How to Understand Basic Crochet Abbreviations

Understand Basic Crochet Abbreviations

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To newcomers, a crochet pattern can look complicated and intimidating. However, it's easy to decipher them once you know the basic abbreviations that serve as your guides to the patterns.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Learn the abbreviations for the 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.”

Step2

Find the abbreviations in the instructions. "Beg" tell you to begin (or beginning). "Sk" tells you to skip. If you must repeat a stitch, it will read, "rep." "Tog" stands for together. "Yo" means yarn over. Combining the stitches with instructions, you can see that "Ch 20, turn; sc in first ch and across," means to chain 20 times, turn the chain, single crochet in the first chain and in the remaining chains.

Step3

Understand the meaning of "gauge." If x number of stitches equals a gauge of 14 inches, then you should measure to make sure your stitches match the gauge. If they are too short, you are crocheting the stitches too tightly, or you are using a different weight of yarn than what is recommended for that particular pattern. If they are too long, the stitches are loose or the weight and type of yarn is different and is not matching up with the pattern’s gauge. Also, if you use a hook size different from that in the pattern it will change your gauge. As you continue crocheting you will learn to judge your gauge better visually, but checking gauge will always be essential to the finished project.

Step4

Before you take on a project, practice making swatches of various yarn weights and gauges. This will help you become more comfortable with holding the crochet hook and yarn and with creating a variety of stitches. Use a yarn that is easy to work with, such as a worst weight 4, and a comfortable hook. Size G or H hooks are common for beginners.

Step5

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.