Crochet Basics

Crochet Abbreviations
Crochet Hook Conversions
Yarn Weights
Pattern Difficulty Levels
Yarn Care Symbols

Crochet Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description
[ ] work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
( ) work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed
* repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
* * repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed or repeat from a given set of instructions
inch(es)
alt alternate
approx approximately
beg begin/beginning
bet between
BL back loop(s)
bo bobble
BP back post
BPdc back post 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- refers to chain or space previously made: e.g., ch-1 space
ch-sp chain spac
CL cluster
cm centimeter(s)
cont continue
dc double crochet
dc2tog double crochet 2 stitches together
dec decrease
dtr double treble
FL nt loop(s)
foll follow
FP front post
FPdc front post double crochet
FPsc front post single crochet
FPtr front post treble crochet
g gram
hdc half double crochet
inc increase
lp(s) loops
m meter(s)
MC millimeter(s)
oz ounce(s)
p picot
pat(s) or patt pattern(s)
pc popcorn
pm place marker
prev previous
rem remain/remaining
rep repeat(s)
rnd(s) round(s)
RS right side
sc single crochet
sc2tog single crochet 2 stitches together
sk skip
Sl st slip sitich
sp(s) space(s)
st(s) stitch(es)
tch or t-ch turning chain
tbl through back loop
tog together
tr treble crochet
trtr triple treble crochet
WS wrong side
yd(s) yard(s)
yo yarn over
yoh yarn over hook

Crochet Hook Conversions

Metric Sizes (mm) US Sizes UK/Canadian
2.0 - 14
2.25 B/1 13
2.5 - 12
2.75 C/2 -
3.0 - 11
3.25 D/3 10
3.5 E/4 9
3.75 F/5 -
4.0 G/6 8
4.5 7 7
5.0 H/8 6
5.5 I/9 5
6.0 J/10 4
6.5 K/10 1/2 3
7.0 - 2
8.0 L/11 0
9.0 M/13 00
10.0 N/15 000

Yarn Weights

Yarn Category Yarn Types # of Stitches to 4 Inches Recommended US Needle Size
  Super fine Sock, baby 27 to 32 1 to 3
  Fine Sport, baby 23 to 26 3 to 5
  Light DK, light worsted 21 to 24 5 to 7
  Medium Worsted, afghan, aran 16 to 20 7 to 9
  Bulky Chunky, craft, rug 12 to 15 9 to 11
  Super Bulky Bulky, roving 6 to 11 11 and larger

Pattern Difficulty Levels

Skill Level Description
  Beginner Projects for first-time knitters using basic knit and purl stitches. Minimal shaping.
  Easy Projects using basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and simple shaping and finishing.
  Intermediate Projects with a variety of stitches, such as basic cables and lace, simple intarsia, double-pointed needles and knitting in the round needle techniques, mid-level shaping and finishing.
  Experienced Projects using advanced techniques and stitches, such as short rows, fair isle, more intricate intarsia, cables, lace patterns, and numerous color changes.

Yarn Care Symbols

Label Description
  Hand wash in water no warmer than 104 degrees F.
  Machine wash in water no warmer than 104 degrees F.
  Can be machine dried.
  Do not machine dry.
  Can be bleached.
  Do not bleach.
  Can be ironed.
  Do not iron.
  Can be dry cleaned.
  Do not dry clean.
  Can be dry cleaned using P solvents.

I-Cord Instructions

Using two double-pointed needles, start by casting on a few stitches, around 3 to 6. It is best if the neeedles are short. Knit all of the stitches. Instead of turning your work and knitting the stitches in the reverse direction, move the needle with the stitches to your other hand (your left hand) without turning your work. Now slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, pulling the yarn across the back of the stitches. Knit the row again. Continue this way, sliding and knitting, until the cord is the length you wish. Thread the yarn through the final stitches and pull firmly.

Make sure to pull the yarn tight and pull on the cord as your go.

How do I advertise here?