Beginner pattern reference
Crochet & Knitting Abbreviations
A searchable, beginner-friendly glossary of common pattern terms, crochet and knitting abbreviations, US and UK crochet terminology, and real instructions translated into plain English.
Searchable glossary
Find a pattern term quickly
Abbreviations are not perfectly universal. A designer’s own abbreviation key always takes priority, especially for textured stitches, clusters, cables, and increases.
Show terms
Shared pattern language
16 terms| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| approx | Approximately — the measurement or quantity is an estimate rather than an exact value. |
| beg | Beginning — refers to the start of a row, round, section, or instruction. |
| cont | Continue — keep working according to the established instructions or pattern. |
| ea | Each — apply the instruction to every listed stitch, space, row, or repeat. |
| finished measurement | The expected size of the completed item after finishing or blocking, not necessarily the size while it is being worked. |
| foll | Following — the next stitch, row, round, or instruction described by the pattern. |
| gauge | The number of stitches and rows or rounds in a stated measurement. Matching gauge helps the finished project reach the intended size. |
| patt | Pattern — may mean the written instructions or an established stitch sequence, depending on context. |
| rem | Remain or remaining — the stitches, rows, rounds, or measurements still left. |
| rep | Repeat — work the indicated instruction or sequence again. |
| RS / WS | Right side / wrong side — the intended public-facing side and reverse side of the fabric. |
| st(s) | Stitch or stitches — the number of live or completed stitches referenced in an instruction. |
| tog | Together — combine two or more stitches into one action, usually to create a decrease or cluster. |
| * … * | Repeat the instructions between the asterisks as directed. Some patterns use asterisks for the main repeat. |
| [ … ] | Treat the instructions inside brackets as a group; repeat or work them in one location as the pattern directs. |
| ( … ) | Often shows a stitch count, size-specific instruction, or grouped action. Always check the pattern’s notes. |
Crochet abbreviations
25 terms| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain stitch — the foundation of most crochet projects |
| sl st | Slip stitch — used to join, travel across stitches, or finish an edge with very little added height. |
| sc | Single crochet — the shortest basic stitch, creates a dense fabric. US term. |
| hdc | Half double crochet — taller than sc, shorter than dc. US term. |
| dc | Double crochet — one of the most common stitches, creates a soft fabric. US term. |
| tr | Treble crochet — a tall stitch, often used for open, lacy patterns. US term. |
| dtr | Double treble crochet — an extra-tall US stitch, usually begun with three yarn overs. |
| inc | Increase — work two stitches into the same stitch |
| dec | Decrease — combine two stitches into one (e.g., sc2tog) |
| sc2tog | Single crochet two together — a common single crochet decrease |
| dc2tog | Double crochet two together — a common double crochet decrease |
| sk | Skip — skip the next stitch or chain space |
| sp | Space — a gap between stitches, often created by a chain |
| rnd | Round — used when working in a circle rather than back and forth |
| FO | Fasten off in some patterns. In maker communities, FO can also mean “finished object,” so check the pattern key and context. |
| yo | Yarn over — wrap the yarn around the hook |
| yoh | Yarn over hook — same as yo, used in UK patterns |
| MR / magic ring | Magic ring (also called magic circle) — an adjustable loop used to begin many projects worked in the round. |
| blo | Back loop only — work into the back loop of the stitch only |
| flo | Front loop only — work into the front loop of the stitch only |
| BPdc | Back post double crochet — work a US double crochet around the post from back to front to back. |
| FPdc | Front post double crochet — work a US double crochet around the post from front to back to front. |
| ch-sp | Chain space — the gap created by one or more chain stitches in the previous row |
| CL | Cluster — a group of partially completed stitches joined at the top; the exact construction must be defined by the pattern. |
| pc | Popcorn stitch — several stitches worked into one place and joined to form a raised texture; stitch count varies by pattern. |
Knitting abbreviations
24 terms| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | Knit — the most basic knitting stitch, creates a smooth "V" shape on the right side |
| p | Purl — the reverse of a knit stitch, creates a bumpy texture on the right side |
| CO | Cast on — create the first row of stitches on your needle |
| BO | Bind off (cast off in many UK patterns) — finish an edge and remove stitches from the needle. |
| k2tog | Knit two together — a right-leaning decrease, knit two stitches as one |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit — a commonly used left-leaning decrease. Follow the designer’s stated method when provided. |
| p2tog | Purl two together — a purl-side decrease, purl two stitches as one |
| yo | Yarn over — wrap yarn around the needle to create a new stitch and an eyelet hole |
| kfb | Knit front and back — an increase that creates a small bar. Knit into the front and back of the same stitch. |
| m1 | Make one — increase by one stitch. The exact method varies, so follow the pattern’s M1, M1L, or M1R instructions. |
| m1L / m1R | Make one left / Make one right — directional increases that lean left or right |
| pm | Place marker — put a stitch marker on your needle |
| sm | Slip marker — move the marker from the left needle to the right needle |
| sl | Slip — move a stitch from the left needle to the right needle without working it |
| sl wyif | Slip with yarn in front — slip a stitch while holding the yarn at the front of the work |
| sl wyib | Slip with yarn in back — slip a stitch while holding the yarn at the back of the work |
| dpn | Double-pointed needles — used for knitting in the round on small circumferences |
| rnd(s) | Round(s) — used when working in the round |
| tbl | Through the back loop — work into the back leg of the stitch |
| wyif | With yarn in front — hold the working yarn at the front of the work |
| wyib | With yarn in back — hold the working yarn at the back of the work |
| MC / CC | Main color / contrast color — labels used when a project includes two or more yarn colors. |
| psso | Pass slipped stitch over — lift a previously slipped stitch over another stitch and off the needle. |
| cdd | Centered double decrease — decrease two stitches while keeping the center stitch visually aligned; method may be specified by the designer. |
No matching term was found. Try a shorter search such as dc, yo, increase, or gauge.
Important distinction
US and UK crochet terms
The stitches themselves are the same, but the names are shifted. Confirm the terminology system before you begin, because “double crochet” describes different stitches in US and UK patterns.
Before the first stitch
How to read a pattern with confidence
Confirm US or UK crochet terms and read the designer’s abbreviation key.
Match the stated gauge when size, fit, or yarn quantity matters.
Identify asterisks, brackets, size instructions, and repeated row ranges.
Check the stitch count at the end of each shaping row or round.
Decoded examples
Pattern instructions in plain English
Read the complete instruction once, identify the repeat, and then work it one small action at a time.
Crochet foundation row
Ch 11, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (10 sc)Make 11 chains. Skip the chain closest to the hook, work one US single crochet into the next chain, then single crochet in every remaining chain. The final count should be 10 stitches.
Knitting setup row
CO 20 sts. Row 1 (RS): k all sts.Cast on 20 stitches. With the right side designated as facing you, knit every stitch in the first row.
Repeat to a measurement
Rep Rows 1–4 until piece measures 6 in / 15 cm from CO edge.Repeat Rows 1 through 4 in order. Continue until the work measures 6 inches or 15 centimeters from the cast-on edge, measured flat without stretching.
Crochet increase repeat
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; rep from * around. (18 sts)Chain 1, then repeat this sequence: one single crochet in the next stitch and two single crochets in the following stitch. Continue around and confirm that 18 stitches remain.
Knitted ribbing
Row 1 (RS): K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.Knit the first two stitches. Then repeat purl 2, knit 2 until the row ends. This establishes a 2 × 2 rib pattern.
Common questions
Pattern abbreviation FAQ
Are crochet and knitting abbreviations universal?
No. Many basic abbreviations are widely used, but designers may define special stitches differently. Always read the notes and abbreviation key supplied with the specific pattern.
What does a number in parentheses at the end of a row mean?
It usually gives the stitch count after completing that row or round. In multi-size patterns, parentheses can also contain size-specific numbers, so confirm the pattern’s formatting.
What do asterisks and brackets mean in a pattern?
Asterisks normally mark a sequence to repeat. Brackets group instructions that are repeated or worked into the same location. The exact number of repeats appears after the grouped instruction.
Should I use the listed hook or needle size even when my gauge is wrong?
Use the tool size that helps you match the pattern’s gauge. The listed size is a starting point; your tension, yarn, and technique may require a different size.
Keep learning
Put the glossary beside your next project
Choose a beginner pattern, review the basic stitches, and return here whenever an unfamiliar abbreviation appears.