How to Understand Basic Crochet Abbreviations
To beginner crocheters, a crochet pattern can look complicated and intimidating. Pattern abbreviations are intended to make each action easy to skim through and follow, once you learn how to read them. It's easy to decipher a pattern once you know the basic abbreviations.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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Learn the abbreviations for the basic stitches. "Ch" is chain or chain stitch. "Sl st" is a slip stitch. "Sc" stands for single crochet. Use "dc" for double crochet. "Tr" is the abbreviation for treble (or triple) crochet, which may also be abbreviated as "tc." "Sp" stands for "space," often created by chains. "Yo" means yarn over. As you practice with simple patterns, you will better understand these abbreviations and be able to follow a pattern without stopping.
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Learn the abbreviations in the instructions. "Beg" tells you to begin (or marks the beginning). "Sk" tells you to skip and is usually followed by "next" plus the abbreviation for the stitch (or stitches) that you should skip over ("sk next ch-1 sp" means "skip next chain-one space"). If you must repeat a stitch, it will read "rep." An asterisk, or *, marks the point from which you repeat a series of actions (often written "rep from *"). "Tog" stands for together.
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As you continue crocheting more advanced projects, you will learn new abbreviations and definitions along the way. Most patterns come with an abbreviation guide for uncommon terms and stitches. Use beginner crochet books to learn new abbreviations, stitches, and various crochet styles.
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Comments
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What does this mean: *1 sc, sc increase* repeat around.
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this answer is for Perk, fp is front post and bp is back post Half double crochet.
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Carol Tilley-williams
Oct 09, 2008
Thank you for your comment. I, too, have crocheted for many years and these are the standard abbreviations I learned on, and they continue to be used in patterns I use today. -
perk
Oct 09, 2008
What does (Fphdc,bphdc)in a pattern? I know what hdc is, but the Fp and the Bp is a problem.
