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. |