Crochet Abbreviations: The Best Guide for Amigurumi Beginners

If you’ve ever opened one of my patterns, like the Crochet Dinosaur or the Magic Unicorn, and felt like you were looking at a secret code—don’t worry! Every beginner feels that way. This guide will help you decode the Crochet Abbreviations – “crochet alphabet” so you can start creating your own EmmaS Dolls with confidence.

1. Why Crochet Abbreviations Matter

Crochet patterns use abbreviations to save space and make instructions easier to scan. Instead of writing “work two single crochet stitches into the next stitch,” we simply write “Inc” (Increase).

2. US vs. UK Terms: Don’t Get Confused!

This is the most important thing to know: All EmmaS Dolls patterns use US Crochet Terms.

If you are from the UK or Australia, the names of the stitches are different. Here is a quick conversion table to help you:

Crochet Abbreviations by EmmaS Dolls

Pro Tip: If a pattern asks for a “Single Crochet” but you are using UK terms, your doll will end up twice as tall and look very different from my Plush Bunny!

3. The Essential Stitch Dictionary

Here are the core abbreviations you will find in my free patterns on this website:

• MR – Magic Ring: The essential start for amigurumi (used in my Teddy Bear and Lucky Clover). It creates a hole-less start so stuffing stays inside.
• Ch – Chain: The beginning of flat pieces, like the base for the Rainbow.
• Sc – Single Crochet: The most common stitch for dolls. It creates a dense, sturdy fabric.
• Hdc – Half Double Crochet: A stitch that is taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet. It’s perfect for adding a bit of height or texture.
• Dc – Double Crochet: A tall stitch often used for ruffles, clothes, or decorative elements on dolls.
• Inc – Increase: Working 2 stitches into 1. This makes your piece grow wider.
• Dec – Decrease: Joining 2 stitches into 1. This narrows the piece. I always recommend the Invisible Decrease for a cleaner look.
• Sl st – Slip Stitch: Used to join rounds or move the yarn to a new position without adding height.
• Sk st – Skip Stitch: This means you jump over the next stitch without working into it. It is very useful for creating specific shapes or holes in patterns.
• BLO – Back Loop Only: You insert your hook only under the back loop (the one furthest from you).
• FLO – Front Loop Only: You work only into the front loop (the one closest to you). This is often used for adding ruffles or layers.
• St(s) – Stitch(es): Total count of loops worked.
• Rnd(s) – Round(s): Amigurumi is worked in continuous spirals rather than flat rows.

➡️How to Crochet Basic Stitches: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

4. How to Read My Instructions

In patterns like the Daisy the Spring Bunny or Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, you will see special symbols:

• Parentheses ( ) or Brackets [ ]: The number at the very end of a line, e.g., [12], tells you the total number of stitches you should have after completing that round.
• The “x” Symbol (Multiplication/Repeat): In my patterns, I use “x” to show how many times you should repeat a specific sequence. For example, (sc 2, inc) x 6 means you should repeat everything inside the parentheses 6 times in total around that round.

What’s Next?

Now that you know the language, you are ready to try one of my free patterns! Check out the Teddy Bear or the Flying Saucer to practice your new skills.

If you find visual learning easier, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I post short tutorials for every stitch mentioned here! For those who prefer to work offline and support my work, you can also find printable PDF versions of my patterns on my Etsy and Ravelry shops.

Crochet Abbreviations by EmmaS Dolls