Yarn Diary
Crochet stitch abbreviations, in US and UK terms
Last updated 15 August 2026 · 57 stitchesEvery abbreviation on this page — and the pattern that contains it — is understood by Yarn Diary, a free tracker that reads written crochet patterns into rounds and checks the stitch counts. This is the same guide it ships with, as one page you can search and link to.
Find an abbreviation
back bump BLO blocking bo BPdc BPsc carry cc ch ch-sp cl dc dc2tog dec dinc dtr eyes FLO FO foundation ch FPdc FPsc fsc gauge hdc hdc2tog inc invdec joined rnd ladder st lp st mattress st moss st mr pc picot puff RS/WS rsc sc sc2tog sc3tog shell sl st sm spike sc spiral standing st stuff surface sl st t-ch tbl tr trtr weave in whip st wst
US and UK names for the same stitch
The two systems name heights differently — a UK treble is a US double, and a UK double is a US single — which is why a pattern's origin matters before you start. These are the stitches whose names differ:
| US abbr | US name | UK abbr | UK name |
|---|---|---|---|
| sl st | Slip stitch | ss | Slip stitch |
| sc | Single crochet | dc | Double crochet |
| hdc | Half double crochet | htr | Half treble crochet |
| dc | Double crochet | tr | Treble crochet |
| tr | Treble crochet | dtr | Double treble crochet |
| dtr | Double treble crochet | trtr | Triple treble crochet |
| trtr | Triple treble crochet | quadtr | Quadruple treble crochet |
| fsc | Foundation single crochet | fdc | Foundation double crochet |
| sc2tog | Single crochet 2 together | dc2tog | Double crochet 2 together |
| hdc2tog | Half double crochet 2 together | htr2tog | Half treble crochet 2 together |
| dc2tog | Double crochet 2 together | tr2tog | Treble crochet 2 together |
| sc3tog | Single crochet 3 together | dc3tog | Double crochet 3 together |
| FPdc | Front post double crochet | FPtr | Front post treble crochet |
| BPdc | Back post double crochet | BPtr | Back post treble crochet |
| FPsc | Front post single crochet | FPdc | Front post double crochet |
| BPsc | Back post single crochet | BPdc | Back post double crochet |
| spike sc | Spike stitch | spike dc | Spike stitch |
| rsc | Reverse single crochet | rdc | Reverse double crochet |
| surface sl st | Surface slip stitch | surface ss | Surface slip stitch |
| gauge | Gauge | tension | Tension |
Basics
ch Chain
What does ch mean in crochet? Chain.
With a loop on the hook, yarn over and pull the yarn through that loop to make one new chain.
The chain is the building block of almost every crochet start and is also used mid-pattern to make spaces, turning chains and picots. Keep the tension even; chains worked too tightly are the usual reason a foundation row pulls in.
foundation ch Foundation chain
What does foundation ch mean in crochet? Foundation chain.
Make a slip knot and work the number of chains the pattern asks for to form the base the first row is worked into.
Count the chains without counting the slip knot or the loop on the hook. If the foundation chain is tighter than your stitches, work it with a hook one size larger, or use foundation single crochet instead.
sl st Slip stitch · UK: ss Slip stitch
What does sl st mean in crochet? Slip stitch (UK: Slip stitch).
Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch and through the loop on the hook in one movement.
The shortest stitch there is, used to join rounds, move along a row without adding height, and finish edges. It is conventionally not counted in the stitch total of a round, and it is easy to work too tightly.
sc Single crochet · UK: dc Double crochet
What does sc mean in crochet? Single crochet (UK: Double crochet).
Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
The workhorse of amigurumi and any dense fabric, one stitch tall with very little drape. Working into the correct pair of loops each time keeps the fabric from twisting or growing at the edges.
hdc Half double crochet · UK: htr Half treble crochet
What does hdc mean in crochet? Half double crochet (UK: Half treble crochet).
Yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.
Roughly two stitches tall, it sits between single and double crochet and makes a soft, slightly dense fabric. It leaves a distinctive horizontal bar behind the stitch, the third loop, which some patterns work into.
dc Double crochet · UK: tr Treble crochet
What does dc mean in crochet? Double crochet (UK: Treble crochet).
Yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
About three stitches tall and the most common stitch for blankets and garments because it works up quickly with good drape. It normally takes a turning chain of three at the start of a row.
tr Treble crochet · UK: dtr Double treble crochet
What does tr mean in crochet? Treble crochet (UK: Double treble crochet).
Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops three times.
Around four stitches tall, giving an open, airy fabric that grows fast; also called triple crochet in some US patterns. It usually needs a turning chain of four.
dtr Double treble crochet · UK: trtr Triple treble crochet
What does dtr mean in crochet? Double treble crochet (UK: Triple treble crochet).
Yarn over three times, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops four times.
About five stitches tall and mostly used in lace, shawls and tall shaping. Long stitches like this can lean or twist, so keep the yarn overs snug against the hook as you work them off.
trtr Triple treble crochet · UK: quadtr Quadruple treble crochet
What does trtr mean in crochet? Triple treble crochet (UK: Quadruple treble crochet).
Yarn over four times, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops five times.
Six stitches tall and rare outside lace and freeform work. Support the base of the stitch with your left hand as you close it, or the loops will slide apart and leave the stitch uneven.
fsc Foundation single crochet · UK: fdc Foundation double crochet
What does fsc mean in crochet? Foundation single crochet (UK: Foundation double crochet).
Work each stitch into the chain of the previous stitch, making the chain and the single crochet at the same time so the row is built as you go.
Replaces a foundation chain plus the first row and gives a stretchy, never-too-tight edge, which is why it suits cuffs, hat brims and blanket starts. Count carefully, since there is no separate chain to check against.
t-ch Turning chain
What does t-ch mean in crochet? Turning chain.
Work the number of chains that matches the height of the coming stitch before turning, so the first stitch of the new row starts at the right level.
The usual heights are one chain for single crochet, two for half double, three for double and four for treble. Whether the turning chain counts as a stitch varies by pattern, and getting it wrong is the most common cause of rows losing or gaining a stitch.
ch-sp Chain space
What does ch-sp mean in crochet? Chain space.
Insert the hook into the gap created underneath a chain rather than into a stitch, and work the stitches there.
Chain spaces are the anchor points of granny squares, mesh and most lace. Working into the space rather than into the chain itself keeps the fabric even and is nearly always what a pattern means unless it says otherwise.
mr Magic ring
What does mr mean in crochet? Magic ring.
Wrap the yarn around your fingers to form an adjustable loop, work the first round of stitches into that loop, then pull the tail to close the centre hole.
The standard start for amigurumi and any round worked from the middle, because the hole closes completely. Give the tail a firm pull before fastening it off, and weave it in securely so the ring cannot work loose over time.
spiral Working in rounds (spiral)
What does spiral mean in crochet? Working in rounds (spiral).
Keep working round after round without joining or turning, so the stitches climb continuously like a spiral staircase.
Standard for amigurumi because it leaves no visible seam. Always mark the first stitch of the round with a stitch marker and move it up as you go, otherwise the round start is almost impossible to find again.
joined rnd Joined round
What does joined rnd mean in crochet? Joined round.
At the end of each round, slip stitch into the top of the first stitch of that round to close it before starting the next round.
Used for granny squares, mandalas and anything worked flat in the round, and it keeps each round level. The join creates a visible seam line, which can be softened by using a standing stitch or an invisible join instead.
Increases & decreases
inc Increase
What does inc mean in crochet? Increase.
Work two stitches into the same stitch of the previous round instead of one.
The standard way to make a piece grow; in amigurumi a flat circle is made by adding one increase per repeat each round. Spacing increases differently each round stops them stacking up and forming visible corners.
dinc Double increase
What does dinc mean in crochet? Double increase.
Work three stitches into the same stitch of the previous round.
Used where a piece needs to widen fast, such as the tip of a fin, a star point or the first round of a small circle. It makes a sharp flare, so patterns rarely use it more than once in the same spot on consecutive rounds.
dec Decrease
What does dec mean in crochet? Decrease.
Join two stitches of the previous round into one by working them partly and then closing them with a final yarn over through all the loops on the hook.
The general term covering sc2tog, hdc2tog, dc2tog and their variants. In amigurumi the invisible decrease is usually preferred because a standard decrease leaves a small bump.
invdec Invisible decrease
What does invdec mean in crochet? Invisible decrease.
Insert the hook into the front loop only of the next two stitches, yarn over and pull through both front loops, then yarn over and pull through the two loops on the hook.
Designed for amigurumi: it closes the gap almost completely and lies flatter than a standard decrease, so stuffing does not show through. Keep the tension firm, as this decrease can loosen if worked quickly.
sc2tog Single crochet 2 together · UK: dc2tog Double crochet 2 together
What does sc2tog mean in crochet? Single crochet 2 together (UK: Double crochet 2 together).
Insert the hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop, insert the hook into the following stitch and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.
The standard single crochet decrease, one stitch tall. It is slightly more visible than the invisible decrease but sits better in flat rows and edgings.
hdc2tog Half double crochet 2 together · UK: htr2tog Half treble crochet 2 together
What does hdc2tog mean in crochet? Half double crochet 2 together (UK: Half treble crochet 2 together).
Yarn over, pull up a loop in the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop in the following stitch, then yarn over and pull through all five loops on the hook.
Two stitches tall and used to shape hats, garments and anything worked in half double crochet. The five loops can be awkward to close, so keep them loose on the hook shaft rather than crowded at the tip.
dc2tog Double crochet 2 together · UK: tr2tog Treble crochet 2 together
What does dc2tog mean in crochet? Double crochet 2 together (UK: Treble crochet 2 together).
Work a double crochet in the next stitch but stop with two loops on the hook, do the same in the following stitch, then yarn over and pull through all three loops.
Three stitches tall, the usual decrease for garments and blankets. Working each half only to the last yarn over is the key: finishing either stitch fully will leave you with an extra stitch.
sc3tog Single crochet 3 together · UK: dc3tog Double crochet 3 together
What does sc3tog mean in crochet? Single crochet 3 together (UK: Double crochet 3 together).
Pull up a loop in each of the next three stitches in turn, then yarn over and pull through all four loops on the hook.
Turns three stitches into one, so it closes shaping fast; common at the top of amigurumi heads and in sharp corners. Expect a small ridge where the three stitch tops gather together.
cl Cluster
What does cl mean in crochet? Cluster.
Work several incomplete stitches, leaving the last loop of each on the hook, then yarn over and pull through all the loops at once to join them into a single point.
A cluster can be worked over several stitches to shape and gather, or into one stitch to make a raised bump. The pattern tells you how many stitches it spans, so always check before assuming the count.
Loops & posts
BLO Back loop only
What does BLO mean in crochet? Back loop only.
Insert the hook under only the back loop of the stitch, the loop furthest from you, instead of under both loops.
Leaves a visible horizontal ridge on the front and makes a stretchier, more elastic fabric, which is why it is used for ribbing and for defining a fold or edge on amigurumi. Working every row in back loop only produces a distinctly ribbed texture.
FLO Front loop only
What does FLO mean in crochet? Front loop only.
Insert the hook under only the front loop of the stitch, the loop nearest you, instead of under both loops.
Leaves the back loops free, which is how a surface ridge or a second layer of stitches is created for petals, scales and skirt edges. The fabric is softer and looser than working under both loops.
tbl Through back loop
What does tbl mean in crochet? Through back loop.
Work the stitch with the hook inserted under the back loop of the stitch below rather than under both loops.
In most patterns this is the same instruction as back loop only, but some designers use tbl for the horizontal back bar behind a half double crochet, sometimes called the third loop. If the pattern photo shows a raised ridge sitting away from the stitch tops, it means the third loop.
FPdc Front post double crochet · UK: FPtr Front post treble crochet
What does FPdc mean in crochet? Front post double crochet (UK: Front post treble crochet).
Yarn over, insert the hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below, then complete a double crochet as usual.
Pulls the stitch forward and creates a raised vertical bar, the basis of cables, basketweave and ribbing. Remember that the stitch below has already been used, so do not also work into its top.
BPdc Back post double crochet · UK: BPtr Back post treble crochet
What does BPdc mean in crochet? Back post double crochet (UK: Back post treble crochet).
Yarn over, insert the hook from back to front to back around the post of the stitch below, then complete a double crochet as usual.
Pushes the stitch away from you and sits recessed, so alternating it with front post stitches gives the deep ribbing used on hat brims and jumper cuffs. Post stitches are shorter than they look, so a row of them can pull the fabric in.
FPsc Front post single crochet · UK: FPdc Front post double crochet
What does FPsc mean in crochet? Front post single crochet (UK: Front post double crochet).
Insert the hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below, then complete a single crochet as usual.
Gives a tight, low-relief ridge, useful for fine surface detail on amigurumi and for firm edgings. Because single crochet posts are short, the hook has very little room, so work slowly to avoid splitting the yarn.
BPsc Back post single crochet · UK: BPdc Back post double crochet
What does BPsc mean in crochet? Back post single crochet (UK: Back post double crochet).
Insert the hook from back to front to back around the post of the stitch below, then complete a single crochet as usual.
The recessed partner to the front post single crochet, used with it for a shallow ribbing that keeps a firm fabric. It is easiest to work if you tilt the piece over your finger so the posts are visible from behind.
Texture
bo Bobble stitch
What does bo mean in crochet? Bobble stitch.
Work several incomplete double crochets into the same stitch, keeping the last loop of each on the hook, then yarn over and pull through all the loops to gather them into a bump.
Usually three to five double crochets; the more you use the fatter the bobble. Bobbles pop out on the side facing away from you as you work, so on a flat piece they appear on the wrong side of the working row.
pc Popcorn stitch
What does pc mean in crochet? Popcorn stitch.
Work five complete double crochets into the same stitch, drop the loop from the hook, insert the hook into the top of the first of those stitches, pick the dropped loop back up and pull it through.
Denser and more sculptural than a bobble because each stitch is finished before the group is closed. It stands proud of the fabric, so it suits blanket motifs and anything where the texture is the point.
puff Puff stitch
What does puff mean in crochet? Puff stitch.
Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch and pull up a tall loop, repeat three or more times into the same stitch, then yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook.
Softer and rounder than a bobble because it is made of loose loops rather than finished stitches. Pull each loop up to a consistent height or the puff will be lopsided, and close it with an extra chain if the pattern asks.
shell Shell stitch
What does shell mean in crochet? Shell stitch.
Work a group of stitches, most often five double crochets, into the same stitch or chain space so they fan out from one point.
The basis of countless edgings and lace patterns; shells are normally balanced by skipped stitches or decreases on either side so the fabric stays flat. The stitch count is easiest to track by counting shells rather than individual stitches.
picot Picot
What does picot mean in crochet? Picot.
Chain three, then slip stitch into the third chain from the hook or back into the stitch at the base to close the chain into a small loop.
A tiny decorative bump used along edges and at the tips of leaves and flowers. Patterns vary on where the closing slip stitch goes, and that choice changes whether the picot sits upright or leans.
spike sc Spike stitch · UK: spike dc Spike stitch
What does spike sc mean in crochet? Spike stitch (UK: Spike stitch).
Insert the hook one or more rows below the current row, pull up a loop to the height of the working row, then finish the stitch as normal.
Creates a long vertical line over the fabric and is very effective in two colours. Pull the long loop up loosely to the working height, since a tight spike will dimple the rows underneath.
rsc Reverse single crochet · UK: rdc Reverse double crochet
What does rsc mean in crochet? Reverse single crochet (UK: Reverse double crochet).
Working from left to right instead of right to left, insert the hook into the stitch just worked, pull up a loop and complete a single crochet.
Known as crab stitch, it makes a twisted corded edge that neatens and stiffens a border in one pass. It feels awkward at first; keeping the hook tilted downwards as you insert it makes the motion much easier.
moss st Moss stitch
What does moss st mean in crochet? Moss stitch.
Repeat single crochet, chain one across the row, working each single crochet into the chain space of the previous row.
Also called linen, granite or woven stitch, it makes a flat, dense fabric with excellent drape and no curl, ideal for blankets and washcloths. It is also the easiest background for tapestry-style colour work.
wst Waistcoat stitch
What does wst mean in crochet? Waistcoat stitch.
Insert the hook between the two front legs of the stitch below, splitting the V, then complete a single crochet as usual.
Produces a fabric that looks knitted, popular for baskets and amigurumi with a smooth surface. It is tight going, so use a hook one size larger than usual and expect it to be slow.
surface sl st Surface slip stitch · UK: surface ss Surface slip stitch
What does surface sl st mean in crochet? Surface slip stitch (UK: Surface slip stitch).
Hold the working yarn behind the fabric, insert the hook through from the front, pull up a loop and continue pulling loops through the fabric and the loop on the hook to draw a line of chains across the surface.
A way of adding lines, outlines and lettering after the piece is finished, with no effect on the stitch count. Keep the loops even and slightly loose, otherwise the line puckers the fabric underneath.
lp st Loop stitch
What does lp st mean in crochet? Loop stitch.
Wrap the yarn over a finger to set the loop length, insert the hook into the next stitch, pull both strands of the loop through, then yarn over and close the stitch so the loop stays on the back.
Used for manes, fleece and fur effects; the loops form on the side facing away from you. Cutting the loops afterwards gives a shaggy pile, and a small piece of card makes the loop length far more consistent than a finger.
Technique
sm Stitch marker
What does sm mean in crochet? Stitch marker.
Clip a removable marker into the working loop or into a named stitch so you can find that point again later.
Essential for spiral rounds, where the start of the round is otherwise invisible, and for marking increase points or where a limb will be attached. A scrap of contrasting yarn works just as well as a bought marker.
RS/WS Right side / wrong side
What does RS/WS mean in crochet? Right side / wrong side.
Identify which face of the fabric is meant to show, and keep it facing the direction the pattern states as you work.
In amigurumi worked in a spiral the right side is normally the outside, where the stitches make neat Vs; if you can see raised bumps you are working inside out. Marking the right side with a length of scrap yarn on the first round saves confusion later.
gauge Gauge · UK: tension Tension
What does gauge mean in crochet? Gauge (UK: Tension).
Crochet a sample square in the pattern stitch, then count how many stitches and rows fall within ten centimetres and compare that with the pattern.
Change hook size until the count matches: a larger hook gives fewer stitches, a smaller one more. Gauge matters most for anything that has to fit, and for amigurumi it should be tight enough that no stuffing shows through.
cc Colour change
What does cc mean in crochet? Colour change.
Work the last stitch of the old colour up to the final yarn over, then complete that yarn over with the new colour and carry on.
Changing on the final yarn over means the new colour appears cleanly from the next stitch onwards, with no half-coloured stitch top. Leave tails of at least fifteen centimetres so they can be woven in properly.
carry Carrying yarn
What does carry mean in crochet? Carrying yarn.
Lay the unused colour along the top of the previous round and work the stitches over it so it is enclosed inside the fabric.
Standard in tapestry crochet and saves cutting and rejoining at every colour change. The carried strand can show faintly through pale yarn, and keeping it slack prevents the fabric from puckering.
back bump Working in back bumps
What does back bump mean in crochet? Working in back bumps.
Turn the foundation chain so the bumps along the back are uppermost, and work the first row into those bumps rather than into the front loops.
Leaves both V loops of the chain visible along the bottom, giving an edge that matches the top of the work and is much easier to seam or add a border to. It is a little slower to work but well worth it on blankets and scarves.
standing st Standing stitch
What does standing st mean in crochet? Standing stitch.
Start a new colour with a slip knot on the hook and work the first stitch straight into the fabric, with no joining slip stitch or turning chain.
Gives a far less visible start than a chain-three, which is why it is popular for granny squares and any round that changes colour. Hold the tail firmly for the first couple of stitches or the start will work loose.
blocking Blocking
What does blocking mean in crochet? Blocking.
Dampen or steam the finished piece, pin it out to the intended shape and size, and leave it to dry completely before unpinning.
Opens up lace, squares off motifs and evens out uneven stitches; it makes the biggest difference to natural fibres. Acrylic will not hold a wet block but responds to careful steam held just above the surface, never pressed onto it.
Finishing
FO Fasten off
What does FO mean in crochet? Fasten off.
Cut the yarn leaving a tail, then yarn over and pull the tail all the way through the loop on the hook to lock the last stitch.
Leave a long tail if the piece still has to be sewn on, and a short one if it only needs weaving in. Pulling the tail too hard distorts the final stitch, so tighten it just enough to close.
weave in Weave in ends
What does weave in mean in crochet? Weave in ends.
Thread the tail onto a blunt yarn needle and run it through the back of several stitches, changing direction at least once before trimming.
The change of direction is what stops the end working its way out with wear and washing. Split the plies of the yarn for the last pass on slippery fibres, and never trim right at the surface.
whip st Whip stitch seam
What does whip st mean in crochet? Whip stitch seam.
Hold the two edges together, then sew through both layers from the same side each time, taking the needle over the edge and back through the next pair of loops.
Fast and secure, giving a small visible ridge along the join, which suits granny squares and toy pieces where a little seam does not matter. Working through only the inner loops of each edge makes the ridge much less noticeable.
mattress st Mattress stitch
What does mattress st mean in crochet? Mattress stitch.
Lay both pieces flat side by side with the right sides up, then sew alternately under a bar on one edge and the matching bar on the other, drawing the seam closed every few stitches.
The flattest and most invisible way to join two edges, so it is the usual choice for garment side seams. Work into corresponding rows on each side or the seam will run crooked, and keep the tension the same as the fabric.
ladder st Ladder stitch
What does ladder st mean in crochet? Ladder stitch.
Take the needle under the front loop of a stitch on one edge and then under the corresponding front loop opposite, working back and forth and pulling gently so the join disappears between the two edges.
The standard way to close the last opening on a stuffed toy and to attach limbs invisibly. Add the last of the stuffing just before pulling the final few stitches closed, since the seam cannot be reopened easily.
stuff Stuffing
What does stuff mean in crochet? Stuffing.
Push small pieces of toy filling into the piece a little at a time, working them into the far corners before adding more.
Add the stuffing gradually and check the shape as you go; large clumps show as lumps through the fabric. Stuff firmly enough that the piece holds its shape but not so hard that the stitches spread and the filling shows through.
eyes Safety eyes
What does eyes mean in crochet? Safety eyes.
Push the shank of the eye through a stitch or between two stitches from the front, then press the washer on firmly from the inside before the piece is stuffed and closed.
The washer is permanent once seated, so pin the eyes in place and check the position from a distance first. Never use safety eyes on a toy for a child under three; embroider the features with yarn instead.