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Understanding patterns and international terms

Abbreviations

Note: Inside Crochet uses UK terms throughout.

alt · alternate
bef · before
beg · begin(s); beginning
bet · between
blo · back loop only
ch(s) · chain(s)
ch-sp(s) · chain space(s)
cl(s) · cluster(s)
cm · centimetre(s)
cont · continue(s); continuing
dc · double crochet
dc2tog · work two dc together
dec(s) · decrease(s); decreasing; decreased
dtr · double treble crochet
dtr2tog · work two dtr together
ea · each
ech · extended chain
edc · extended double crochet

est · established
etr · extended treble
fdc · foundation double crochet
flo · front loop only
foll · follows; following
r · foundation treble crochet
g · gram(s)
gp(s) · group(s)
hk · hook
htr · half treble crochet
htr2tog · work two htr together
in · inch(es)
inc(s) · increase(s); increasing; increased
lp(s) · loop(s)
m · stitch marker
mm · millimetre(s)
nc · not closed
patt · pattern
pm · place marker

prev · previous
rem · remain(s); remaining
rep(s) · repeat(s)
rev dc · reverse double crochet
rnd(s) · round(s)
RS · right side
rtrf · raised treble front
rtrb · raised treble back
sl · slip
sl st · slip stitch
sp(s) · space(es)
st(s) · stitch(es)
t-ch(s) · turning chain(s)
tog · together
tr · treble crochet
tr2tog · work two trebles together
trtr · triple treble
WS · wrong side
yd(s) · yard(s)
yoh · yarn over hook
yrh · yarn round hook

Breaking the Language Barrier

UK and US terms have differing meanings which can create difficulty for the crocheter. Here’s a handy reference guide to overcome any misunderstandings.

UK Terms

Chain
Miss
Slip stitch
Double crochet
Half treble crochet
Treble crochet
Double treble crochet
Triple treble crochet
Raised treble back/front

US Terms

Chain
Skip
Slip stitch
Single crochet
Half double crochet
Double crochet
Treble crochet
Double treble crochet
Back/front post dc

Crochet Hook Sizes

Metric (mm) UK US
0.6   14
0.75   12
1   11
1.25   7
1.5   6
1.75 5  
2 14  
2.25   B/1
2.5 12  
2.75   C/2
Metric (mm) UK US
3 10  
3.25   D/3
3.5 9 E/4
3.75   F/5
4 8 G/6
4.5 7 7
5 6 H/8
5.5 5 I/9
6 4 J/10
6.5 3 K-10 1/2

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