Explanations of Crochet Terms for Beginners and Pros
Lost in translation? Decode the crochet alphabet with our handy glossary.
Whether you're a seasoned crocheter looking to improve your skills or a newbie just starting, a solid understanding of crochet terms is essential.
Understanding these terms not only helps improve the accuracy of your projects but also opens up a world of possibilities for experimenting with new techniques and designs.
Here, we'll unravel some of the most common crochet terms you'll encounter. Let's dive in!
Filet Crochet.
Welcome to your crochet term cheat sheet!
Key Techniques
Amigurumi
Amigurumi is a Japanese craft technique that involves crocheting small, stuffed animals or characters. It has become popular worldwide for its simplicity and the collectable figures it produces. Using basic crochet stitches and materials like cotton or acrylic yarn, Amigurumi is accessible to both beginners and experienced crafters.
Back Loop Only (blo)
A technique where stitches are worked through the back loop of the previous row, creating a ribbed texture and adding flexibility to the fabric.
Cake Yarn
Cake Yarn’s unique appeal lies in the gradient or self-striping colour patterns it offers. You can crochet multicolored projects without needing to switch yarns frequently. Unlike traditional skeins, cake yarn often features a smooth transition between colors, resulting in seamless patterns that are especially popular for creating vibrant shawls, blankets, and scarves.
CAL
CAL, short for Crochet-along, is a community crafting event where participants work on the same crochet project simultaneously, sharing progress and tips. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and motivation as crafters follow a common pattern or theme, often resulting in unique creations and learning experiences.
Chain Stitch (ch)
The chain stitch is the building block of most crochet projects, it forms the foundation row. To make a chain, create a loop on your hook, yarn over, and pull through the loop to form a chain link.
Clusters Stitch (cl sts)
The cluster stitch involves working multiple stitches into the same space, then partially completing each before closing them together at the top. This technique creates a textured, bunched effect, adding dimension and visual interest to projects like blankets and garments.
Colour Change (cc)
Switching yarn colours within a project to create patterns or stripes. The process involves finishing the last stitch of one colour with the new colour, seamlessly transitioning between hues.
Corner to Corner Crochet (C2C)
C2C involves crocheting diagonally from one corner to the opposite, forming a block pattern. It's popular for blankets and afghans, allowing for detailed designs and colour changes.
Crojo
Crojo refers to a crocheter's mojo, or motivation and inspiration to create new projects. It's a playful term that highlights the creative energy and enthusiasm that drives crocheters to start and complete a project. When a crocheter loses their crojo, it might mean they need a break or new inspiration to reignite their passion for crocheting.
Decrease (dec)
Reducing the number of stitches to shape your project, commonly used in shaping garments and toys.
This is done by crocheting two stitches together and pulling them into one.Filet Crochet
Filet Crochet involves creating a grid-like pattern using open and filled squares. Typically, double crochets and chain spaces form the design, allowing for intricate images or geometric patterns in lace-like projects.
Freeform Crochet
An unstructured technique with no rules or patterns. Freeform crochet allows you to experiment with different stitches, textures, and colours to create unique, artistic pieces. It's a wonderful way to explore your creativity and produce one-of-a-kind garments, accessories, and art pieces.
Granny Square
A classic motif worked in rounds with clusters of double crochets separated by chain spaces, the Granny Square is a versatile building block for blankets, bags, and garments. Its timeless design allows for endless colour combinations.
Hairpin Lace
This delicate technique involves using a hairpin lace loom to create long strips of lace, which are then joined together into a larger fabric. Hairpin lace is known for its airy, open designs and is perfect for creating lightweight shawls, wraps, and decorative home items.
Increase (inc)
Adding stitches to widen your project. This is achieved by placing two stitches into a single stitch from the previous row or round, allowing your work to expand.
Half Double Crochet Increase (hdc inc)
Make two half double crochet stitches into the same stitch to add width or create a flared effect in your project
Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc dec)
Combining two half-double crochet stitches into one, effectively reduces the stitch count and shapes your work.
Magic Loop (ml)
The Magic Loop or magic circle is a technique used to start crocheting in the round without leaving a noticeable hole in the center of your work. It involves creating an adjustable loop that allows you to tighten the starting circle as needed.
Overlay Crochet
Overlay crochet is a technique used to create layered patterns by working stitches over the top of previous rounds. This adds depth and texture. It's perfect for vibrant mandalas, decorative cushions, and wall hangings.
Pineapple Stitch
The Pineapple stitch is a classic lace pattern resembling the shape of a pineapple, featuring intricate, openwork designs. This stitch is popular in creating elegant doilies, shawls, and tablecloths, and adds a vintage feel to your crochet project.
Right Side (rs)
The Right Side refers to the front or intended outward-facing side of a project, where the pattern or design is most visible. The Right Side is significant because it often showcases the texture and detail of the stitches, while the opposite side is known as the Wrong Side (WS). Identifying the Right Side can be crucial for following patterns correctly, especially when alternating between sides to achieve a specific look or texture.
Repeat (rep)
In crochet patterns, "repeat" refers to a series of instructions that are to be worked multiple times to create a consistent design or texture. This is often indicated by symbols like asterisks (*) or brackets, which outline the specific portion of the pattern to be repeated. Crocheters rely on these repeats to efficiently follow complex patterns, ensuring uniformity and symmetry in the finished piece.
Skein
The term "skein" is sometimes used interchangeably with "ball" as both refer to forms of yarn packaging. While a skein is typically an elongated, oblong shape, and a ball is more rounded, they both serve the same fundamental purpose: providing yarn in a manageable form for crafting.
Skipping Stitches (sk)
An essential technique for creating patterns and textures in crochet. It involves not working into one or more stitches of the previous row, creating spaces or openwork designs. Skipping stitches is also used in shaping, such as in decreasing.
Slip Stitch (sl st)
This is a stitch used to join rounds, finish projects, or move your yarn without adding height. To create it, insert your hook into the desired stitch, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
Stitch Marker
A stitch marker is a small tool used to mark specific stitches or points in a project, helping you to keep track of pattern repeats, rounds, or stitch counts. They are essential for maintaining accuracy, especially in complex patterns, as they provide a visual cue to identify where increases, decreases, or pattern changes occur. Stitch markers can be clipped onto the yarn and easily moved as work progresses, ensuring a seamless crafting experience.
Tapestry Crochet
This technique uses multiple yarn colours to create intricate patterns and images in crochet projects. It's ideal for bags, wall hangings, and detailed home decor.
Tunisian Crochet
Tunisian crochet uses a long hook, sometimes with a stopper at the end. It involves collecting loops on the hook in a forward pass and then working them off in a return pass, creating a dense, knit-like fabric.
Turning Chain (tch)
Used at the beginning of a new row or round to bring the yarn up to the correct height. The number of chains depends on the height of the stitch being used. For example, one chain for single crochet, two for half double crochet, and three for double crochet.
Working in the Round
This technique involves crocheting in a circular motion and is often used for creating hats, bags, and amigurumi. The project starts with a central ring and spirals outward, allowing for a seamless, tubular shape.
Working in the Flat
Crochet projects worked in rows, creating flat pieces such as scarves, blankets, and dishcloths. Each row is turned at the end, similar to knitting, to build a two-dimensional fabric.
Working in Continuous Rounds
Instead of joining each round with a slip stitch, the work spirals upward, ideal for projects that need a seamless appearance like plush toys.
Wrong Side (was)
Wrong Side refers to the back or less visible side of a project, where the pattern or design details are not intended to be seen. This side is important when following patterns that require differentiation between the front and back, especially in projects with textures or reversible designs. The Wrong Side is typically identified by its less refined appearance compared to the Right Side, helping crocheters maintain consistency and achieve the desired look in their work.
Yarn Over (yo)
Yarn Over is a basic crochet move where you loop the yarn over the hook, essential for creating stitches like double crochet. It impacts the stitch height and texture.
Yarn Under (yu)
Yarn Under involves looping the yarn under the hook, resulting in tighter stitches and a firmer fabric. This technique is often used for a denser texture.
Granny Square.
More on the topic: How to crochet a Granny Square
Key Stitches
Alpine Stitch (alpine st)
A textured stitch that combines front post double crochets with regular double crochets to create a raised, zigzag pattern. This stitch is excellent for blankets and cosy wearables.
Bead Stitch (bead st)
This decorative stitch creates a beaded effect by working a double crochet followed by a series of yarn overs around the post of the double crochet. It's perfect for adding texture to blankets and accessories
Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc)
Worked around the back post of the stitch from the previous row, this technique creates a recessed texture, often used in combination with front post stitches for intricate designs.
Camel Stitch (cs)
Worked in the third loop of a half double crochet, the Camel Stitch creates a knitlike texture with a horizontal ridge. It's perfect for scarves and hats where a unique texture is desired.
Crocodile Stitch
Known for its unique, scale-like appearance, the Crocodile Stitch is made by working a series of stitches around a central post. It's perfect for adding texture to scarves, bags, and statement pieces.
Crochet Cross Stitch
A dense stitch that can create a solid, stiff fabric. The single crochet cross st has a look of an “X” in each stitch. This is done just by changing the way you pull the yarn through. It can only be worked in the round.
Double Crochet (dc)
Taller than the single crochet, this stitch creates a looser fabric. Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over again, pull through two loops on the hook, and repeat.
Double crochet Shell Stitch (dc shell st)
A fan-shaped series of stitches, typically five or more, worked into a single stitch or space. This decorative stitch creates a scalloped edge or texture, often used in blankets and garments.
Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc)
Adds texture by working around the post of the stitch from the previous row. This stitch is ideal for creating raised patterns similar to cables.
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
A stitch that provides more height than a single crochet but less than a double crochet. Yarn over, insert the hook, yarn over again, pull through, yarn over, and pull through all three loops on the hook.
Lattice Stitch (lattice st)
This stitch uses chains and double crochets to create an open, lattice-like pattern. It's great for lightweight projects like shawls and summer tops, offering both elegance and breathability.
Linked Double Crochet (ldc)
This stitch is a linked double crochet, creating a denser fabric. Insert the hook into the previous stitch’s horizontal bar, yarn over, pull through, and complete the double crochet. Perfect for projects needing a tighter weave.
Loop Stitch (lps)
This stitch forms loops on one side of the fabric by pulling a long loop of yarn through a stitch and holding it with your finger while completing the stitch. It's perfect for creating fluffy textures in rugs and stuffed toys.
Moss Stitch (moss st)
Also known as the linen stitch or granite stitch, this technique alternates single crochets and chains, creating a woven texture. It's great for scarves and lightweight garments due to its simple and versatile nature.
Popcorn Stitch (pc)
This stitch creates a textured, popcornlike effect by working multiple stitches into a single stitch. It’s a great way to add visual interest and dimension to blankets, scarves, and other crochet projects.
Puff Stitch (ps)
Adds a soft, 3D texture to crochet projects. Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through, repeat multiple times, yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook except the last one, yarn over and pull through the two remaining loops.
Ripple Stitch
The Ripple Stitch creates a wavy, zigzag pattern by alternating increases and decreases. It's commonly used in blankets and scarves, adding a dynamic, textured look.
Single Crochet (sc)
One of the basic stitches, the single crochet creates a dense and tight fabric. To make it, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over again, and pull through both loops on the hook.
Sand Stitch
The Sand Stitch is a textured pattern formed by alternating single and double crochet stitches. It adds subtle texture and depth, making it perfect for projects like blankets and dishcloths.
Spike Stitch (spk )
The Spike Stitch involves inserting the hook into stitches from previous rows to create elongated stitches. This technique adds texture and visual interest, making it ideal for creating unique patterns and designs.
Star Stitch (star st)
This stitch forms a beautiful, star-like pattern by pulling loops through multiple stitches and completing them together. It's often used for blankets and cushion covers to add a cozy, decorative touch.
Treble Crochet (tr)
Even taller than the double crochet, the treble crochet adds significant height to your work. Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through two loops, and repeat twice more.
Triple Treble Crochet (trtr)
One of the tallest stitches, perfect for airy and openwork designs. Yarn over three times, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through two loops, and repeat until one loop remains.
Waffle Stitch
Characterized by its grid-like texture, the Waffle Stitch is made using front post and back post stitches. This stitch is perfect for blankets and home decor items, adding a plush, dimensional look.
New to crochet? This should help: A Beginner's Guide to Crochet: Starting Your Journey to a More Relaxed You
Key Finishes
Blocking
The process of shaping and setting your crochet piece by dampening and pinning it to a board. This technique helps your project maintain its shape and size
Crochet Appliqué
Appliqué is the technique of creating decorative motifs or shapes that are then sewn or attached onto a larger piece of crochet work. These small, often colourful designs add visual interest and dimension to projects, such as blankets, clothing, or accessories, allowing for personalization and artistic expression. Appliqué is a versatile method that enables crocheters to enhance their creations with intricate details and thematic elements.
Crochet Borders
Adding a border to your crochet project can give it a polished, finished look. Borders can range from simple single crochet rows to elaborate lace patterns, enhancing the overall design.
Edging
Edging enhances the appearance of a project by working stitches along its edge. Options include simple borders like single crochet or intricate patterns like scallops.
Fringe
Adding decorative yarn strands to the edges of your project, often used on blankets and scarves to give a playful, finished look.
Joining Pieces with a Single Crochet Stitch
This method uses single crochet stitches to join two pieces, providing a decorative and sturdy seam. It's perfect for projects where a visible, textured join is desired.
Joining Pieces with a Slip Stitch
Joining with a slip stitch involves using a slip stitch to seamlessly connect two pieces of crochet work. This technique helps create a smooth, nearly invisible join, making
Picot Edging
This is a decorative border featuring small loops, it adds an elegant feel to the edges of crochet items. It's created by chaining a few stitches and connecting them back to the base row with a slip stitch.
Surface Crochet
A technique for adding decorative stitching on the surface of your crochet fabric. This allows for intricate patterns and designs to be layered on top without altering the base fabric structure.
Tassels
A decorative finish created by tying yarn strands together, perfect for adding to the corners of blankets or the ends of scarves for a bohemian flair.
Whip Stitch
The Whip Stitch is used to join two pieces of crochet fabric by sewing them together with a needle and yarn. This technique creates a nearly invisible seam, making it ideal for assembling garments or blankets.
Weaving in Ends
Use a yarn needle to tuck loose ends securely into the crochet fabric, ensuring a neat finish and preventing unravelling.
Crochet in the round.
As I wrap up our exploration of crochet terms, I hope you feel more equipped and inspired to start your next project with confidence. Remember, crochet is not just a craft – it's a community of creativity and sharing.
Let me know if there's a particular stitch or term you’d like me to explain in future posts or should add to this list.
Let's continue to learn and create together, one stitch at a time!
Happy crocheting!
More inspiring posts
Etsy reported a staggering $13.5 billion in sales in 2023. This is a clear example of how handmade businesses are booming! But here's the catch - I've seen countless crafters burn out trying to keep up with demands.
As an artist coach, I’ve helped many artists transition from hobby to business. I can tell you that success isn't about hustling 24/7.
Let me share the secret sauce to building a sustainable crafting business.
Because you must preserve your creative joy!