Common Crochet Terms

Basic Crochet Terms

  • Chain (ch) – The foundation of most crochet projects.
  • Slip Stitch (sl st) – A flat stitch used to join rounds or move across stitches.
  • Single Crochet (sc) [US] / Double Crochet (dc) [UK] – A basic stitch that creates a tight fabric.
  • Half Double Crochet (hdc) [US] / Half Treble Crochet (htr) [UK] – A stitch taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet.
  • Double Crochet (dc) [US] / Treble Crochet (tr) [UK] – A stitch taller than a half double crochet.
  • Treble Crochet (tr) [US] / Double Treble Crochet (dtr) [UK] – A long, open stitch.
  • Magic Ring / Magic Circle – A technique for starting projects in the round with an adjustable loop.


Common Techniques & Stitch Variations

  • Back Loop Only (BLO) – Working into only the back loop of a stitch to create texture.
  • Front Loop Only (FLO) – Working into only the front loop of a stitch for a different texture.
  • Post Stitches (FP or BP) – Stitches worked around the post of the stitch below (Front Post or Back Post).
  • Shell Stitch – A decorative pattern of multiple stitches worked into the same space.
  • V-Stitch – A pattern formed by working two stitches into the same space.
  • Cluster Stitch – A group of stitches worked together and closed at the top.
  • Bobble Stitch – A textured stitch that forms raised bumps.
  • Popcorn Stitch – Similar to the bobble stitch, but "popped" forward for a 3D effect.
  • Puff Stitch – A soft, raised stitch made by pulling loops together.
  • Moss Stitch / Linen Stitch – Alternating single crochets and chains to create a woven look.


Crochet Pattern Terms

  • Gauge – The number of stitches and rows per inch in a project.
  • Tension – How tight or loose your stitches are.
  • Blocking – The process of shaping and setting a finished project using water or steam.
  • Turning Chain (t-ch) – A chain worked at the beginning of a row to bring height to the next row.
  • Increase (inc) – Adding stitches to widen a project.
  • Decrease (dec) – Reducing stitches to narrow a project.


Crochet Tools & Materials

  • Yarn Weight – The thickness of the yarn, categorized as lace, fingering, sport, worsted, bulky, etc.
  • Hook Size – The size of the crochet hook, which affects stitch size and gauge.
  • Stitch Marker – A tool used to mark stitches or rounds in a pattern.
  • Yarn Needle – A blunt-tipped needle for weaving in ends.
  • Frogging – Undoing crochet work (ripping it out, "rip-it, rip-it").
  • WIP (Work In Progress) – An unfinished crochet project.
  • UFO (Unfinished Object) – A crochet project that has been abandoned for a while.

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