Crochet Abbreviations Master List
Following is a list of crochet abbreviations used in patterns by yarn industry designers and publishers. The most commonly used abbreviations are highlighted. In addition, designers and publishers may use special abbreviations in a pattern, which you might not find on this list. Generally, a definition of special abbreviations is given at the beginning of a book or pattern.
| Abbreviation | Description |
| [ ] | work instructions within brackets as many times as directed |
| ( ) | work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed |
| * | repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed |
| * * | repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed or repeat from a given set of instructions |
| " | inch(es) |
| alt | alternate |
| approx | approximately |
| beg | begin/beginning |
| bet | between |
| BL | back loop(s) |
| bo | bobble |
| BP | back post |
| BPdc | back post double crochet |
| BPsc | back post single crochet |
| BPtr | back post treble crochet |
| CA | color A |
| CB | color B |
| CC | contrasting color |
| ch | chain stitch |
| ch- | refers to chain or space previously made: e.g., ch-1 space |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| CL | cluster |
| cm | centimeter(s) |
| cont | continue |
| dc | double crochet |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 stitches together |
| dec | decrease/decreases/decreasing |
| dtr | double treble |
| FL | front loop(s) |
| foll | follow/follows/following |
| FP | front post |
| FPdc | front post double crochet |
| FPsc | front post single crochet |
| FPtr | front post treble crochet |
| g | gram |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| inc | increase/increases/increasing |
| lp(s) | loops |
| m | meter(s) |
| MC | main color |
| mm | millimeter(s) |
| oz | ounce(s) |
| p | picot |
| pat(s) or patt | pattern(s) |
| pc | popcorn |
| pm | place marker |
| prev | previous |
| rem | remain/remaining |
| rep | repeat(s) |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| RS | right side |
| sc | single crochet |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together |
| sk | skip |
| Sl st | slip stitch |
| sp(s) | space(s) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| tch or t-ch | turning chain |
| tbl | through back loop |
| tog | together |
| tr | treble crochet |
| trtr | triple treble crochet |
| WS | wrong side |
| yd(s) | yard(s) |
| yo | yarn over |
| yoh | yarn over hook |
Standard Body Measurements/Sizing
Most crochet and knitting pattern instructions will provide general sizing information, such as the chest or bust measurements of a completed garment. Many patterns also include detailed schematics or line drawings. These drawings show specific garment measurements (bust/chest, neckline, back, waist, sleeve length, etc.) in all the different pattern sizes. To insure proper fit, always review all of the sizing information provided in a pattern before you begin.
Following are several sizing charts. These charts show Chest, Center Back Neck-to-Cuff, Back Waist Length, Cross Back, and Sleeve Length actual body measurements for babies, children, women, and men. These measurements are given in both inches and centimeters.
When sizing sweaters, the fit is based on actual chest/bust measurements, plus ease (additional inches or centimeters). The first chart entitled "Fit" recommends the amount of ease to add to body measurements if you prefer a close-fitting garment, an oversized garment, or something in-between.
The next charts provide average lengths for children's, women's, and men's garments.
Both the Fit and Length charts are simply guidelines. For individual body differences, changes can be made in body and sleeve lengths when appropriate. However, consideration must be given to the project pattern. Certain sizing changes may alter the appearance of a garment.
HOW TO MEASURE
1. Chest/Bust
Measure around the fullest part of the chest/bust. Do not draw the tape too tightly.
2. Center Back Neck-to-Cuff
With arm slightly bent, measure from back base of neck across shoulder around bend of elbow to wrist.
3. Back Waist Length
Measure from the most prominent bone at base of neck to the natural waistline.
4. Cross Back
Measure from shoulder to shoulder.
5. Sleeve Length
With arm slightly bent, measure from armpit to cuff.
Close-fitting: 1-2"/2.5-5cm
Standard-fitting: 2-4"/5-10cm
Loose-fitting: 4-6"/10-15cm
Oversized: 6"/15cm or more
LENGTH FOR CHILDREN
Waist length: Actual body measurement
Hip Length: 2"/5cm down from waist
Tunic length: 6"/15cm down from waist
LENGTH FOR WOMEN
Waist length: Actual body measurement
Hip length: 6"/15cm down from waist
Tunic length: 11"/28cm down from waist
LENGTH FOR MEN
Men's length usually varies only 1-2"/2.5-5cm from the actual "back hip length" measurement (see chart)
* GUIDELINES ONLY: The above reflect the most commonly used gauges and needle or hook sizes for specific yarn categories.
** Lace weight yarns are usually knitted or crocheted on larger needles and hooks to create lacy, openwork patterns. Accordingly, a gauge range is difficult to determine. Always follow the gauge stated in your pattern.
*** Steel crochet hooks are sized differently from regular hooks—the higher the number, the smaller the hook, which is the reverse of regular hook sizing.
This Standards & Guidelines booklet and downloadable symbol artwork are available at YarnStandards.com
Barnden, Betty. The Crochet Stitch Bible. Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2004.
Chin, Lily M. Knit and Crochet with Beads. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 2004.
Curtis, Carol. Carol Curtis’ Complete Book of Knitting and Crocheting. New York: Pocket Books, 1954.
Davis, Jane. Crochet: 20 Simple and Stylish Designs to Wear. New York: Lark Books, 2001.
Eckman, Edie. The Crochet Answer Book. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2005.
Huxley, Susan. Crocheted Sweaters: Simple Stitches, Great Designs. Woodinville, WA: Martingale & Company, 2001.
———. Today’s Crochet: Sweaters from the Crochet Guild of America. Woodinville, WA: Martingale & Company, 2003.
Knight, Erika. Simple Crochet. New York: Clarkson Potter, 2003.
Leisure Arts. Creative Crochet. Little Rock, AR: Leisure Arts, 1996.
Matthews, Anne. Vogue Dictionary of Crochet Stitches. Newton, UK: David & Charles, 1987.
Reader’s Digest. The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches. Pleasantville, NY: Reader’s Digest, 2003.
Silverman, Sharon Hernes. Crochet Pillows. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2011.
Silverman, Sharon Hernes. Crochet Scarves. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2012.
Silverman, Sharon Hernes. Tunisian Crochet for Baby. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2014.
Swartz, Judith L. Hip to Crochet: 23 Contemporary Projects for Today’s Crocheter. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 2004.
Whiting, Sue. Learn to Crochet. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Creative Arts & Crafts, 2003.
Yarn and Crochet Tool Suppliers
Your local yarn shop is the best source for supplies and advice. The staff is knowledgeable about yarns from many different manufacturers and can help you substitute one yarn for another or find just the right color combination. Questions are welcomed and advice is given freely. Check the shop’s schedule for specialty classes to add to your skill set, and get on the mailing list so you find out when yarn is on sale.
Catalogs and online retailers also sell yarn and equipment. Hundreds of providers exist; here are just a few sources for some of the yarns and notions used in this book.
Abuelita Yarns
www.abuelitayarns.com
Bernat
www.bernat.com
Blue Heron Yarns
www.blueheronyarns.com
Caron
www.caron.com
Cascade Yarns
www.cascadeyarns.com
Crystal Palace Yarns
www.straw.com
Dyelot Yarn
www.dyelotyarn.com
Herrschners
www.herrschners.com
Lion Brand Yarn Company
www.lionbrand.com
Lorna’s Laces
www.lornaslaces.net
Louet
www.louet.com
Mary Maxim Exclusive Needlework and Crafts
www.marymaxim.com
Patternworks
www.patternworks.com
Plymouth Yarn Company
www.plymouthyarn.com
Red Heart
www.redheart.com
Space Cadet Creations
www.spacecadetcreations.com
Tahki Stacy Charles
www.tahkistacycharles.com
WEBS:America’s Yarn Store
www.yarn.com
Other Resources for Crocheters
Craft Yarn Council of America
www.craftyarncouncil.com
The craft yarn industry’s trade association has educational links and free projects.
Crochet Guild of America
www.crochet.org
The national association for crocheters and the publisher of Crochet! magazine. The association sponsors conventions, offers correspondence courses, and maintains a membership directory.
Ravelry
www.ravelry.com
Ravelry is a free online community for knitters and crocheters. Keep track of your projects, stash, patterns, library, and more, plus search for new patterns, interact with other crocheters in forums, and much more. With four million registered users, Ravelry maintains the largest database of yarn, patterns, and projects on the web.
