What Does PM Mean in Crochet?

Most brand patterns will have an abbreviation key at the bottom of the pattern but some do not. Also, if you are looking at a pattern from another crochet designer, they may think that certain terms are known and will simply overlook explaining the mentions of PM in the pattern or instructions.

Sometimes, instead of PM, you will see SM or Sl M. As PM stands for place marker, SM stands for slip marker. You may also see stitch marker. A stitch marker is the place marker, which you will learn more about in the next section. PM is common in both crochet and knitting. The term SM is more common in knitting as you will slip the marker from one needle to the other. 

For an example, let's look at the pattern for this Bernat "Take it From the Top Pullover":

In the part of the pattern [pictured above], it tells the crocheter to complete actions such as, "3 hdc in the next ch and PM on center hdc."

What does it mean?
In the sentence above, it uses several crochet abbreviations and reads, "Do 3 half double crochets in the next chain and place marker on the center half double crochet."

As you can see on the right side of the image, it reads, "PM on Fronts in 2nd hdc from each end of last row. Overlap Right Front over Left Front at markers and pin in position."

What does it mean?
In this case, you see the mention of "markers" along with PM. It reads, "Place marker on Fronts in the second half double crochet from each end of the last row. Overlap the Right Front over the Left Front where you put the marker and then pin it into position."

Place markers can range from a piece of yarn to a large plastic piece that is hooked onto your crochet piece. A place marker can be anything that is attachable to (and removable from) your crochet project. Some people buy special stitch markers and others use what they have.

 This infographic from our friends at AllFreeKnitting shows all the odd items people have used as placeholders while working with yarn. Download your copy on their page here.
 

If you want to buy place markers, then you'll have to choose between a few different types. The two main types are open or closed. Open is preferred for crochet, closed is preferred for knitting. Then you have to choose within those specific types and what will work best for you. Since we are mostly discussing crochet, let's quickly go over open stitch markers. Learn more about these crochet tools on our page, How to Use Stitch Markers.

Lock ring stitch markers look a bit like safety pins but are usually wider and made of plastic.

Split ring stitch markers look like a slightly coiled circle with just enough space for a piece of yarn to fit through.

Now that you know what PM means in crochet, how do you do it? It's pretty simple. In fact, this video tutorial will walk you through the different types and how to use them.
 

As you can see, you will simply find the place you need to mark and use one of the stitch markers you have on hand. Clip, twist, or tie it on and you will be ready to move on without losing your place.