Basic crochet stitch chart and nomenclature in English
To be able to interpret a crochet pattern, we need to know the stitch symbols , their abbreviations , and their English names. This last point is very important, as many modern patterns are written in English or use a mix of nomenclatures.
Here you will find a complete table with the basic crochet stitches , their abbreviations in Spanish and English, the number of chain stitches needed in height, and the stitch's appearance.
Basic crochet stitches
| Period in Spanish | Abbreviation (ES) | English name | Abbreviation (EN) | Height chains | Aspect of the point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slip stitch | pr | Slip stitch | sl st | 0–1 ch | Flat fabric, without height |
|
Low point |
pb | Single crochet | sc | 1 ch | Closed and firm |
| Half high point | p.m | Half double crochet | hdc | 2 ch | A little higher than the bass |
| Double crochet | pa | Double crochet | dc | 3 ch | Tall, with a good drop |
| Double crochet | pad | Treble crochet | tr | 4 ch | Very high, openwork fabric |
| Triple crochet | patr | Double treble crochet | dtr | 5 ch | Extra height, very openwork fabric |
💡 Tip: The number of chain stitches in height is a guideline; some knitters prefer one less for a tighter edge.
Increases and decreases
In the patterns you will also find symbols for increases and decreases:
- Increase (inc): two or more stitches knitted into the same stitch from the previous row.
- Decrease (dism): two or more stitches closed together, forming one.
👉 These symbols are usually represented with arrows or unions in crochet charts:
Increases:
Decreases:
👉 Continue with Chapter 5 – Turning the fabric
👉 Return to the index of the ONLINE COURSE TO LEARN TO CROCHET