Knitting & Crochet Abbreviations
Search common knitting and crochet abbreviations, with US↔UK crochet terms.
Patterns are written in shorthand. This glossary covers the abbreviations you meet most often in knitting and crochet — search for one, or filter by craft. The biggest trap is crochet terminology: US and UK use the same words for different stitches, so a US "single crochet" is a UK "double crochet". The US↔UK differences are flagged in yellow.
56 abbreviations
- st(s)
- stitch(es)
- rep
- repeat
- rnd(s)
- round(s)
- beg
- beginning
- tog
- together
- yo
- yarn over
- inc
- increase
- dec
- decrease
- sk
- skip
- sp(s)
- space(s)
- MC
- main colour
- CC
- contrasting colour
- RS
- right side
- WS
- wrong side
- pm
- place marker
- approx
- approximately
- k
- knit
- p
- purl
- k2tog
- knit two together (right-leaning decrease)Open the Increase / decrease evenly calculator
- p2tog
- purl two together
- ssk
- slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)Open the Increase / decrease evenly calculator
- kfb
- knit into front and back (increase)Open the Increase / decrease evenly calculator
- m1
- make one (increase)Open the Increase / decrease evenly calculator
- m1l / m1r
- make one left / right
- co
- cast onOpen the Cast-on calculator
- bo
- bind off (UK: cast off)
- sl
- slip (a stitch)
- psso
- pass slipped stitch over
- tbl
- through the back loop
- wyib / wyif
- with yarn in back / front
- dpn
- double-pointed needle(s)
- w&t
- wrap and turn (short rows)Open the Short rows calculator
- gst
- garter stitch
- st st
- stockinette (UK: stocking) stitch
- ch
- chain
- sl st
- slip stitchSame name in US & UK, but UK patterns usually abbreviate it "ss".
- sc
- single crochetUS term. UK calls this double crochet (dc).
- hdc
- half double crochetUS term. UK: half treble (htr).
- dc
- double crochetUS term. UK: treble (tr). In UK patterns "dc" means US single crochet — check which system!
- tr
- treble crochetUS term. UK: double treble (dtr).
- dtr
- double treble crochetUS term. UK: triple treble (trtr). In UK patterns "dtr" means US treble (tr) — check which system!
- sc2tog
- single crochet two together (decrease)Open the Hat crown decrease calculator
- dc2tog
- double crochet two together (decrease)
- inc (2 sc)
- increase — two stitches in oneOpen the Flat circle calculator
- mr
- magic ring (adjustable ring)Open the Amigurumi sphere calculator
- BLO / FLO
- back / front loop only
- fpdc / bpdc
- front / back post double crochet
- tch
- turning chainThe chain(s) worked at the start of a row or round to bring the hook up to the height of the stitches that follow. It may or may not count as a stitch — check the pattern.
- rep from *
- repeat from the asterisk (a pattern multiple)Open the Stitch repeat calculator
- cast off
- bind offUK, Australian and NZ term for what US patterns call "bind off" — the same technique for finishing off live stitches.
- tension
- gaugeUK, Australian and NZ patterns say "tension" where US patterns say "gauge" — the same measurement of stitches and rows per 10 cm / 4 in.
- jumper
- pullover sweaterUK, Australian and NZ term for a pullover sweater. (In US English a "jumper" is a pinafore dress — a different garment.)
- moss stitch
- UK term for what US patterns call seed stitchCareful — this changes the fabric: UK "moss stitch" is the US "seed stitch", while US "moss stitch" (and UK "double/Irish moss") is a different pattern worked over more rows. Check which system the pattern uses.
- aran
- a worsted / 10-ply yarn weight, and a style of cabled sweaterAs a yarn weight, aran sits between DK and chunky (roughly US worsted / heavy worsted, 10-ply). It also names the cabled Aran-Islands sweater style.
- toque
- a close-fitting knitted winter hat (beanie)Canadian term for a beanie-style knitted or crocheted hat.
- afghan
- a blanket or throw, often crochetedA blanket or lap throw. Also lends its name to "afghan crochet", another word for Tunisian crochet.
Good to know
- US and UK crochet use the same stitch names for different stitches — always check which system a pattern uses before you start.
- This is the common core, not every abbreviation. Patterns should define any unusual ones in their own notes.
- When two abbreviations do the same job (e.g. a decrease), your pattern’s method still applies — the abbreviation just names it.
FAQ
- Is US single crochet the same as UK double crochet?
- Yes. US "single crochet (sc)" and UK "double crochet (dc)" are the exact same stitch. The names shift by one between the two systems, so identify which a pattern uses before you begin.
- What does a magic ring (mr) mean?
- An adjustable starting loop for crochet worked in the round — you crochet the first round into it and pull it tight to close the centre with no hole. Common for amigurumi and flat circles.
- What is the difference between k2tog and ssk?
- Both are knit decreases that remove one stitch. K2tog leans right; ssk (slip, slip, knit) leans left. Patterns pair them so shaping mirrors on each side.