Crochet Abbreviations

Crochet patterns use a large variety of abbreviations. Here are the most common and what they mean:

YO or yo (Yarn Over)- To yarn over means to bring the yarn over the hook of your crochet hook so that the hook can catch the yarn and draw it through the loop. Literally, bring the yarn over the hook.
ch-chain stitch
sc- single crochet
hfc- half double crochet
dc- double crochet
tc_ treble (triple) crochet
st(s)- stitch(es)
sl st- slip stitch
sk- skip
dec- decrease
inc- increase
sc2tog- single crochet two stitches together
lp(s)-loop(s)
rnd(s)-round(s)
dtr-double treble crochet
sp(s)-space(s)
beg-beginning
rep-repeat
tog-together
rs-right side
lp st-loop stitch
ws-wrong side
BLO or BL-Back Loop Only - Back Loop
FLO or FL-Front Loop Only - Front Loop
CC-contrasting color
Rev-Reverse
MC-main color

To begin crocheting, you have to tie the yarn to your crochet hook with a slipknot. You wrap the yarn around the hook, bringing the end portion of the yarn on top into a working loop. Then you “yarn over” by bringing the bottom thread over the hook so that the hook can catch it, twisting, and pulling it through the loop. You don’t want to pull the slipknot too tight. It has to be at least large enough to let the hook pass easily through it.