Abbreviations (US)

Abbreviations are used to simplify the instructions, making them easier to follow without taking up too much space. Instead of writing out the full name of each stitch or action, patterns use short forms like "sc" for single crochet or "ch" for chain. This shorthand helps streamline the pattern and allows you to focus on crocheting rather than reading long instructions. While abbreviations may seem confusing at first, they become second nature with practice and make following even complex patterns much faster.

There are two main types of crochet terms: American and British. The stitches are often the same, but their names can be different, which might be confusing if you're following a pattern from another country.

Single Crochet (sc) in American terms is called Double Crochet (dc) in UK terms.

Double Crochet (dc) in American terms is called Treble Crochet (tr) in UK terms.

In this course, we’ll be using American Crochet Terms, which are common in patterns from the United States.

📜 Basic Crochet Stitches (American Terms)

• ch: Chain – The starting stitch for most projects.
• sc: Single Crochet – The simplest, shortest stitch.
• hdc: Half Double Crochet – A bit taller than single crochet but shorter than double crochet.
• dc: Double Crochet – A taller stitch that adds more height.
• tr/tc: Treble (Triple) Crochet – A very tall stitch, used for open, airy designs.
• sl st: Slip Stitch – Used to join stitches or move along without adding height.

⤴️ Increases and Decreases

• inc: Increase – Add more stitches by putting two stitches in the same spot.
• dec: Decrease – Make fewer stitches by combining two stitches into one, often shown as sc2tog (single crochet two together).

➰ Other Crochet Terms

• yo: Yarn Over – Wrap the yarn over your hook before making a stitch.
• sk: Skip – Skip a stitch and move to the next one.
• rep: Repeat – Do the same set of instructions again.
• turn: Turn your work around to start a new row.

🔣 Symbols in Patterns

• ( ) – Means to do everything inside the parentheses in the same spot or stitch.
• [ ] – Tells you to repeat the instructions inside a certain number of times.
• * – Shows where to start and end a section that you will repeat.

Easy Pattern Examples

Pattern 1:

Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (5 sc), turn.

Here’s what this pattern means:

• Ch 6: Start by making 6 chain stitches. This forms the foundation row for your project, and each chain is like a building block for the stitches to come.
• sc in 2nd ch from hook: After chaining 6, skip the first chain closest to your hook (this is usually done to give your stitches the right height), and insert your hook into the second chain. Make a single crochet here. A single crochet is a simple stitch where you insert your hook into the chain, yarn over, pull through the loop (2 loops on your hook), yarn over again, and pull through both loops.
• sc in each ch across (5 sc): Continue by making a single crochet in each of the next 4 chains. In total, you will have made 5 single crochet stitches, starting with the second chain from the hook.
• turn: Turn your work around so you can begin the next row. When turning, you flip the project over, and you’ll work back across the stitches you just made.

Pattern 2:

Ch 5, sl st to join, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, sl st to join.

Here’s what this pattern means:

• Ch 5: Chain 5 stitches. This will become the starting point for a round rather than a straight row.
• sl st to join: After chaining 5, use a slip stitch to connect the last chain back to the first chain, forming a small ring. A slip stitch is a way to join without adding height—just insert your hook into the first chain, yarn over, and pull through both loops on your hook.
• ch 1: Chain 1. This gives you the height needed to start the next step, which is single crocheting into the ring.
• 6 sc in ring: Now, make 6 single crochet stitches directly into the center of the ring you just created. Instead of working into a chain or stitch, you’ll be crocheting into the hole at the center.
• sl st to join: Finish by using a slip stitch to join the last stitch of this round with the first single crochet stitch, closing the ring. This marks the end of the round and keeps the circle tight.

Pattern 3:

Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in next 2 sts, turn.

Here’s what this pattern means:

• Ch 3: Chain 3. This often counts as the first double crochet in the row, giving your project the height needed for double crochet stitches.
• dc in next 2 sts: After the chain 3, make a double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. A double crochet is taller than a single crochet: you yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over again, pull through (3 loops on your hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over again, and pull through the last 2 loops.
• (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st: In one stitch, work 2 double crochet stitches, chain 2, then make 2 more double crochet stitches in the same space. This creates a wider section that is often used in patterns like granny squares to create corners or shaping.
• dc in next 2 sts: Continue by making a double crochet stitch in each of the next 2 stitches.
• turn: Turn your work to prepare for the next row.