Lesson 2 · 5 min
Abbreviations, terms and US vs UK
Use standard terms so any maker can follow your pattern.
Stick to the standard
The Craft Yarn Council publishes the standard crochet abbreviations. Using them means a maker anywhere can read your pattern without guessing.
The core list
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- inc – increase (2 sts in the same st)
- dec – decrease (2 sts worked together)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
US vs UK terms
The same name means different stitches: a US single crochet is a UK double crochet, and a US double is a UK treble. Always state which terms you use near the top of the pattern.
Special stitches
If you use anything beyond the basics — a bobble, a puff, front post stitches — explain it in a Special stitches section before the instructions, with a photo if it helps.