Crochet Stitch Types, Terminologies and Abbreviations
Crochet enthusiasts are in all over the world. In the era of advanced technologies, there are many crochet lovers worldwide and always in search of a new creation. But how to spread information on new crochet tutorial? Commonly, we all use one language that is English. Yes, English is the most popular and common language for the web. Like other fields, crocheting uses its own crochet terminology through symbols and abbreviations. Some crochet symbols vary as per country. So, let me start from scratch and let’s dive into this. Hope you will enjoy this deep dive.
What Do You Mean: Crochet?
This hook is made from fiber, steel, or any other durable metal. Other material may me yarn, thick or thin thread, wire, fabric, or any other innovative material.
It is needlework, performing through a single hook plus other material.
Crochet Stitch Types
What is Crochet Goal?
Crochet goal is depended on the person. A handicraft lover starts crocheting with specifics like, they crochet objects which are attractive, beneficial in some way and useful. Some other crochet goals are:
- Crochet for charity
- Learn new stitch, pattern, and technique
- Start a crochet blog
- Earn by selling crochet items
Design your own crochet pattern
Crochet Objects:
Crafters create various objects using various crochet patterns and variations. Without talking much on objects, let me share some objects’ names only. These objects are table cloth, handkerchief, tote bags, purses, blankets, shawls, hats, baby booties, socks, gloves, crochet appliques, pillowcases, crochet trims, and edgings and many other components. This list is become like it never ends.
The Base Unit in Crochet Stitch:
If you ever watch any crochet tutorial, maker mentions some specific stitch names while crocheting. Any crochet object is created using these basic stitches. The object might not use all stitches, but some stitches must come. The basic crochet stitches are:
- Chain stitch
- Single crochet
- Double crochet stitch
- Slip stitch
- Half double crochet stitch
- Treble crochet stitch
- treble (triple) crochet
- double treble (double triple)
- single crochet 2 together
- single crochet 3 together
- double crochet 2 together
- double crochet 3 together
- 3-hdc cluster; puff stitch; bobble
- 3-dc cluster
- 5-dc popcorn
- 5-dc shell
- ch-3 picot
- front post double crochet
- back post double crochet
- worked in back loop only (symbol appears at the base of the stitch being worked)
worked in front loop only (symbol appears at the base of the stitch being worked)
Mix Crochet Stitch Patterns
Crochet lovers mix basic stitches in different ways to find a new stitch pattern. To make various patterns and textures stitches should be patterned or plain, lacy or solid, monochromatic. Some well-known crochet stitch patterns are:
Shell Stitch: Shell stitch is basically double crochet, but occurring multiple times worked together to make a single and sharp stitch. It looks like a shell. This shell is narrow at the bottom and becomes wider at the top. It reflects great texture in any object whether blanket or shawl, for example. Usually, crochet crafter uses four dc pattern, but you can increase as per your creativity.
V Stitch: This stitch is known as V stitch and the reason behind this is, it creates V shape. This shell stitch is versatile. To create V stitch, crafter needs to do one double crochet (dc), then one single chain (1 ch) and then again 1 double crochet(dc). These all for one single V stitch.
Cluster Stitch: Cluster stitch varies from pattern to pattern. Usually, this is made up in a bunch of four with a number of adjacent stitches to one another and all linked together at the top. This clustering pattern is depended on the type of cluster that you want to make.
Stitch Terms & Abbreviations:
Below I mentioned standardized crochet terms and abbreviations. These have been accepted worldwide. But no doubt, these differ as per language. These terms and abbreviations are clearest and easiest to read, listen and understand.
- beg = beginning of the row
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- cl = cluster
- ea = each
- rep = repeat
- sl st = slip stitch
- st = stitch
- sk = skip
- BL = back loop
- BP = back post
- dec = decrease, used for shaping in crochet
- dtr = double treble crochet
- FL = front loop
- FO = finished object
- FP = front post
- inc = increase, used in shaping
- incl = including
- oz = ounce used to show how much yarn is needed
- PM = place marker
- pc = popcorn, textured crochet similar to cluster or bubble
- rep = repeat, used in combination with other symbols
- * = it specifies how many numbers of times repeat a series of instructions to design pattern between asterisk or following an asterisk
- () = repeat the number of instructions that are given in the parentheses
- [] = repeat a series of instructions that are given inside the brackets
- rev = reverse
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- sp = space
- tog = together
- tr = treble crochet
- tr tr = triple treble crochet
- UFO = unfinished object
- WIP = work in progress
- WS = wrong side
- YO = yarn over
Most common crochet stitches are consistent in each pattern. But there are also chances of inconsistencies. That’s all for now. Keep watching the space.
