Whether you’re following American or British crochet patterns, having a clear understanding of common abbreviations is essential! 🧶✨ This Crochet Data Dictionary is your go-to guide for US vs. UK stitch terms, techniques, tools, and measurements — plus a handy quick conversion chart at the end!
Stitch Abbreviations & Definitions
Understanding crochet abbreviations is key to following patterns with ease! In this quick reference table, you’ll find the most commonly used stitch terms in both US and UK formats, along with their abbreviations. Whether you’re switching between American and British patterns, this guide will help you stitch confidently every time. 📜✨
| Full Term | US Abbreviation | UK Abbreviation | US Term Equivalent | UK Term Equivalent |
| Chain | ch | ch | Same | Same |
| Slip Stitch | sl st | ss | Slip Stitch | Slip Stitch |
| Single Crochet | sc | dc | Single Crochet | Double Crochet |
| Half Double Crochet | hdc | htr | Half Double Crochet | Half Treble Crochet |
| Double Crochet | dc | tr | Double Crochet | Treble Crochet |
| Treble Crochet | tr | dtr | Treble Crochet | Double Treble Crochet |
| Double Treble Crochet | dtr | ttr | Double Treble | Triple Treble |
| Triple Treble Crochet | trtr | qtr | Triple Treble | Quadruple Treble |
| Half Treble Crochet | N/A | htr | N/A | Half Treble Crochet |
| Yarn Over | yo | yrn | Yarn Over | Yarn Round Needle |
| Stitch | st | st | Same | Same |
| Skip | sk | miss | Skip | Miss |
| Repeat | rep | rep | Same | Same |
| Round | rnd | rnd | Same | Same |
| Fasten Off | FO | FO | Same | Same |
| Finish Off | N/A | N/A | Fasten Off | Fasten Off |
Crochet Techniques Abbreviations
Mastering crochet techniques often begins with understanding the essential abbreviations used in patterns. 🧶✨ This quick guide covers common crochet technique abbreviations like magic ring (MR), back loop only (BLO), front loop only (FLO), and more. Whether you’re crafting amigurumi, blankets, or garments, knowing these terms will help you read patterns more easily and improve your crochet skills.
| Technique/Instruction | US/UK Abbreviation | Definition |
| Right Side | RS | The front of the work |
| Wrong Side | WS | The back of the work |
| Work Even | None | Continue pattern without increasing or decreasing |
| Together | tog | Combine two or more stitches into one |
| Increase | inc | Add stitches by working more than one stitch in the same space |
| Decrease | dec | Reduce the number of stitches |
| Front Post (Double) | fpdc | Stitch worked around the front post of the previous row |
| Back Post (Double) | bpdc | Stitch worked around the back post of the previous row |
| Cluster | cl | Group of stitches worked together in one stitch |
| Puff Stitch | puff | Several yarn overs drawn together |
| Bobble Stitch | bobble | Cluster-like stitch that forms a raised bump |
| Picot | picot | Small decorative loop |
| Magic Ring / Circle | MR / MC | Adjustable ring to start in the round |
| Turn | turn | Change direction of work |
| Work in Back Loop Only | BLO | Work only in the back loop of the stitch |
| Work in Front Loop Only | FLO | Work only in the front loop of the stitch |
Common Measurement & Tools Abbreviations
Crochet patterns often include measurements and tool references, and understanding these abbreviations is essential for achieving accurate results. 🧶📏 This section covers common crochet measurement abbreviations like inches (in), centimeters (cm), millimeters (mm), and important tools like hooks and scissors. Having these basics at your fingertips ensures your crochet projects come together with the perfect size and finish!
| Term | Abbreviation | Description |
| Centimeter | cm | Metric measurement |
| Inch | in | Imperial measurement |
| Gauge | none | Number of stitches/rows per inch or cm |
| Hook Size (US) | B–Q | Letter-based sizing |
| Hook Size (Metric) | mm | Millimeter sizing |
| Yarn Weight | varies | Lace, Fingering, DK, Worsted, Bulky, etc. |
Bonus: Quick US–UK Stitch Conversion Table
Switching between American and British crochet patterns? 🧶✨ This quick US–UK stitch conversion chart makes it simple to translate stitch terms across both systems. Whether you’re following a UK crochet tutorial or an American crochet pattern, use this handy table to stay on track and avoid confusion.
| US Term | UK Equivalent |
| sc (single crochet) | dc (double crochet) |
| hdc | htr |
| dc (double crochet) | tr (treble crochet) |
| tr | dtr |
| dtr | ttr |
Yarn Weight Categories & Common Names
Choosing the correct yarn weight is essential for the success of any crochet project! 🧵✨ This quick-reference table explains the standard yarn weight categories, their symbols, and common names you’ll encounter across patterns and labels. Whether you’re selecting fine yarn for delicate baby projects or bulky yarn for cozy blankets, this guide will help you pick the perfect yarn type every time!
| Weight Category | Yarn Symbol | Common Name Example |
| 0 | Lace | Thread, Cobweb |
| 1 | Super Fine | Fingering, Sock |
| 2 | Fine | Sport, Baby |
| 3 | Light | DK, Light Worsted |
| 4 | Medium | Worsted, Afghan |
| 5 | Bulky | Chunky, Craft, Rug |
| 6 | Super Bulky | Roving |
| 7 | Jumbo | Roving, Mega Bulky |
Crochet Hook Size Table (mm, US Letters)
Selecting the right crochet hook size is crucial for matching your pattern’s gauge and achieving the perfect finish. 🧶 This easy-to-read chart shows common crochet hook sizes in both US lettering and metric millimeters (mm). Whether you’re crafting with fine lace yarn or bulky weight yarn, this guide ensures you pick the right hook every time!
| US Letter | Metric Size (mm) |
| B-1 | 2.25 mm |
| C-2 | 2.75 mm |
| D-3 | 3.25 mm |
| E-4 | 3.50 mm |
| F-5 | 3.75 mm |
| G-6 | 4.00 mm |
| 7 (no letter) | 4.5 mm |
| H-8 | 5.0 mm |
| I-9 | 5.5 mm |
| J-10 | 6.0 mm |
| K-10.5 | 6.5 mm |
| L-11 | 8.0 mm |
| M/N-13 | 9.0 mm |
| N/P-15 | 10.0 mm |
| P-15 | 11.5 mm |
| Q | 15.75 mm |
🧵✨ We hope this Crochet Data Dictionary helps you stitch with confidence, no matter which pattern you’re following!
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