Many crochet patterns are written in English with US terms. If you learned to crochet in Spanish, the abbreviations can look like a code at first: sc, hdc, dc, sl st, yo. The good news is that most patterns use a small set of terms again and again. This guide lists the ones you will meet most often, with their usual Spanish names, so you can follow an English pattern with more confidence.
First check: US or UK terms?
Before you translate a single stitch, find out whether the pattern uses US or UK terms. The two systems use some of the same words for different stitches. For example, a US single crochet is called a double crochet in UK patterns. Most patterns state their terminology near the abbreviations or the materials list. If a pattern does not say, compare its abbreviation list with the tables below before you start.
Basic stitches
| US term | US abbr. | Spanish | UK term |
|---|---|---|---|
| chain | ch | cadeneta (cad) | chain (ch) |
| slip stitch | sl st | punto deslizado (pd); also called punto enano or punto raso | slip stitch (ss) |
| single crochet | sc | punto bajo (pb); also called medio punto (mp) | double crochet (dc) |
| half double crochet | hdc | punto medio alto (pma); also called media vareta (mv) | half treble (htr) |
| double crochet | dc | punto alto (pa); also called vareta (v) | treble (tr) |
| treble crochet | tr | punto alto doble (pad); also called vareta doble | double treble (dtr) |
Spanish stitch names and abbreviations vary between countries and designers. Treat the Spanish column as a guide and always check the abbreviation list in the pattern you are using.
Common abbreviations
| Abbreviation | English | Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| st(s) | stitch(es) | punto(s) |
| yo | yarn over | lazada (echar hebra) |
| rnd | round | vuelta (en redondo) |
| row | row | vuelta o hilera |
| inc | increase (2 sts in the same st) | aumento (aum) |
| dec | decrease | disminución (dism) |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 together | 2 puntos bajos juntos (disminución) |
| invdec | invisible decrease | disminución invisible |
| MR | magic ring | anillo mágico (am) |
| sk | skip | saltar (un punto) |
| sp / ch-sp | space / chain space | espacio / espacio de cadenetas (arco) |
| BLO / FLO | back loop only / front loop only | solo por la hebra trasera / solo por la hebra delantera |
| FPdc / BPdc | front post / back post double crochet | punto alto en relieve por delante / por detrás |
| RS / WS | right side / wrong side | derecho / revés de la labor |
| rep | repeat | repetir |
| tch | turning chain | cadeneta(s) de giro |
| * … * or [ … ] | repeat the instructions inside | repetir lo indicado entre asteriscos o corchetes |
| (12) | stitch count at the end of the row or round | número de puntos al final de la vuelta |
Textured and decorative stitches
- puff stitch: punto puff
- popcorn stitch: punto palomita
- bobble stitch: punto bodoque
- shell stitch: punto abanico
- V-stitch: punto V
- reverse single crochet (crab stitch): punto cangrejo
- picot: piquito o picot
Textured stitches are often defined inside the pattern itself, because designers make them in slightly different ways. Follow the pattern's own stitch guide when it has one.
Materials and pattern words
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| crochet hook | aguja de crochet (ganchillo) |
| yarn | hilo o lana |
| skein / ball | madeja / ovillo |
| gauge (UK: tension) | tensión o muestra |
| yarn weight | grosor del hilo |
| stitch marker | marcador de puntos |
| yarn needle / tapestry needle | aguja lanera |
| stuffing / fiberfill | relleno |
| safety eyes | ojos de seguridad |
| fasten off | rematar o cerrar |
| weave in ends | esconder las hebras |
| blocking | bloqueo |
| turn | girar la labor |
| work even | tejer sin aumentar ni disminuir |
| finished size | medidas finales |
Hook sizes and yarn weights
US patterns often give hook sizes as a letter and a number. These are the most common sizes:
- E-4 = 3.5 mm · F-5 = 3.75 mm · G-6 = 4 mm · 7 = 4.5 mm
- H-8 = 5 mm · I-9 = 5.5 mm · J-10 = 6 mm · K-10½ = 6.5 mm
For the full list, see our crochet hook size chart. Yarn weights are often given by name or by the Craft Yarn Council number: 1 super fine (fingering), 2 fine (sport), 3 light (DK), 4 medium (worsted or aran), 5 bulky (chunky), 6 super bulky and 7 jumbo. The weight on your yarn label matters more than the name alone, so compare the recommended hook and gauge as well.
Tips for following an English pattern
- Read the whole pattern and the abbreviation list before you start.
- On a printed copy, write the Spanish name next to each abbreviation you are not sure about.
- Check the stitch count at the end of every row or round. It is the quickest way to spot a misread instruction.
- Make a gauge swatch with your yarn and hook, especially for garments and blankets.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round when you crochet in a spiral. Our guide to making a magic ring shows how most amigurumi rounds begin.
Ready to practise? Try a classic motif from our granny square patterns or a small project from our amigurumi crochet patterns.