Crochet abbreviation

What does ch mean in crochet?

Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook. Chains form foundations, turning chains and spaces.

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ch in US and UK patterns
US patternsUK patterns
Abbreviationchch
Meaningchainchain

ch is short for chain in US patterns; UK patterns write ch (chain).

How to work ch (chain stitch)

  1. Make a slip knot and place it on the hook, snug but not tight.
  2. Hold the tail between thumb and middle finger just below the hook.
  3. Yo from back to front so the working yarn lies over the hook.
  4. Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook — 1 chain made.
  5. Repeat until the chain is the length the pattern calls for, counting each V.
  6. Count chains without the loop on the hook and without the slip knot.

Full chain stitch tutorial →

How ch appears in real patterns