Glossary

Glossary of Crochet Terms and Abbreviations

Understanding the terminology and abbreviations used in crochet patterns is essential to successfully completing projects, especially when learning new techniques like crocheting in spaces and chains. Here’s a comprehensive glossary to help you navigate through the world of crochet.

I’ve tried to cover more topics for crochet terms and abbreviations to provide you with a well-rounded and thorough glossary, ensuring that crocheters of all skill levels have the information they need to successfully follow and understand crochet patterns

Basic Stitches and Terms

• Ch (Chain): A foundational stitch that creates a series of loops. It is often used to start a project or to create spaces within a pattern.

• Example: “Ch 10” means to create 10 chain stitches.

• Sc (Single Crochet): A basic stitch that creates a tight, dense fabric. It is one of the shortest stitches in height.

• Example: “Sc in next st” means to make a single crochet in the next stitch.

• Hdc (Half Double Crochet): This stitch is taller than single crochet stitches but shorter than the DC (double crochet). It’s perfect for adding a bit more height to your project.

• Example: “Hdc in next ch” means to make one half double crochet stitch in the next chain.

• Dc (Double Crochet): A versatile stitch that is twice as tall as a single crochet. It’s commonly used in various patterns.

• Example: “Dc in next sp” means to make a double crochet in the next space.

• Tr (Treble Crochet): A tall stitch that adds significant height and openness to a project.

• Example: “Tr in next ch-2 sp” means to make a treble crochet in the next chain-2 space.

Spaces and Special Stitches

• Ch-sp (Chain Space): The space created by chain stitches, often used as a point to work other stitches into.

• Example: “3 dc in next ch-sp” means to work 3 double crochets into the next chain space.

• V-Stitch (V-st): A combination of stitches worked into the same space to form a V shape, typically consisting of two double crochets separated by a chain.

• Example: “V-st in next ch-1 sp” means to work a V-stitch in the next chain-1 space.

• Shell (Sh): A group of stitches worked into the same space, typically forming a fan or shell shape.

• Example: “Shell in next sp” means to work a shell stitch in the next space.

• Cluster (Cl): A group of stitches worked together to form a single unit, often used to create texture and density.

• Example: “Cl in next ch” means to work a cluster stitch in the next chain.

• Puff Stitch (Puff st): A stitch that involves drawing up loops multiple times to create a puffy texture.

• Example: “Puff st in next ch-sp” means to work a puff stitch in the next chain space.

Techniques and Instructions

• Sl st (Slip Stitch): A very short stitch used to join rounds or move across stitches without adding height.

• Example: “Sl st to join” means to use a slip stitch to join two parts of your work.

• Sk (Skip): To skip a stitch or space and move to the next indicated spot.

• Example: “Sk next ch” means to skip the next chain stitch.

• Rep (Repeat): To repeat a series of stitches or instructions a specified number of times.

• Example: “Rep from *” means to repeat the instructions following the asterisk.

• Inc (Increase): To add stitches by working multiple stitches into one base stitch.

• Example: “Inc in next st” means to increase by working two or more stitches into the next stitch.

• Dec (Decrease): To reduce the number of stitches by working two or more stitches together.

• Example: “Dec over next 2 sts” means to decrease by working the next two stitches together.

• Yo (Yarn Over): To wrap the yarn over the hook, a step used in many crochet stitches.

• Example: “Yo and draw through” means to yarn over and pull the yarn through loops on the hook.

• Fsc (Foundation Single Crochet): A technique to create a foundation row that combines the chain and single crochet stitches.

• Example: “Fsc 10” means to make 10 foundation single crochets.

• Fpdc/Bpdc (Front Post/Back Post Double Crochet): Techniques where the hook is inserted around the post of a stitch instead of the top loops, creating raised textures.

• Example: “Fpdc around next st” means to work a front post double crochet around the next stitch.

Advanced Techniques

• Blo/Flo (Back Loop Only/Front Loop Only): Indicates working into either the back loop or the front loop of a stitch.

• Example: “Sc blo” means to single crochet in the back loop only.

• Tss (Tunisian Simple Stitch): A basic stitch used in Tunisian crochet, creating a dense, knit-like fabric.

• Example: “Tss in next st” means to work a Tunisian simple stitch in the next stitch.

• C2C (Corner to Corner): A technique where the project is worked diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner.

• Example: “C2C pattern” indicates that the pattern is worked using the corner-to-corner technique.

Additional Stitch Techniques

• BP/BLO (Back Post/Back Loop Only): Indicates that the stitch should be worked around the back post or through the back loop of the previous row’s stitch.

• Example: “BPdc” means to work a double crochet around the back post of the stitch.

• FP/FLO (Front Post/Front Loop Only): Indicates that the stitch should be worked around the front post or through the front loop of the previous row’s stitch.

• Example: “FPdc” means to work a double crochet around the front post of the stitch.

• Dc2tog (Double Crochet Two Together): A decrease technique where two double crochet stitches are worked together.

• Example: “Dc2tog” means to double crochet two stitches together to decrease.

• Hdc2tog (Half Double Crochet Two Together): A decrease technique where two half double crochet stitches are worked together.

• Example: “Hdc2tog” means to half double crochet two stitches together to decrease.

• Sc2tog (Single Crochet Two Together): A decrease technique where two single crochet stitches are worked together.

• Example: “Sc2tog” means to single crochet two stitches together to decrease.

Specialty Stitches and Patterns

• Picot (P): A small decorative loop typically used in edgings.

• Example: “Ch 3, sl st in first ch to form picot” means to chain three and slip stitch in the first chain to create a picot.

• Popcorn (Pop): A cluster of stitches worked into the same stitch, then joined at the top.

• Example: “Popcorn st” means to work a specified number of stitches into the same stitch, remove the hook, reinsert it into the first stitch, and pull through the last loop to form a popcorn.

• Bobble (Bob): A cluster of stitches worked together in one stitch to form a raised, round shape.

• Example: “Bobble st” means to work a series of stitches together in one stitch to create a bobble.

• Spike Stitch (Spike st): A stitch that is elongated by inserting the hook into a lower row or stitch.

• Example: “Spike st in next st” means to insert the hook into a stitch one or more rows below the current row to create a longer stitch.

Pattern-Specific Abbreviations

• RS (Right Side): Indicates the front side of the work, which is intended to be seen.

• Example: “Work on RS” means to work on the right side of the piece.

• WS (Wrong Side): Indicates the back side of the work, which is not intended to be seen.

• Example: “Work on WS” means to work on the wrong side of the piece.

• Beg (Beginning): Refers to the start of a row, round, or pattern section.

• Example: “Beg ch” means the beginning chain of the pattern.

• Cont (Continue): Continue with the pattern as specified.

• Example: “Cont in pattern” means to continue working in the established pattern.

• Est (Established): Refers to the pattern that has been set up in previous rows or rounds.

• Example: “Work est pattern” means to continue working in the pattern that has been established.

Finishing Techniques

• Fasten Off (FO): To cut the yarn and pull the tail through the last loop to secure it.

• Example: “FO” means to fasten off and secure the end of your work.

• Weave In Ends: To hide yarn tails by weaving them into the fabric of the crochet piece.

• Example: “Weave in ends” means to use a yarn needle to weave the yarn tails into the back of your work.

• Block: The process of shaping and setting your finished crochet piece using water or steam.

• Example: “Block the piece to measurements” means to dampen the piece, stretch it to the desired dimensions, and allow it to dry.

Advanced Techniques

• Surface Crochet: Adding a decorative layer of crochet on top of the finished piece.

• Example: “Work surface crochet” means to crochet a design on the surface of your fabric.

• Tunisian Crochet: A type of crochet that uses a longer hook and combines elements of knitting and crochet.

• Example: “Work Tss (Tunisian Simple Stitch)” means to work a Tunisian simple stitch.

• Overlay Crochet: Adding layers of stitches on top of a base layer to create intricate patterns and textures.

• Example: “Work overlay crochet” means to add stitches on top of the existing fabric for decorative effect.

Yarn and Hook Specifics

• Yarn Weight: The thickness of the yarn, often indicated by numbers (0-7) or terms like lace, fingering, sport, worsted, and bulky.

• Example: “Use worsted weight yarn” means to use yarn that falls into the worsted category.

• Gauge: The number of stitches and rows per inch, used to ensure the correct size of the finished piece.

• Example: “Check gauge” means to measure your stitches and rows to match the pattern’s specified gauge.

• Hook Size: The size of the crochet hook, often indicated in millimeters or by letters/numbers.

• Example: “Use a 5mm hook” means to use a crochet hook that is 5 millimeters in diameter.

Additional Resources

• Pattern Repeat: A section of a pattern that is repeated multiple times across a row or round.

• Example: “Repeat from * to *” means to repeat the instructions between the asterisks.

• Chart Symbols: Symbols used in crochet charts to represent stitches and techniques visually.

• Example: Provide a legend for common chart symbols like “X” for single crochet or “T” for treble crochet.

• Yarn Over Hook (YoH): Another term for yarn over, used in some patterns.

• Example: “YoH” means to yarn over the hook.

Conclusion

Having a comprehensive understanding of crochet terms and abbreviations is crucial for interpreting patterns and advancing your crochet skills.

This glossary covers the essential terms you’ll encounter in various patterns, helping you navigate instructions with confidence and precision.

Keep this guide handy as a reference, and you’ll find that crocheting becomes even more enjoyable and accessible.

Whether you’re a beginner just getting started or an experienced crocheter looking to expand your skills, our comprehensive Glossary of Crochet Terms and Abbreviations is your go-to resource.

Bookmark this page and refer back whenever you need a quick clarification or a detailed explanation. Dive deeper into your crochet projects with confidence and precision—start exploring the glossary now and elevate your crochet game!

Happy hooking!