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.
- 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)
- p2tog
- purl two together
- ssk
- slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- kfb
- knit into front and back (increase)
- m1
- make one (increase)
- m1l / m1r
- make one left / right
- co
- cast on
- 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)
- gst
- garter stitch
- st st
- stockinette (UK: stocking) stitch
- ch
- chain
- sl st
- slip stitch
- 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 crochet
- sc2tog
- single crochet two together (decrease)
- inc (2 sc)
- increase — two stitches in one
- mr
- magic ring (adjustable ring)
- BLO / FLO
- back / front loop only
- fpdc / bpdc
- front / back post double crochet
- rep from *
- repeat from the asterisk
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.