Reference
Stitch abbreviation glossary
Look up any crochet or knitting abbreviation, what it stands for, and how to work it. Crochet terms differ between the US and the UK, so each entry notes both. A US single crochet is a UK double crochet, which is the mix-up that trips up most patterns.
Every abbreviation, A to Z
Alternative spellings are listed separately, so whichever way your pattern writes it, it is here.
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Basic stitches
chChainThe starting row of loops most crochet begins from.dcDouble crochetA tall, quick stitch. This is the UK treble, and the UK double crochet is our single.dtrDouble treble crochetA very tall stitch that starts with three yarn overs. Triple treble in UK terms.hdcHalf double crochetA medium-height stitch between single and double. UK half treble.scSingle crochetThe short, dense workhorse stitch. Called double crochet in UK terms.sl stSlip stitchThe shortest crochet stitch, used to join and to move across.trTreble crochetA very tall stitch with two yarn overs to start. UK double treble.t-chTurning chainThe chains made at the start of a row to lift the yarn to stitch height.garterGarter stitchKnit every row; the ridged, squishy, beginner-friendly fabric.kKnitThe fundamental knitting stitch, the smooth V on the front.pPurlThe reverse of the knit stitch, a small bump on the front.St stStockinetteKnit one row, purl the next; the smooth V fabric. UK stocking stitch.
Increases
incIncreaseTwo stitches worked into one to add width or shape a round.kfbKnit front and backAn increase that gets two stitches out of one, leaving a small purl bar.M1Make oneA nearly invisible increase lifted from the bar between two stitches.pfbPurl front and backThe purl-side version of kfb, turning one stitch into two.yoYarn overWrapping the yarn to add a stitch and a small hole, the basis of lace.
Decreases
dc2togDouble crochet two togetherTwo double crochets worked together into one, for a gentle taper.decInvisible decreaseTwo stitches joined into one to shape and close amigurumi neatly.sc2togSingle crochet two togetherThe standard crochet decrease: two single crochets closed into one stitch.cddCentered double decreaseA double decrease that stands straight up with a raised centre stitch.k2togKnit two togetherA right-leaning decrease that knits two stitches as one.pssoPass slipped stitch overLifting a slipped stitch over a worked one to decrease, the way binding off does.p2togPurl two togetherA right-leaning decrease worked on the purl side, the mirror of k2tog.sk2pSlip one, knit two together, pass overA double decrease that removes two stitches and leans left.sskSlip slip knitA left-leaning decrease, the mirror of k2tog.sspSlip slip purlA left-leaning decrease worked on the purl side, the mirror of p2tog.
Texture
bpdcBack post double crochetA double crochet worked around a post from behind, pushing it back. Back post treble in UK terms.boBobbleA puffy ball of part-worked stitches closed together, popping off the fabric.clClusterSeveral stitches worked to their last loop and closed together as one.fpdcFront post double crochetA double crochet worked around the post of a stitch, pushing it forward. UK front post treble.pcPopcorn stitchA group of finished stitches folded and pulled closed into a raised pouch.puffPuff stitchSeveral loose loops drawn up in one stitch and closed together into a soft mound.shShellA fan of complete tall stitches all worked into one stitch.ribRibbingAlternating columns of knit and purl that make a stretchy, springy fabric.seedSeed stitchAlternating knits and purls that stack offset into a pebbly texture. UK moss stitch.
Techniques
bloBack loop onlyWorking into just the back loop of a stitch, leaving a ridge on the front.ch-spChain spaceThe gap under a run of chains, worked into as if it were a stitch.fscFoundation single crochetA chainless start that makes the foundation chain and first row of single crochet at once.floFront loop onlyWorking under the near loop of a stitch, leaving a ridge on the back.MRMagic ringAn adjustable loop that starts crochet in the round with no hole.slip knotSlip knotThe adjustable starting loop that puts the first working loop on your hook or needle.yoYarn over (crochet)Wrapping the yarn around the hook, the single move every crochet stitch is built from.COCast onPutting the first row of stitches onto the needle.slSlip stitch (knitting)Moving a stitch from one needle to the other without working it.tblThrough the back loopWorking into the far side of a stitch, which twists it at the base.wyifWith yarn in frontWhere to hold the working yarn while slipping a stitch, which decides if the strand shows.w&tWrap and turnThe short-row move that turns mid-row without leaving a hole.
Finishing
FOFasten offCutting the yarn and securing the last loop so the work cannot unravel.pPicotA tiny closed chain loop that adds a decorative point to an edge.rev scReverse single crochetSingle crochet worked backwards along an edge, making a twisted corded border. Also called crab stitch.BOBind offSecuring the last row so the knitting cannot unravel.mattress stMattress stitchAn almost invisible vertical seam worked from the right side.
Pattern notation
Shorthand that shows up in patterns but is not a stitch. These have no page of their own, so here they are in full.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
st, sts | Stitch, stitches |
sp | Space |
sk | Skip |
beg | Beginning |
rep | Repeat |
rnd, rnds | Round, rounds |
rem | Remaining |
tog | Together |
prev | Previous |
RS | Right side, the public face of the fabric |
WS | Wrong side, the reverse of the fabric |
pm | Place marker |
sm | Slip marker |
MC | Main colour |
CC | Contrast colour |
patt | Pattern |
foll | Following |
alt | Alternate |
WIP | Work in progress, a project you have not finished |