dc cluster st = 2 double crochet cluster stitch.
3 dc cluster st = 3 double crochet cluster stitch.
4 dc cluster st = 4 double crochet cluster stitch.
5 dc cluster st = 5 double crochet cluster stitch.
2 dc popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 2 double crochet.
3 dc popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 3 double crochet.
4 dc popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 4 double crochet.
5 dc popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 5 double crochet.
2 dc shell = 2 double crochet in same stitch.
3 dc shell = 3 double crochet in same stitch.
4 dc shell = 4 double crochet in same stitch.
5 dc shell = 5 double crochet in same stitch.
2 hdc cluster st = 2 half double crochet cluster stitch.
3 hdc cluster st = 3 half double crochet cluster stitch.
4 hdc cluster st = 4 half double crochet cluster stitch.
5 hdc cluster st = 5 half double crochet cluster stitch.
2 hdc popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 2 half double crochet.
3 hdc popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 3 half double crochet.
4 hdc popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 4 half double crochet.
5 hdc popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 5 half double crochet.
2 hdc shell = 2 half double crochet in same stitch.
3 hdc shell = 3 half double crochet in same stitch.
4 hdc shell = 4 half double crochet in same stitch.
5 hdc shell = 5 half double crochet in same stitch.
2 sc shell = 2 single crochet in same stitch.
3 sc shell = 3 single crochet in same stitch.
4 sc shell = 4 single crochet in same stitch.
5 sc shell = 5 single crochet in same stitch.
2 tr cluster st = 2 treble crochet cluster stitch.
3 tr cluster st = 3 treble crochet cluster stitch.
4 tr cluster st = 4 treble crochet cluster stitch.
5 tr cluster st = 5 treble crochet cluster stitch.
2 tr popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 2 treble crochet.
3 tr popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 3 treble crochet.
4 tr popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 4 treble crochet.
5 tr popcorn = Popcorn stitch made up of 5 treble crochet.
2 tr shell = 2 treble crochet in same stitch.
3 tr shell = 3 treble crochet in same stitch.
4 tr shell = 4 treble crochet in same stitch.
5 tr shell = 5 treble crochet in same stitch.
2togextsc = 2 together single crochet stitch
Alt = Alternate or Alternating
Beg Sunset Reflection St = Ch 3, 1 tr in same st (counts as 1), skip 2 sts, place tr4tog by placing 2 of the tog stitches in the next st, skip next 2 stitches, place next 2 tog stitches in the next st. Yoh and pull through 6 loops on hook.
Big V-st(s) = Big V-stitch(es). 1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc using same st. Using the word 'big' is subjective to the designer and may state v-stitch and give the instructions for what it is.
BLO or Blo = Back loop only
Bp = Back Post
Bpdc = Back post double crochet
Break = The colour will be changed at the end of each round or row. Break means to end the colour, fasten off and weave in ends. It is typical to say break while the pattern is in progress, and fastening off is usually used when the project is finished and there is no more to the section or pattern to be completed.
Bs = Bean stitch
Camel St = Camel Stitch
CC = Contrast Colour
Cl or Cluster = Clusters to mean many things. Watch the pattern for the instructions. (Yoh and insert into stitch, yoh and pull through stitch, yoh pull through 2 loops.) 4 times. 5 loops on hook, yoh and pull through all 5 loops.
Cont = Continue
Cr dcfp = Cross Double Crochet Front Post. Miss next dc. Dcfp around post of next dc, then dcfp around post of missed dc.
Crab St = Crab stitch also known as the rsc or reverse single crochet.
Dbl = Double
Dc2tog = Double crochet 2 together.
Dc3tog = Double crochet 3 together.
Dc4tog = Double crochet 4 together.
Dc5tog = Double crochet 5 together.
Dcbp = Double crochet back post. Yoh and draw up a loop around post of next stitch at back of work, inserting hook from left to right. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice.
Dcfp = Double crochet front post Yoh and draw up a loop around post of stitch at front of work, inserting hook from right to left. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice.
Dc blo = Double crochet back loop only
Dc flo = Double crochet front loop only
Dc xst = Double crochet cross stitch.
Dclink = Double crochet link
Dec = Decrease
Dgs = Drunken granny stitch (4 dc. Ch 3. 1 dc) all in same assigned stitch or space.
Dir = Directions
Dk = Dark
Dnt or DO NOT = Do not turn. It is usually bold to get your attention if the designer thinks it's important.
Dtr or Dbl tr = Double treble
Dtrcl = Double Treble Cluster, Yoh twice and draw up a loop in next stitch. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times. Yoh twice and draw up a loop in same stitch. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times. Yoh and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
Ea = Each
Ex dc = Extended double crochet. Yarn over and insert hook into stitch or space. Yarn over and pull through stitch. Yarn over and pull through just one loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.
Ex Picot = Extended picot
Ex sc = Extended single crochet. Extended extended single crochet. Insert hook into st, yoh, pull through, yoh, pull through 1 loop, yoh, pull through next loop, yoh, pull through final 2 loops.
Fig = Figure 1 (picture of stitch)
Flat Petal St = (1 tr, 5 dc, 1 tr) in same st. This stitch spans over 8 stitches.
FLO or Flo = Front loop only
Fo = Fasten off or finish.
Foll = Follow(ing)
Foundation dc = Foundation double crochet to start projects without chaining first.
Foundation hdc = Foundation half double crochet to start projects without chaining first.
Foundation sc = Foundation single crochet to start projects without chaining first.
FP or scfp, hdcfp, dcfp or example = Front post
Frog = Ripping out stitches or project to restart.
Fth = From the hook. Usually used in reference of a location to put a crochet stitch when a chain is involved in some way.
Gr = Group
Hbdc = Herringbone double crochet. Yarn over and insert hook into stitch or space. Yarn over and pull loop through stitch and first loop on hook. Yarn over and pull through just one loop on the hook. Yarn over and pull through two remaining loops on hook.
Hbhdc = Herringbone half double crochet. Yarn over and insert hook into stitch or space. Yarn over and pull loop through stitch and first loop on hook. Yarn over and pull through two remaining loops on hook.
Hbsc = Herringbone single crochet
Hdc = Half double crochet
Hdc2tog = Half double crochet 2 together.
Hdc3tog = Half double crochet 3 together.
Hdc4tog = Half double crochet 4 together.
Hdc5tog = Half double crochet 5 together.
Hdc Join = Half double crochet join to the top of the beg ch or st.
Hdcbp = Half double crochet back post. Yoh and draw up a loop around post of next stitch at back of work, inserting hook from right to left. Yoh and draw through through 3 loops on hook.
Hdcblo = Half double crochet back loop only
Hdcf2l = Half double crochet front two loops only. Yoh and draw up a loop in horizontal bar created by hdc at front of work and front loop in next st. Yoh and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
Hdcf2lCluster = Half double crochet front 2 loops only forming cluster. (Yoh and draw up a loop in horizontal bar created by hdc at front of work and front loop) twice in next st. Yoh and draw through all 5 loops on hook.
Hdcflo = Half double crochet front loops only
Hdcfp = Half double crochet. Yoh and draw up a loop around post of next stitch at front of work, inserting hook from right to left. Yoh and draw through 3 loops on hook.
Hdc Front Horizontal Bar = Half double crochet only in the front horizontal bar when there is half double crochet in the row below.
Hdc Link = Half double crochet link stitch.
Hk = Hook
Htr = Half treble crochet (UK term)
Inc = Increase
Incl = Including
Inst = Instructions
Join = At the end of a round, join to the beginning stitch or top of a beginning chain with a slip stitch.
Ldc = Link double crochet. This abbreviation is shared with long double crochet, but it isn't the same stitch. Refer to the pattern for clarity.
Ldc = Long double crochet
Lhdc = Long half double crochet
Lp(s) = Loop(s). Referencing to loops on the hook or when a loop is dropped to be picked back up or left alone to create texture.
Lsc = Long single crochet
Ltr = Long treble crochet
Lt = Light
MC = Main color. Always use upper case in lettering.
Med = Medium. Usually about sizing.
Miss = Miss is an older term meaning to skip the instructed stitch or space referred to in the pattern.
No. = Number
Pat = Pattern
Pat St = Pattern has a repeat that's indicated on pattern.
Pc rs = Popcorn on right side.
Pc st = Popcorn stitch, see pattern for definitions as not a standard stitch or count.
Pc ws = Popcorn on wrong side.
Picot = Ch 3. Sl st back into last sc worked.
Prev = Previous
Puff St = Puff stitch. This can be a combination of different stitches. Commonly used half double crochet. Linked in the (Yoh and Insert hook into assigned stitch or space. Yoh, draw through stitch or sp, yoh and through 2 loops on hook.) 3 times. Yoh and draw through 3 loops only, leaving the last 2 loops on hook. Yoh and draw through the last 2 loops.
Rsc = Reverse single crochet
Sc2tog = Single crochet 2 together.
Sc3tog = Single crochet 3 together.
Sc4tog = Single crochet 4 together.
Sc5tog = Single crochet 5 together.
Scblo = Single crochet back loops only
Scbp = Single crochet back post
Scf2l = Single crochet front 2 loops only. Draw up a loop in horizontal bar created by hdc at front of work and front loop in next st. Yoh and draw through.
Scflo = Single crochet front loops only
Scfp = Single crochet front post
Sc xst = Single crochet cross stitch.
Shark Fin St = 1 sc, ch 2, sk next 2 sts, 1 tr in next. Ch 3, 6 dc along the tr post. Sk next 2 sts.
Sl cl = Slanted cluster, sk 3 sts, (3 dc, ch 3, 1 sc) in next st.
Sl st = Slip stitch
Spec Tog St = 1 dc + 1 hdc together as a st. The dc will use the next empty or assigned stitch 2 rnds below by going over top of the ch 1 completely so the ch 1 is encased inside the dc. Then use the next hdc st in rnd below to bring them together.
Spike dc = Spike double crochet
Spike hdc = Spike half double crochet
Spike sc = Spike single crochet
Spike tr = Spike treble crochet
Splhdc = Split half double crochet, work hdc between ‘legs’ at front to back of stitch (splitting stitch) instead of through top loops.
Splsc = Split single crochet, work sc between 'legs' at the front to back of stitch (splitting stitch) instead of through top loops.
St(s) = Stitch(es)
Standing Dc = Form split knot and insert onto the hook. Hold knot with finger and wrap the yarn around the hook. Insert into the stitch, you and pull through. (Yoh and pull through 2 loops) twice.
Standing Hdc = Standing half double crochet. Form split knot and insert onto the hook. Hold knot with finger and wrap the yarn around the hook. Insert into the stitch, you and pull through. Yoh and pull through 3 loops.
Standing Sc = Standing single crochet. Form slip knot and insert onto the hook. Insert hook into st, yoh and pull loop through, yoh through 2 loops.
Standing Scbp = Standing single crochet back post.
Standing Tr = Standing treble. Form split knot and insert onto the hook. Hold knot with finger and wrap the yarn around the hook twice. Insert into the stitch, you and pull through. (Yoh and pull through 2 loops) three times.
Sunset Reflection St = Tr6tog spanning over the next 7 stitches. Place 2 tr stitches in first st, skip 2 sts, place 2 stitches in next st, skip 2 stitches, place last 2 stitches in next st. Yoh and pull through all 7 loops.
Tch = Turning chain
Tr2tog = Treble crochet 2 together, Yoh twice and draw up a loop in next stitch. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Repeat from once. Yoh and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
Tr3tog = Treble crochet 3 together.
Tr4tog = Treble crochet 4 together, Yoh twice and draw up a loop in next stitch. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Repeat from 3 times. Yoh and draw through all 5 loops on hook.
Tr5tog = Treble 5 together.
Trbp4tog = Treble crochet back post 4 together, Yoh twice and draw up a loop around post of stitch at back of work, inserting hook from right to left. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Repeat from 3 more times. Yoh and draw through all 5 loops on hook.
Trbp8tog Treble crochet back post 8 together, Yoh twice and draw up a loop around post of stitch at back of work, inserting hook from right to left. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Repeat from 7 more times. Yoh and draw through all 9 loops on hook.
Trblo = Treble back loop only
Trbp = Treble back post, Yoh twice and draw up a loop around post of stitch at back of work, inserting hook from right to left. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) three times.
Trflo = Treble front loop only
Trfp2tog = Treble crochet front post 2 together, Yoh twice and draw up a loop around post of stitch at front of work, inserting hook from right to left. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Repeat from once. Yoh and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
Trfp = Treble front post, Yoh twice and draw up a loop around post of stitch at front of work, inserting hook from right to left. (Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) three times.
Trident Picot = Trident Picot stitch is a concept of stitch.
Ttr = Triple treble
X-st = Skip next st or sp, dc in next st or sp, dc in skipped st or sp. This could have several definitions based on the pattern.
Xsc = Skip the 1st st, 1 sc in next st. 1 sc in the skipped st and directly over the first st to bury it. Yo(h) Yarn over or yarn over hook.
X times = Repeating the instruction the number of times suggested. X is replaced with number for instruction.
Yuh or Yu = Yarn under hook

Pattern Reading Tips

Remember that abbreviations are used like regular punctuation in a sentence. Capitalization matches the sentence structure. Here’s an example:

3rd row: Ch 3, counts as dc here and throughout. 1 dc in each st across. Turn.

Tunisian Abbreviations

2togextsc = 2 together extended single crochet
Beginning cl = Beginning Cluster. Ch 2, yo, insert hook in same sp as joining, yo and draw up a lp to height of ch-2, yo and draw through all lps on hook.
Bind Off = Insert hook into the vertical bar of the next stitch. Yarn over and pull through the two loops on the hook. Repeat until the end of the row.
Brioche St = Tunisian brioche stitch.
Cast on = Cast On (to start project)
Ch = Chain stitch
Cl = Cluster. [Yo, insert hook in specified st, yo and draw up a lp to height of ch-2] twice, yo and draw through all lps on hook.
FwP = Forward pass. Sk first vertical bar; insert hook under next vertical bar, yo and draw up a lp; repeat from across.
Griddle st = Griddle stitch.
Honey Comb St = Tunisian honey comb stitch.
Loh = Loop(s) on hook
Long dc = Yo, insert hook under specified st, yo and draw up a lp to height of row in work, [yo and draw through 2 lps on hook] twice.
Lp(s) = Loop(s).
Mtss = Modified Tunisian simple stitch
Puff Lace St = Puff lace stitch.
Rep = Repeat
RetP = Return pass. Yo and draw through one lp on hook; yo and draw through 2 lps on hook; repeat from until only one lp remains on hook.
Shadow st = Shadow stitch.
Sk = Skip
Sl St = Slip Stitch
St(s) = Stitch(es
Surface slip st = Surface slip stitch. With yarn held on underside, insert hook in indicated stitch, yarn over, pull loop to right side and through loop on hook.
Tds = Tunisian double stitch
Tfs = Tunisian full stitch, Insert hook from front to back under horizontal bar between two sts, yo and pull up a loop.
Thds = Tunisian half double stitch
Textss = Tunisian extended simple stitch
Tinc = Tunisian increase stitch. Insert hook in top loop of horizontal strand between last 2 stitches, yarn over and pull up a loop.
Tks = Tunisian knit stitch. Holding working yarn behind work, insert hook through work from front to back between strands of next vertical bar, yarn over and draw up a loop.
Tlds = Tunisian lace double stitch.
Tps = Tunisian purl stitch. Bring yarn to front, insert hook under next front vertical bar as if to work Tunisian simple stitch, bring yarn across front of vertical bar and to back, yarn over and pull up a loop.
Tpicot st = Tunisian picot stitch.
Trs = Tunisian reverse stitch
Tss = Tunisian simple stitch, Insert hook from right to left under next vertical bar, yo and pull up a lp.
Tss2tog = Tunisian simple stitch 2 together which means decrease. Working from right to left, holding working yarn behind work, insert hook under next 2 vertical bars, yarn over and pull up a loop.
Tssl = Tunisian simple slanted stitch
Tstw = Tunisian simple twisted stitch
Ttr = Tunisian treble stitch
Yo = Yarn over

Measurements and Repeating Standards

“ or in = Inch
cm = Centimeter
dia = Diameter
g = Gram
m = Meter
mm = Millimeter
oz = Ounce
yd(s) = Yard(s)
* = Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed.
** = Repeat instructions between the asterisks as many times as directed or repeat at specified locations.
{ } = Work instructions within the brackets as many times as directed.
[ ] = Work instructions within the brackets as many times as directed.
( ) = Work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed or work a group of stitches all in the same stitch or space.

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