Abbreviations

Here are abbreviations for you, because the first time you look at a crochet pattern, you’ll probably think you’re looking at a foreign language, patterns traditionally are written using them. Most magazines or books will have a key explaining the abbreviations, but the following is a helpful reference list.

Abbreviations:
approx…approximate(ly)
beg…begin(ning)
BLO…back loop only
BO…bind off
ch(s)…chain(s)
CC…contrasting color
dc…double crochet
dec…decrease(ing)
g or gr…grams
hdc…half double crochet
inc…increase(-ing)
in(s) or "…inch(es)
lp(s)…loop(s)
MC…main color
M1…make one
oz…ounce(s)
patt(s)…pattern(s)
prev…previous
psso…pass slipped stitch over
rem…remain(ing)
rep…repeat(ing)
rnd(s)…round(s)
RS…right side
sc…single crochet
sk…skip
sl…slip
sl st(s)…slip stitches
sp(s)…space(s)
st(s)…stitches(es)
tog…together
tr…triple crochet(s)
WWS…wrong side
yo…yarn over
YRN...yarn round needle

*…An asterisk is used to mark the beginning of a portion of instructions which will be worked more than once; thus, "rep between * * three times: means after working the instructions once, repeat the instructions between the asterisks 3 more times (4 times in all).

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Beginner Crochet Block

The instructions below will show you how to make a foundation row and a single crochet stitch. If you follow them exactly, you’ll complete a 7" by 9" block, with these basics, you can make a scarf, hat, pillow, bag or any number of projects.

What you need:

- Worsted-weight yarn, any color or colors
- Size G crochet hook;
- Yarn needle with big eye
- Small scissors

How to begin Step 1: Hold crochet hook in right hand and make a slip knot on hook. Step 2: Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with hook.

Step 3: Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto hook. This makes one chain stitch. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 in sequence 28 more times. You should have 29 chain stitches and one loop will remain on hook. Step 4: Skip the first chain stitch. Step 5: Insert hook into center of next chain stitch. Draw yarn through the chain stitch and up onto the hook. There are now 2 loops on hook. Step 6: Bring yarn over hook from back to front, and draw it through both loops on hook. One loop remains on the hook, and you have just made one single crochet stitch.   Repeat Steps 5 and 6 in each of the remaining 27 chains--be sure to work in the very last chain. You have now completed one row of single crochet. Measure your work; it should be about 7" wide. If it is too wide, try again with fewer beginning chains. If it is too narrow, try again with more beginning chains. Step 7: At the end of the row, make one chain stitch, then turn the work counter-clockwise, leaving the hook in the chain. Now you can begin another row, working into the stitches  of the previous row. Step 8: Make one single crochet stitch in first stitch and in each remaining stitch of the previous row. Be sure to work into the last stitch. Chain 1, turn. Repeat Step 8 until the block measures 9" long. Finishing: Cut the yarn from the skein, leaving a 6" end. Draw the hook straight up, bringing the yarn through the remaining loop on the hook. Thread yarn into yarn needle and weave back and forth through stitches to secure.

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