What does sp mean in crochet?

How to work it

sp means space: the gap under a chain, or between stitches of the previous row, into which you work instead of into a stitch. A space made of chains is often written ch-sp, or ch-2 sp for a space of two chains.

To work into a space, insert the hook under the chain, into the hole, and not into one of the chain’s stitches. Several stitches can go into the same space: they sit side by side over the chain.

In a pattern

Rnd 3: sl st in next ch-sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in next sp.

In “Rnd 3: sl st in next ch-sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in next sp.”, you first slip stitch into the next chain space, to bring the hook there without adding height. “ch 3” counts as the first double crochet; “2 dc in same sp” adds two more in that same space, making a group of three. “ch 2” makes the next space, and “3 dc in next sp” fills the following one. This is how a granny square is built.

US or UK?

sp means space in both conventions and doesn’t change. The stitches worked into it do: an American dc is a British tr. French patterns say “arceau” for a chain space, or “espace” more generally.

Common mistakes

• Working into a chain stitch instead of under it. The group sits off-centre and the round twists: go into the hole.
• Skipping a space when several look alike. Count the spaces of the previous round before starting: the repeats of the pattern depend on it.

A tip

Put a marker in the first space of the round. On the last repeat, you know where to stop.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between sp and ch-sp?

ch-sp is a space made by chains; sp is any space. Many patterns use one for the other once the chains are made.

Do I work into the space or into the chain?

Into the space, under the chain, unless the pattern says “in the ch” or “in each ch”.

See also

• ms — single crochet
• v-st — V-stitch
• bobble — bobble
• dc — double crochet

Go further

• Guide: how to read a crochet or knitting pattern