Just because you're only using one tool doesn't mean that crocheting is any less complicated than knitting. Sometimes looking at your pattern before you start crocheting can be intimidating, like a crazy code that you have to be a mastermind to decipher (and yes, you should be reading your pattern before you start working! Here's why reading patterns is so important.)
Generally, patterns come with an abbreviations list, but some patterns will leave you stranded in the dark with no abbreviation references whatsoever. We've compiled a list of 70 of the most common crochet terms that you will most likely come across in your next pattern endeavor.
Crochet Abbreviations and Definitions: 70 Must Know Terms
alt: alternate
approx: approximately
beg: begin/beginning
bet: between
bl/blo: back loop/back loop only
bo: bobble
BP: back post
BPdc: back post double crochet
BPtdr: back post double treble crochet
BPhdc: back post half double crochet
BPsc: back post single crochet
BPtr: back post treble crochet
CA: color A
CB: color B
CC: contrasting color
ch: chain stitch
ch-: refer to chain or space previously made, e.g., ch-1 space
ch-sp: chain space
CL: cluster
cont: continue
dc: double crochet
dc2tog: double crochet 2 stitches together
dec: decrease
edc: extended double crochet
ehdc: extended half double crochet
esc: extended single crochet
etr: extended treble crochet
FL/FLO: front loop/front loop only
foll: following
FP: front post
FPdc: front post double crochet
FPdtr: front post double treble crochet
FPhdc: front post half double crochet
FPsc: front post single crochet
FPtc: front post treble crochet
hdc: half double crochet
hdc2tog: half double crochet 2 stitches together
hk: hook
inc: increase
lp: loop
m: marker
MC: main color
md(s): round(s)
mm(s): millimeter(s)
pc: popcorn stitch
pm: place marker
prev: previous
ps/puff: puff stitch
rem: remaining
rep: repeat
rnd: round
RS: right side
sc: single crochet
sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together
sh: shell
sk: skip
sl st: slip stitch
sm/sl m: slip marker
sp: space
st: stitch
tbl: through back loop
tch: turning chain
tog: together
tr: treble crochet
tr2tog: treble crochet 2 stitches together
trtr: triple treble crochet
ws: wrong side
yo: yarn over
yoh: yarn over hook
Learn some of these techniques with our Crochet Tutorials, and practice your crochet stitches with Darn Good Yarn's Stitch Learning Center! You can also join our community of knit and crochet lovers with Yarn of the Month Club!