Abbreviations and techniques:

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch
inc = increase = 2 sc into same st
dec = decrease = sc 2 together
[ ] = repeated pattern
( ) = number of stitches in the row

What do these mean?

These abbreviations and techniques are commonly used in crochet patterns. They provide instructions on how to create specific stitches and shapes in a project. For example, "ch" means to make a chain stitch, "sc" means to make a single crochet stitch, "sl st" means to make a slip stitch, "st" means stitch, "inc" means to increase by making 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch, and "dec" means to decrease by making 2 single crochet stitches together. The brackets "[ ]" indicate a repeated pattern, and the parentheses "( )" indicate the number of stitches to be made in a specific row or round.