Solved: What Does SP Mean in Crochet?
We will explain the sp crochet abbreviation to help you understand your next crochet pattern.
When it comes to crochet pattern terminology, there are a lot of abbreviations and some are less common or well known to crocheters, especially beginners.
So, what does sp mean in crochet? In short, sp means space. It is sometimes shown as sp(s), which means spaces. You also may see ch-sp, which means chain space.
So, when you see crochet terms involving sp, you will now know. However, understanding what the abbreviation means is one thing but knowing how to execute it in the pattern is another.
That's why we explain what it means when it comes to the crochet movements. When it comes to crochet meanings in patterns, it's critical to know everything about what you're crocheting and how to execute it.
To learn more about other abbreviations found in crochet patterns, check out our page on Crochet Abbreviations. It has all the most common abbreviations you will find, what they mean, and how to do them.
Table of Contents
SP in Crochet: What Does it Mean?
As mentioned above, these are the three main instances you will see "sp" in crochet patterns:
Sp or sp(s) means that you will crochet into the space between stitches in the row above. Either one space or multiple spaces, depending on which abbreviation is shown.
| sp | = | space |
|---|---|---|
| sp(s) | = | spaces |
| ch-sp | = | chain space |
A ch-sp can also be shown with the number, as an example, it could be ch-1sp or ch-2sp. Or partially written out as ch-1 space, etc.
Ch-sp means that, when crocheting a chain, you will skip a stitch and work into the next. Then, in the next row, you will work into that space in the chain above.
According to the Craft Yarn Council, "3 or more, are often called loops (lps)."
A few more examples...
chain 2 sp = chain 2 space
sc in ch 1 sp = single crochet in chain 1 space
sl st into ch1 sp = slip stitch into chain 1 space
Examples of SP in Crochet
Chain spaces:
Each pattern is different but we will share an example of a pattern that uses a chain space to help you see how it's done. It is for our Vintage Crochet Shell Stitch.
Watch the video and you will find that around the 4-minute mark, you will see the first chain space in the pattern.
In this pattern, it says: For your second row find that ch-2sp from your previous row. Then work in that ch-2sp and do a single crochet. Chain 2.
See the image below to see where the space in the chain above is located.
Spaces in patterns:
Again, each pattern is different but we will share an example of a pattern that uses crocheting in a space to help you see how it's done. It is for our One Skein Mini Crochet Blanket Pattern.
Watch the video and you will find that around the 7-minute mark, you will see the first chain space in the pattern.
In this pattern, it says: Ch 3, turn, puff stitch in each ch 1 space, dc in last st.
See the image below to see where the crochet space is located.
Up Next
How to Read Crochet Patterns >>
Is there anything else you want to know about sp in crochet?
If so, let us know in the comments and we will try our best to include it on the page.
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mulberrygalprinces s
Feb 02, 2018
Thank you for showing this. Not so much for me since I have been crocheting for 50 years. But the people I try to teach get stumped. I have gotten so many late night calls asking what this or that means. Dimple answer? Google it! Say " what does sp mean in crochet?" And you will immediately get the answer!
Hippie Chick
Feb 02, 2018
In short, sp means space. It is sometimes shown as sp(s), which means spaces. You also may see ch-sp, which means chain space. Sp or sp(s) means you will crochet into the space between stitches. Ch-sp means, when crocheting a chain, you will skip a stitch and work into the next.
KLC
Jan 31, 2018
This comes up a lot with stitches like the shell and puff, so it's important to know!
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