Basic crochet stitch chart and English terminology
To interpret a crochet pattern, we need to know the symbols for the stitches, their abbreviations, and also what they are called in English. The latter is especially important, as many modern patterns are written in English or mix naming conventions.
Here you will find a complete table of basic crochet stitches, their Spanish and English abbreviations, the number of turning chains required, and the appearance of each stitch.
Basic crochet stitches
| Spanish stitch name | Abbreviation (ES) | English name | Abbreviation (EN) | Turning chains | Stitch appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slip stitch | sl st | Slip stitch | sl st | 0–1 ch | Flat fabric, with no height |
|
Single crochet |
sc | Single crochet | sc | 1 ch | Closed and firm |
| Half double crochet | hdc | Half double crochet | hdc | 2 ch | Slightly taller than single crochet |
| Treble crochet | tr | Double crochet | dc | 3 ch | Tall, with good drape |
| Double treble crochet | dtr | Treble crochet | tr | 4 ch | Very tall, open fabric |
| Triple treble crochet | tr | Double treble crochet | dtr | 5 ch | Extra height, very open fabric |
💡 Tip: the number of turning chains is only a guideline; some crocheters prefer one fewer so the edge is tighter.
Increases and decreases
In patterns, you will also find symbols for increases and decreases:
- Increase (inc): two or more stitches worked into the same stitch of the previous round.
- Decrease (dec): two or more stitches worked together, forming a single stitch.
👉 These symbols are usually represented by arrows or joins in crochet charts:
Increases:
Decreases:
👉 Continue with Chapter 5 – Turning the work
👉 Back to the index of the ONLINE COURSE TO LEARN TO CROCHET
