Crochet patterns and instructions can sometimes sound like a foreign language. Below, you’ll find explanations for common terms and techniques used in crocheting.
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Basic Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations
Alternate (alt): Switch back and forth between different stitches or sequences of stitches.
Approximate (approx.): Indicates a rough estimate of size, quantity, or measurements, as in “approx 200 yards of yarn needed.”
Beginning (beg): Refers to the start of a row or round, often used in instructions like “join at the beg.”
Between (bet): Indicates that a stitch should be made in the space between two stitches from the previous row or round.
Chain (ch): A fundamental crochet technique creating the initial row of loops that serves as the base for most crochet projects.
Cluster (cl): A dense grouping of several stitches, typically completed in the same space, to create a textured effect.
Continue (cont): An instruction in patterns to proceed with the established pattern or sequence.
Contrasting Color (CC): The secondary color used in a pattern, distinct from the main color (MC). Used to create visual contrast and highlight design elements.
Crochet Stitch: A foundational element of crochet, formed by looping and pulling yarn through existing loops, with countless variations including, single, double, and treble crochets.
Double Crochet (dc): A basic crochet stitch twice the height of a single crochet, used for creating taller fabric.
Drape: How a fabric hangs or its flexibility, which is crucial in garments for fit and flow; it is influenced by yarn type and stitch choice.
Forward Pass (FwP): The first half of a row where loops are collected onto the hook, moving from right to left for right-handed crocheters or left to right for left-handed crocheters.
Front Post and Back Post Stitches (fp/bp): Stitches worked around the post of the previous row’s stitch, creating raised, ribbed patterns on the fabric.
Half Double Crochet (hdc): A versatile stitch taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet, offering medium fabric height.
Join: Used to connect two parts of the work, typically the end of a round to the beginning, often using a slip stitch.
Loop (lp): The active loop on the crochet hook that’s essential for forming new stitches.
Main Color (MC): The primary color used in a project, typically the most prevalent or used in the largest quantity throughout the work.
Place Marker (pm): An instruction to mark a specific stitch for future reference using a stitch marker or a safety pin.
Post Stitches: Refers to techniques where the hook is inserted around the stitch’s post, rather than into the top loops, creating a raised texture in the fabric and commonly used for ribbed effects in garments. Post stitches are known as front post (fp) or back post (bp) based on the insertion direction.
Repeat (rep): A pattern instruction to perform a previously described sequence of stitches or pattern again, often multiple times or until reaching a certain length.
Return Pass (RetP): The second half of a row where the loops previously collected on the hook are worked off, typically moving from left to right for right-handed crocheters, completing the stitches of that row.
Right Side (rs): The front side of the crochet work, typically displaying the design’s texture, color pattern, and stitch definition.
Round (rnd): A round refers to a series of stitches made in a continuous loop, often used in circular projects like hats, amigurumi, and doilies.
Row: Refers to a series of stitches made consecutively across the length of the fabric, often turned at each end to start the next row, building the project horizontally.
Single Crochet (sc): The shortest and most basic crochet stitch, forming a tight and sturdy fabric.
Skip (sk): Intentionally omitting or not working into a stitch or space, often used to create holes, spaces, or to shape the fabric in a pattern.
Slip Stitch (sl st): A short stitch used for joining pieces together, edging, or finishing a project.
Space (sp): The gap between stitches where the hook is inserted to create new stitches.
Together (tog): A technique of crocheting two or more stitches at once, typically to decrease the number of stitches and shape the fabric.
Treble Crochet (tr): A tall crochet stitch, creating a longer and more open fabric than double crochet.
Turn: The action of flipping the work to start a new row in the opposite direction.
Turn(ing) Chain: Chain stitches made at the beginning of a row to bring the yarn up to the height of the next row.
Wrong Side (ws): The back/reverse side of the work, which often has a different, less visually detailed texture and appearance compared to the intended right side.
Yarn Over (yo): The act of wrapping yarn around the crochet hook, fundamental in forming stitches.
Crochet Jargon & Slang Terms
CAL: Crochet-Along. A term referring to a group project where multiple people work on the same pattern simultaneously.
Crochet-hacking: A creative trend where old garments or clothing items are revamped using crochet, either by transforming them into something new or embellishing them with crochet appliqués, following a ‘ make do and mend’ ethos. See example of patching jeans with crochet lace..
Crojo: A blend of ‘crochet’ and ‘mojo,’ crojo describes a crocheter’s drive and enthusiasm for crocheting, often expressed as, “I’ve got my crojo back,” or “I’ve lost my crojo!”
FO: Finished Object. A term to describe projects that have been completed.
Hooker: A lighthearted and playful term used by crocheters to refer to themselves, stemming from their use of crochet hooks to create projects.
HOTH: Hot Off The Hook. A term used by crocheters to describe a project that has just been finished and is ready to be used or displayed.
LYS: Local Yarn Store. A term for a nearby or community-based store specializing in yarn and other crochet supplies.
Treblemaker: A humorous pun for crocheters, combining the “treble” stitch with “troublemaker,” highlighting their creative and bold approach to crafting.
UFO: Unfinished Object. A term to describe projects that have been started but have yet to be completed.
WIP: Work In Progress. A term used for ongoing crochet projects.
Yarn Bombing: Covering objects in public spaces with crochet or knitted material as a form of street art.
Crochet Projects
Afghan Blankets: Large, decorative blankets often used as throws, featuring intricate patterns or designs.
Amigurumi: The Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed figures, typically animals or characters, known for their cute and whimsical style.
Baby Blanket: Smaller, soft blankets crocheted for babies, infants, and toddlers, often featuring gentle textures and comforting colors.
Basket: Crocheted containers for storage or decoration, made sturdy with tight stitches or thicker yarn.
Beach Attire: Lightweight and open patterns for beachwear, including swimwear, coverups, and bikini tops.
Blanket: A crocheted fabric covering for warmth, available in various sizes and styles, ranging from simple to complex patterns.
Buntings and Garlands: Decorative strings of flags or shapes, used to adorn spaces for celebrations or as decor.
Cardigan: Open-front sweaters crocheted in various styles, often fastened with buttons or ties, and suitable for layering.
Christmas Decor: Crocheted decorations for the holiday season, including festive hats, tree decorations, and garlands.
Christmas Ornaments: Small, decorative crocheted items designed to hang on Christmas trees, featuring festive colors and designs.
Christmas Stockings: A large crocheted sock displaying holiday-themed designs filled with Christmas presents.
Cocoon Cardigan: A loose-fitting, cocoon-shaped crocheted garment, versatile in style and often featuring sleeves.
Crop Tops and Tank Tops: Crocheted upper garments that are shorter in length, often featuring intricate patterns and lightweight yarns.
Doilies: Decorative, lace-like crocheted mats, typically used as tabletop or furniture accents.
Dresses: Crocheted garments covering the body from the shoulders down, often featuring intricate patterns and designs.
Flowers: Floral designs that can be used as appliqués or standalone decorations.
Footwear: Shoes, slippers, or boots, often featuring soft textures and comfortable fits.
Granny Square Projects: Items made from small, crocheted squares joined together, famous for their colorful and geometric designs.
Gloves and Mittens: Hand coverings that enclose either each finger individually (gloves) or together (mittens).
Headband: A crocheted accessory worn around the head for practical or decorative purposes.
Headwear: Items worn on the head, such as hats and beanies, for various functions or styles.
Hexagon Sweaters/Cardigans: A garment made from two symmetrical hexagons that are folded and seamed to create the arms and body of a sweater known for its unique shape and style.
Jewelry: Decorative items like necklace pendants or earrings, crocheted for a unique, handcrafted look.
Laptop/Phone Sleeves and Cases: Protective covers for laptops and tablets, designed to provide cushioning and prevent damage.
Leg Warmers: Tube-like coverings for the lower legs, providing warmth and style.
Mandala: A circular, intricate crochet pattern often used as a decorative piece or spiritual symbol.
Pet Bed: Soft, cushioned beds designed for pets’ comfort and relaxation.
Pillows and Cushions: Soft, stuffed fabric coverings used for comfort and decoration on furniture.
Plants: Crocheted representations of plants or flowers, used as everlasting, no-maintenance decor.
Ponchos: Outer garments that drape over the body, often loose and flowing for comfort and style.
Purses and Bags: Containers for carrying personal items, ranging from small purses to larger totes.
Rugs: Floor coverings used for comfort, warmth, or decorative purposes.
Scarves: Long, narrow pieces of fabric worn around the neck or shoulders for warmth or as fashion accessories.
Shawl: A crocheted wrap worn over the shoulders or head, versatile in design from simple to elaborate patterns.
Sweater: A thick, warm, crocheted garment with long sleeves to provide warmth.
Tableware: Handmade items for dining tables, including placemats and coasters.
Tea/Hot Drink Cozies: Insulated covers for teapots or mugs designed to keep beverages warm.
Throw Blankets: Smaller blankets used for extra warmth or as decorative accents in living spaces.
Wall Hangings: Decorative pieces displayed on walls, adding texture and aesthetic appeal to interiors.
Wine Bottle Covers: Decorative sleeves for wine bottles, often used as gifts or table decor.
Wraps: Large, shawl-like garments made with lightweight yarn and intricate stitches, designed to drape over the shoulders and wrap around the body.
Wrist Warmers: Small bands, often featuring ribbing or decorative motifs, worn around the wrists for added warmth and style.
Crochet Shapes
Circle: In crochet, a circle is a round shape formed by increasing stitches evenly while working in rounds. It’s used in projects like coasters, doilies, and parts of amigurumi.
Cone/Cylinders: Cones and cylinders are tapered or straight tubular shapes, created by varying increases and decreases. They’re often used in amigurumi and hats.
Hexagon: A six-sided shape, hexagons in crochet are made by creating flat angles, which is helpful for patchwork projects like blankets and bags.
Half Hexagon: Similar to a hexagon but with three sides, half hexagons are used for edging in blankets or garments to create a straight edge.
Oval: An elongated circle shape made by varying stitch heights at the ends. Ovals are used in projects like rugs and placemats.
Rectangle: A four-sided shape created by working rows to a certain length and width, rectangles are versatile for scarves, blankets, and clothing.
Spheres: Spheres are 3D shapes that are round and can be formed by evenly increasing and then decreasing in rounds. Commonly used in amigurumi and decorative baubles/balls.
Square: A basic four-sided shape with equal sides, squares are foundational for granny squares, afghans, and various motifs.
Triangle: A three-sided shape formed by increasing or decreasing on the sides. It can be used in shawls, bunting, and geometric patterns.
Finishing and Detailing
Blocking: The process of wetting or steaming a finished crochet piece and then shaping it to the desired dimensions, enhancing the final appearance and fit.
Crochet Edging: Decorative borders on the edges of a crochet piece that enhance its aesthetic and structural integrity.
Darning: A large, blunt-ended needle used for sewing crochet pieces together or weaving in ends. More broadly, it also refers to repairing holes or worn fabric using a needle and thread.
Fasten Off: A term for securing and finishing the yarn when a project or color section is completed, involving cutting the yarn and pulling it through the last loop.
Fringe: A decorative feature consisting of loose yarn strands attached to the edges of a crochet project, adding texture and visual interest.
Invisible Join: A seamless technique for connecting the end of a crochet round to the beginning, creating a smooth finish.
Joining Techniques: These methods are used for connecting separate pieces of crochet work, which are crucial for multi-part projects.
Seaming: Stitching two pieces of crochet fabric together, typically using a needle and yarn.
Surface Crochet: Adding crochet stitches on top of a finished piece for extra detail.
Tassels: Decorative elements, longer and bulkier than fringe, often added to crochet projects as an ornamental feature.
Weaving in Ends: The process of securely tucking away loose yarn ends in a crochet project to prevent unraveling and maintain a neat finish.
General Craft Terms
Appliqué: Sewing smaller pieces of fabric, including crochet pieces, onto a more extensive base fabric for a decorative effect.
Cross-Stitch: A form of embroidery using X-shaped stitches in a tiled pattern to create designs on fabric.
Embroidery: The art of decorating fabric using a needle and thread/yarn, often for intricate and colorful designs.
Embellishment: Adding decorative elements like beads, sequins, or embroidery to a project to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Felting: A process that condenses and entangles fibers, typically wool, into a dense mat, creating a firm, textured fabric.
Macramé: A crafting technique using knotting to create decorative and functional items from cord or string.
Needle Felting: The craft of sculpting wool with a special barbed needle, often used to add detailed designs to various fabrics.
Sewing: Using a needle and thread to join or attach materials.
Spinning: Turning fibers, like wool or cotton, into yarn or thread.
Stash Busting: The practice of using up leftover materials or yarns from various projects, often leading to creative and multicolored designs.
Upcycling: Repurposing discarded materials or objects into something of higher quality or value, often used in crafting.
Skill Levels
Beginner: Basic skills, familiar with simple stitches and straightforward patterns.
Advanced Beginner: Comfortable with basic stitches, starting to explore more complex patterns and techniques.
Intermediate: Good understanding of various stitches and techniques, can handle more complex projects.
Advanced: Mastery of complex stitches and techniques, able to create intricate and detailed designs.
Expert: Proficient in all aspects of crochet, able to create highly intricate and innovative designs, often contributing to the craft with new techniques or patterns.
Special Crochet Styles
Bead Crochet: A decorative crochet technique where beads are integrated into the work, adding embellishment and texture to the fabric.
Broomstick Lace: Combining crochet with a large knitting needle to create unique lacy patterns, often featuring large loops.
Corner-to-Corner (C2C): A crochet technique where the work is done diagonally from one corner to another, creating a pixelated texture and allowing for intricate colorwork and graphic designs.
Hairpin Lace: Using a special loom and crochet techniques to create delicate, strip-based lace designs.
Irish Crochet: Known for its detailed, lace-like patterns, it involves intricate stitching to create delicate, mesh-like fabrics, often with floral motifs.
Overlay Crochet: A technique for creating textured, multi-dimensional fabric by working stitches on top of existing crochet work.
Tapestry Crochet: Involves using multiple colors of yarn within the same row, allowing for complex colorwork and pattern creation in crochet projects.
Stitch Patterns
Alpine: Characterized by its ridged texture, this stitch alternates front post double crochets with regular stitches, creating a design reminiscent of mountain ridges, offering a mix of flat and raised textures.
Arcade: Combines chains and taller stitches like double or treble crochets to form scalloped arches, giving the fabric a wavy, decorative look.
Basket Weave: A crochet stitch pattern that mimics a basket’s woven texture by alternating front and back post double crochets to create a checkered fabric, giving the appearance of interwoven strands.
Berry Bobble: Involves multiple yarn overs and tight loop pulls, forming small, round bobbles that stand out for a textured, berry-like effect.
Blanket Stitch: A simple yet versatile stitch pattern alternating between tall (double crochet) and short (single crochet) stitches; ideal for a variety of blanket designs due to its textured and solid fabric.
Block Stitch: Block Stitch: A pattern of double crochet clusters separated by chain spaces, creating a checkered or block-like texture suitable for blankets and other projects.
Bobble Stitch: A prominent, textured stitch created by clustering several half-finished stitches together, resulting in a raised bobble effect on the fabric.
Boxed Block: Produces a geometric, checkered pattern with a mix of colored squares and open spaces, often used in warm blankets and throws.
Braided Crochet Stitch: A visually intricate stitch resembling braided fabric, achieved through a complex arrangement of stitches, often used for decorative borders or accents.
Chevron: This stitch creates a zigzag pattern using a combination of increases and decreases with basic stitches; the result is a rhythmic, wavy texture that’s visually striking.
Diamond: The Diamond stitch forms a geometric diamond pattern, achieved by a strategic arrangement of tall and short stitches, often using a combination of double crochets and chain spaces.
Feather: Resembling delicate feathers, this pattern is crafted by alternating between tall and short stitches, creating a soft, textured look.
Filet Crochet: Utilizes chain stitches and double crochets to create a grid-like fabric, ideal for forming graphic designs or images, offering both solid and open mesh areas.
Granny Cluster: A series of three or more double crochet stitches worked together in the same space, forming a dense cluster, a key component in creating the texture of granny squares.
Granny Square: A classic crochet motif, square-shaped and constructed using a combination of chain stitches and granny clusters, known for its versatility in color and design.
Granny Stripe: Adapts the granny square pattern into rows, creating a striped effect by alternating clusters and chain spaces, often in multiple colors.
Griddle Stitch: This stitch alternates between single crochet and double crochet, offering a balanced, textured look with moderate height and a woven appearance.
Grit: A simple yet textured stitch achieved by alternating basic crochet stitches that are typically short in height.
Harlequin: A diamond-shaped pattern combining tall and short stitches and typically involving solid and open squares, creating a bold, graphic effect.
Herringbone: A twist on the standard double crochet, characterized by its slight slant and made using two yarn overs, resulting in a tighter and more angled stitch.
Herringbone Double Crochet: A double crochet variation with a slight slant, using two yarn overs and tighter pulling of loops.
Jasmine Star: A complex stitch involving multiple yarn overs and loops, resulting in a plush, star-like design, often used for decorative elements.
Knit Stitch (Waistcoat): Resembling a knitted fabric, this stitch is worked by inserting the hook through the center of the stitch below, creating a dense fabric suitable for projects requiring a knit-like appearance.
Larksfoot: This stitch features a combination of chains and double crochets, creating a distinctive footprint-like design ideal for textured and decorative fabrics.
Lemon Peel: Alternates between single and double crochets, creating a versatile and subtly textured fabric.
Loop Stitch: This involves pulling loops through the fabric, creating a highly textured surface ideal for projects requiring a furry or looped appearance.
Lotus: A floral-inspired, intricate pattern used for decorative purposes, combining various stitches and heights.
Moss Stitch: A simple stitch pattern alternating single crochets and chain spaces, resulting in a dense, textured fabric.
Picot: Consists of small loops made by chaining and then slip stitching back, often used as an edging for a delicate, decorative finish.
Popcorn Stitch: Involves several stitches clustered together and then closed, creating a pronounced, textured bobble on the fabric.
Pretty Pebbles: This creates a bumpy, pebble-like texture through a series of tight stitches, adding dimension to the fabric.
Puff Stitch: Similar to the bobble stitch, this involves half double crochets to create a softer, puffier texture.
Ribbing: Made by alternating front and back post stitches or working into back loops, this stitch creates a stretchy, ribbed fabric, often used for cuffs, collars, and garment edges.
Ripple Stitch: A wavy, undulating pattern, typically involving increases and decreases to create peaks and valleys.
Shell Stitch: Consists of several double crochets worked into the same space, creating a fan or shell-like shape in the fabric.
Side Saddle Stitch: Combines chain spaces and basic stitches to create a delicate, lacy pattern for decorative projects.
Solomon’s Knot Stitch: A lacy stitch involving elongated loops and single crochets, creating an open, airy fabric ideal for lightweight projects.
Spike Stitch: Involves inserting the hook into a stitch several rows below the working row, creating an elongated stitch for added texture.
Suzette Stitch: Simple alternation of single and double crochets, creating a subtle textured pattern.
Textured Wave Stitch: A wavy pattern with added texture, achieved by alternating the height of stitches and combining basic stitches like single and double crochet.
Trinity Stitch: Known for its dense and textured look, this stitch combines three single crochets into one stitch, creating a small, bobble-like effect.
Tulip Stitch: This decorative stitch mimics the shape of a tulip through a series of yarn overs and strategically placed stitches, creating a floral design ideal for ornamental projects.
V-Stitch: A simple yet effective pattern made by creating a double crochet, chaining, and another double crochet in the same space, forming a ‘V’ shape.
Waffle Stitch: Achieved by alternating double crochets and front post double crochets, this stitch creates a textured, grid-like pattern resembling a waffle.
Wattle Stitch: Combines a pattern of single crochet, chain, and double crochet, creating a tightly textured but flexible fabric.
Zigzag Stitch: This dynamic stitch creates a bold, zigzag pattern across the fabric by alternating the height of the stitches, using a mix of basic crochet stitches.
Techniques & Skills
Color Changing: A technique to switch yarn colors within a project, crucial for creating patterns and multicolored designs.
Density: The compactness of crochet stitches, which determines the fabric’s thickness, texture, and durability.
Frogging: The process of unraveling crochet stitches to correct mistakes.
Increasing and Decreasing: Methods to alter the number of stitches in a row or round for shaping the crochet piece.
Invisible Increase/Decrease: A subtle method of adding or reducing stitches, especially useful in amigurumi to maintain a smooth appearance.
Magic Ring/Loop/Circle: A starting technique for crochet projects requiring tight center circles, such as hats or amigurumi.
Tension: The tightness of the yarn while crocheting, affecting stitch size, fabric texture, and overall consistency.
Work Even: Continuously crocheting without increasing or decreasing stitches, often used to create straight edges or flat panels.
Working in the Round: Crocheting continuously in a circular pattern without turning, often used for seamless items like hats or spherical shapes.
Tools & Resources
Abbreviations: Common shorthand used in crochet patterns, like “sc” for single crochet, “dc” for double crochet, etc.
Blocking Mats: Tools used to pin and shape crochet items during the blocking process.
Crochet Chart: A diagrammatic representation of a crochet pattern using symbols.
Crochet Pattern: Instructions or guidelines for creating a crochet project, detailing stitch types, yarn, and hook size.
Hook: Essential tools used to make crochet stitches, available in various sizes and materials to suit different yarn types and project needs.
Hook Ergonomics: Refers to the design of crochet hooks for comfortable use, which can be important for those who crochet for extended periods.
Darning Needle: A large, blunt needle used for weaving in ends or joining crochet pieces together.
Gauge: The number of stitches and rows per inch/cm; crucial for ensuring that the finished project is the correct size.
Scissors: A cutting tool for trimming and managing yarn during crochet projects.
Stitch Dictionary: A reference book listing various crochet stitches and their instructions.
Stitch Markers: Small markers used to identify specific stitches or rows in a crochet project, aiding in pattern tracking.
Swatch: In crochet, a swatch is a small sample piece created to test and measure the gauge (stitch size and row spacing) of yarn and hook combinations, helping to ensure that the finished project matches the pattern’s dimensions and design.
Swatching: Making a small sample piece to test patterns or gauge before starting a larger project.
Swift: A device used in crochet to hold and unwind yarn skeins, functioning like a spinning umbrella. It enables easy transformation of yarn into cakes for hassle-free use, often attached to a table for stability and available in materials like wood or plastic.
Wool Winder: A wool winder is a tool used to wind yarn into an organized and easy-to-use form, typically transforming skeins or hanks into neat yarn cakes, and is often used alongside a swift for efficient winding.
Yarn/Tapestry Needle: A blunt needle with a large eye used for weaving in yarn ends or sewing crochet pieces together.
Tunisian Crochet
Tunisian Bamboo Stitch: Creates a ribbed, bamboo-like texture using alternating Tunisian simple and purl stitches, resulting in a natural, organic-feeling fabric.
Tunisian Basket Weave Stitch: Mimics a woven basket’s texture by alternating front and back post stitches, offering a deeply textured, interlaced appearance.
Tunisian Bobble Stitch: This is made by combining several Tunisian stitches (usually Tunisian double stitches) in one spot, creating a raised bobble similar to the bobble stitch in regular crochet.
Tunisian Braided Stitch: Characterized by its interwoven, braid-like appearance, this stitch forms pronounced, round bobbles on the fabric by clustering several Tunisian double stitches in one spot, adding a tactile, 3D effect.
Tunisian Brick Stitch (aka Grid Stitch): Creates a textured fabric resembling a brick wall, achieved by alternating extended stitches and simple stitches in offset rows, giving a distinct, raised pattern.
Tunisian Color Changing: Enables intricate, multicolored patterns by changing yarns at critical points, typically at the start of return or forward passes.
Tunisian Crochet: A hybrid of knitting and crochet, creating a dense, woven fabric using a longer hook.
Tunisian Diagonal Eyelet Stitch: Offers an open, lacy fabric with diagonal eyelet holes, formed by combining simple stitches, chains, and yarn overs, perfect for decorative pieces.
Tunisian Diagonal Lattice Stitch: Produces a diagonal, lattice-like pattern by strategically combining standard stitches with chains and slip stitches, resulting in an interwoven texture.
Tunisian Double Crossed Stitch: Features a distinctive crisscross pattern by working two consecutive stitches together while crossing them, resulting in a textured fabric with an interlaced appearance.
Tunisian Double Stitch (Tds): Similar to traditional double crochet but with additional height and looseness, achieved by an initial yarn over.
Tunisian Entrelac Stitch: Forms a textured fabric resembling woven basketry by crafting small, interconnected squares or diamonds in various directions.
Tunisian Extended Stitch: An extension of basic Tunisian stitches (like the simple or knit stitch) by adding a chain after pulling up a loop, resulting in a more flexible fabric.
Tunisian Full Stitch (Tfs): This creates an airy, slightly slanted weave by inserting the hook between stitches of the previous row, offering a lighter alternative to other dense Tunisian stitches.
Tunisian Half Double Crochet (Thdc) Stitch: Merges the height of a half double crochet with the texture of Tunisian crochet, offering a medium-density fabric that’s thicker than simple stitch but less bulky than full double crochet.
Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch: Alternates between Tunisian simple stitch and Tunisian purl stitch, creating a textured fabric resembling a honeycomb.
Tunisian Knit Stitch (Tks): Resembles traditional knitting by inserting the hook between vertical bars, creating a dense, warm fabric suitable for sweaters or blankets.
Tunisian Loop Over Loop Stitch: A stitch that creates a highly textured fabric with loops protruding from the surface, offering a unique, 3D decorative appearance.
Tunisian Mesh Stitch: A lightweight, open stitch made by alternating Tunisian simple stitches with chain spaces, creating a mesh pattern perfect for breathable, airy projects.
Tunisian Ocean Stitch: This stitch is characterized by its wavy, ocean-like pattern, achieved through a combination of standard Tunisian stitches and varying loop heights, creating a dynamic, textured surface reminiscent of ocean waves.
Tunisian Puff Stitch: Creates a plush, 3D, textured puff on the fabric’s surface by pulling up multiple elongated loops on the forward pass and then closing them together.
Tunisian Purl Stitch (Tps): Involves bringing the yarn to the front and inserting the hook from right to left under the front vertical bar, then making a yarn over, creating a texture similar to the purl stitch in knitting.
Tunisian Reverse Stitch (Trs): Worked by inserting the hook from right to left under the back vertical bar and creating a stitch, producing a ridged texture on the reverse side of the fabric.
Tunisian Ribbing Stitch: Alternates between Tunisian knit and purl stitches, creating a ribbed pattern similar to that found in knitting, often used for stretchy fabric like cuffs and collars.
Tunisian Seed Stitch: A richly textured fabric with a dotted appearance, similar to seeds. It’s achieved by alternating Tunisian simple stitch and purl stitch in successive rows, creating a distinctive, speckled fabric.
Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss): A fundamental stitch often used as a base for other Tunisian stitch patterns. It involves inserting the hook under the vertical bar of the previous row and pulling up a loop, creating a smooth, woven look.
Tunisian Smock Stitch: A decorative stitch known for its dense, textured pattern that creates a smock appearance, often used for intricate and visually appealing fabric designs.
Tunisian Star Stitch: A decorative stitch that creates a dense fabric with a star-like or floral pattern, achieved through a series of yarn overs, intricate stitch placements, and loops that produce a textured and visually appealing design.
Tunisian Top Loop Stitch (Ttls): This creates a textured, ribbed fabric by working into the top loops of the stitches from the previous row, resulting in a distinctive, linear texture that adds depth and interest to the overall look.
Tunisian Top Stitch (aka Bump Stitch): Characterized by its unique ridged texture, created by working into the front vertical bar of each stitch, resulting in a fabric with a pronounced, textured surface.
US & UK Crochet Terms Conversion
Crochet patterns can use different terms to describe the same stitches. It’s important to determine if a pattern is written in US or UK terms before you begin. (Most instructions specify this. Otherwise, check with the designer.)
Here’s a comparison of what the same stitch is called in US terms versus UK terms.
| US Term | UK Term |
|---|---|
| Double Crochet (dc) | Treble (tr) |
| Double Treble (dtr) | Triple Treble (trtr) |
| Gauge | Tension |
| Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Half Treble (htr) |
| Single Crochet (sc) | Double Crochet (dc) |
| Slip Stitch (sl st) | Slip Stitch (ss) |
| Treble (tr) | Double Treble (dtr) |
| Yarn Over (yo) | Yarn Over Hook (yoh) |
Yarn Types
Acrylic: An affordable and widely available synthetic fiber used in various crochet projects.
Blends: Yarns that combine qualities of different fibers to achieve specific textures and strengths.
Bobbin: A bobbin refers to a small spool or reel on which yarn is wound, similar to a sewing thread bobbin. This facilitates easy management and organization, especially in multicolored projects.
Cake: Yarn wound into a flat, cylindrical shape resembling a cake, often showing color gradients clearly, which is convenient for both hand-winding and commercially produced yarns.
Cotton: A natural fiber for wearables and kitchen items, known for its breathability, strength, and longevity.
Destashing: Using up or giving away yarn from one’s stash.
Fiber: The material that yarn is made from, such as wool, cotton, or acrylic, that has unique characteristics.
Halo: the fuzziness or fluffiness of a yarn’s loose fibers, which can indicate how much the yarn will felt or mat when worked up, and yarns with a significant halo may be more prone to pilling.
Lace Yarn: Extremely thin yarn, ideal for delicate shawls and lightweight projects.
Light/DK (Double Knit): Versatile, medium-thickness yarn for garments and accessories.
Medium/Worsted: The most commonly used weight yarn, perfect for a wide range of projects from sweaters to blankets.
Neps: These are small, tangled, or matted clumps of fiber within a yarn, which are sometimes intentionally left in during production to create textural effects.
Pills: Small clumps of fibers that form on the surface of a fabric due to agitation, such as from repeated washing.
Pilling: The formation of small balls or “pills” of fiber on the surface of the yarn, caused by friction from use or washing, which can affect the texture and appearance of the crocheted fabric.
Skein: A length of yarn wound in a loose, oblong shape, used as a unit for selling yarn.
Specialty Yarns: Yarns with unique characteristics like chunky or variegated textures, used for special projects.
Stash: Refers to the collection of yarn that a crocheter has accumulated.
Super Bulky: Very thick yarn, excellent for super cozy blankets and quick-knit accessories.
Super Fine/Fingering: Slightly thicker than lace, used for socks, fine shawls, and baby items.
Wool: Warm and natural fiber commonly used in crochet for its durability and warmth.
Yardage: The length of yarn, measured in yards, necessary for determining how much is needed for a project.
Yarn Barf: A large, tangled clump of yarn that sometimes comes out of a new skein, often needing untangling.
Yarn Ply: The number of strands twisted together to make a yarn, affecting its thickness and strength.
Yarn Weight Classification: A system to categorize yarn thickness, ranging from lace to super bulky, and determines the gauge of stitches and suitability for different projects.