Crochet glossary

Every term, stitch and technique you'll need — with video tutorials so you can see exactly how it's done.

C

Chain Stitch

Basic Stitches

The foundation of most crochet projects. Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.

D

Decrease

Techniques

Working two stitches together as one to reduce width. Often abbreviated as 'dec' or 'tog'.

Double Crochet

Basic Stitches

A taller stitch. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through, [yarn over, pull through 2] twice.

F

Foundation single crochet

Basic stitches

Foundation single crochet (fsc) is an alternative to a starting chain + a row of single crochets. Fsc makes a more elastic edge and it true to length.

Frog

Slang

Slang for ripping out your work — because you 'rip it, rip it'. A normal part of crocheting!

H

Half Double Crochet

Basic Stitches

Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.

I

Increase

Techniques

Working two stitches into a single stitch from the previous row to add width.

M

Magic Circle

Techniques

An adjustable starting loop perfect for amigurumi — closes tightly with no hole in the center.

S

Single Crochet

Basic Stitches

A short, dense stitch. Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.

Slip Stitch

Basic Stitches

Used to join rounds and move across stitches. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both loops.

T

Tension

Concepts

How tightly or loosely you hold your yarn. Affects gauge and the look of your finished project.

Treble Crochet

Basic Stitches

Even taller. Yarn over twice, insert hook, then [yarn over, pull through 2] three times.

Y

Yarn Over

Techniques

Wrapping the yarn around the hook from back to front. Often abbreviated YO.