Charts Only

  alt alternate
  approx approximately
BP back post
BLO back loop only
BPdc back post double crochet
beg begin, beginning
CC contrasting color
  ch chain
  cl cluster
  cont continue
  dbl double
  dtr or dbl tr double triple
dc double crochet
dec decrease
dir directions
dk dark
dnt do not turn
ea each
ex sc extended single crochet
fig figure 1 (picture of stitch)

  FLO front loop only
  FP front post
  FPdc front post double crochet
   fo finish off
   foll following
   gm or gr grams
   gr group
   hdc half double crochet
   hk hook
   htr half triple crochet
   in inch
    inc increase
   incl including
   inst instructions
   ldc long double crochet
   lp(s) loop(s)
   lsc long single crochet
   lt light
   MC main color
   med medium
   mm millimeter

no. number
  oz(s) ounce
  pat st pattern stitch
  pc st popcorn stitch (also pop, pc, ps)
  prev previous
  rem remaining
  rep repeat
  rnd round
  rs right side
  rsc reverse single crochet
sc single crochet
  sk skip
  sl st slip stitch
  sp space
  st(s) stitch(es)
  tch turning chain
  tog together
  tr triple (treble)
  x times (such as repeat 5x)
  ws wrong side
  yo yarn over

Domestic and Foreign Stitches
http://www.crochetcabana.com

Note: European terms differ slightly from U.S. terms.
A conversion table is provided below.

International Symbols	Domestic (U.S.)	Foreign (England, Australia, etc.)
	slip stitch	slip stitch
	chain	chain
	single crochet	double crochet
	half double crochet	half treble
	double crochet	treble
	triple crochet	double treble
	double treble	triple treble
	triple treble	quadruple treble

At the beginning of a pattern worked in rows, you normally chain a certain number and then begin your pattern stitches into the foundation chain. At the end of a row, a pattern will say chain a certain number of stitches and turn. If you are designing your own pattern, it is helpful to know the "normal" turning chains required to get the correct height. Here are the typically suggested turning chains for the basic stitches, as well as the suggested chain to go into on the foundation chain of your pattern.

Type of Stitch	On Foundation Chain	Turning Chain	After turn, insert into
sl st	2nd	ch 1	1st stitch
sc	2nd	ch 1	1st stitch
hdc	3rd	ch 2	2nd stitch
dc	3rd or 4th	ch 2 or ch 3	2nd stitch
htr	4th	ch 2 or ch 3	2nd stitch
tr	5th	ch 4	2nd stitch

Note: turning chain counts as a stitch in all but ss and sc, which means you work into the tch as your last stitch, unless otherwise specified in your pattern

We usually think of ply as the individual strands that are woven together to make a strand of yarn. This is accurate, but some manufacturers use the term ply to describe the size of yarn. So when substituting yarn, make sure you know what you are comparing.

The information below is gathered from various sources. I do not guarantee its reliability. Make sure you are using the material specified in your pattern or an equivalent. Check gauge to be sure. Also, most wrappers will give the gauge so you can judge different yarns in the shop by comparing their wrapper gauge. Another method of comparing yarn is wpi (wraps per inch). You wrap your yarn around a small tube, yarn strands lying side by side, not overlapping, and set a rule down next to it. If both yarns measure the same, you can substitute them in your project. Keep in mind also that different materials will "drape" differently. You might not, for example, want to exchange cotton for wool in a sweater.

In most cases the U.K. and Australian terms are the same, as far as my research could tell.

My favorite online store for buying yarn, http://www.herrschners.com/ lists these U.S. weights
2 ply, fingering, DK, Lace Weight, Sport, Worsted, Heavy Worsted, Super Bulky, Bulky Chunky

U.S. A.	U.K.	Australia
	1 ply - cobweb weight
lace	2 - baby	2
sock	3 - baby	3
fingering 3 ply	4 - baby	4 jumper weight
sport weight 3 ply	5-ply lightweight	5
light worsted	8-ply double knitting	8
worsted	Aran	10 (worsted)
(heavy) worsted 4 ply	triple knit	12 (knitting worsted)
		14
bulky	chunky	16
super bulky	bulky	20

Hooks and Yarn
(more info on the Yarn Yak and Hooks pages)

Below is a list of the hooks that are normally used with the particular yarn.
Doesn't mean you can't use a different one if you so choose. It's just a general guideline.