Glossary / Chain space
ch-spChain space
The gap under a run of chains, worked into as if it were a stitch.
Also written: ch sp, sp
How to work it
When a pattern chains over a gap, the hole underneath those chains is a chain space. Instructions like 3 dc in next ch-sp mean insert your hook into the hole itself, underneath the chain, rather than into the individual chain stitches. Working into the space is faster, sits more evenly, and is what granny squares, mesh, and most lace are built on. A number tells you the size, so ch-2 sp is the gap under two chains.
Common confusions
What does ch-sp mean?
In crochet patterns, ch-sp means Chain space. The gap under a run of chains, worked into as if it were a stitch.
Should I crochet into the chain space or into the chain stitches?
Into the space, unless the pattern explicitly says into the chain. Working into the space is the default for granny squares and lace because it keeps the group of stitches sitting together in one opening. Working into individual chains splits them apart and tightens the motif.
What does the number in ch-2 sp mean?
It is the number of chains that made the gap, not the number of stitches to work into it. A ch-2 sp is the hole under two chain stitches. It tells you which space to look for when a row has several different-sized gaps.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Chain space | ch-sp |
| Español | Espacio de cadeneta | no standard code |
| Deutsch | Luftmaschenbogen | Lm-Bogen |
| Français | Espace de chaînette | no standard code |
| Italiano | Spazio di catenella | no standard code |
| 日本語 | くさり編みの空間 | no standard code |
Related stitches
Keep your place while you work this stitch. Worsted counts your rows and rounds and remembers your spot in the pattern, for crochet and knitting.
Get Worsted