Materials

Abbreviations and terms

Back Loop/Front Loop Only (BLO/FLO): usually the stitches are worked under both loops at the top of a stitch. But sometimes, a pattern will tell you to work into the back loop only (BLO) or the front loop only (FLO) to create a ribbed texture. Usually, you’ll see BLO or FLO combined with a stitch like SC, to create the abbreviation SC-BLO, or “single crochet in the back loops only.”

Fasten off: cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch yarn tail. Use the hook to draw the yarn tail through the loop on your hook. Remove the crochet hook from the work, and pull on the yarn tail to tighten it.  

Weave in the ends: use a yarn needle to weave the yarn tail through the crochet stitches (back and forth)

Bobble (bs): the bobble stitch creates a raised 3D effect. It’s typically made by partially completing several double crochets into the same stitch and then joining them together. The number of stitches in a bobble can vary from pattern to pattern, so check the pattern notes.

Cluster (Cl): there are many different types of cluster stitches, and your pattern should specify the type being used. For example, a 3-dc cluster would be a cluster of three double crochet stitches. 

Double Treble Crochet (dtr): this is one of the taller crochet stitches, slightly taller than the standard treble crochet.

Magic Ring/Circle (MR/MC): is a technique used to start crocheting in the round, resulting in a tightly closed centre. This technique is especially useful for projects like granny squares, amigurumi or top-down hats. If you struggle with this, then you can make a few chains, slst together to form a circle and crochet into the circle.

Popcorn (pc): the popcorn stitch is a crochet technique that creates a puffy, 3D texture. It’s usually made by working multiple double crochets into the same stitch and then joining them at the top. The number of stitches in a popcorn can vary from pattern to pattern, so check the pattern notes.

Puff stitch (ps): the puff stitch is a decorative stitch that creates a puffy texture on the fabric. It’s similar to the popcorn and bobble stitches.

Triple Treble Crochet (Trtr): this is one of the tallest crochet stitches, even taller than the double treble crochet.

Front/Back Post (Fp/Bp): front post and back post stitches are made around the post of the stitch from the previous row, rather than under the top two loops of the stitch. These stitches create a textured, raised pattern on the fabric. Usually, you’ll see FP or BP combined with a stitch like SC or DC, to create the abbreviation Fpdc (Front post double crochet) Bpdc (Back post double crochet) 

Alternate (alt): is a term used when you need to do different stitches or sequences in a repeating pattern.

Approximate (approx): is often used to give a rough estimate of the size or quantity of something. For example, a pattern might say, “approx 300 metres of yarn needed.”

Beginning (beg): usually refers to the start of a row or round. A pattern might tell you to join a round “at the beg,” meaning where you first started that round.

Between (bet): is usually used to specify that a stitch should be made between two stitches from the previous row or round, rather than into a stitch.

Continue (cont): is a term used in patterns to tell you to keep going with the pattern or sequence that’s been established.

Main Colour (MC): the main colour is the primary colour used in the project. This is the colour you’ll typically use the most.

Contrasting Colour (CC): if a pattern uses multiple colours, it will specify the “main colour” (MC) and the “contrasting colour” (CC). The MC is the primary colour in the project, while the CC is a secondary colour.

Decreasing (dec) (sc2tog) (hdc2tog) (dc2tog): decreasing is the method of reducing the number of stitches in your work. This is usually done by working two or more stitches together. 

Increasing (inc): is adding stitches to your work. This is usually done by working more stitches into a single stitch from the previous row.

Fasten Off: is the term used when you’ve completed your project, or you’re changing colours. To fasten off, you’ll cut your yarn, leaving a tail, and pull the tail through the last loop on your hook to secure it.

Join: a term used in crochet patterns to indicate that you need to connect two parts of your work, usually the end of a round to its beginning. This is usually done using a slip stitch. 

Loop (lp): this is the loop of yarn on your hook at any given time. It could be the starting loop, the loop left after completing a stitch, or the loop you’ve just pulled up in the current stitch.

Place Marker (pm): stitch markers are used to mark a certain stitch to reference later. You can use a locking stitch marker, a piece of different colour yarn, or even a safety pin to mark the stitch. 

Repeat (rep): it’s used in patterns to indicate that a set of instructions should be repeated a certain number of times.

Right Side (RS): the side of the project that is meant to be visible or facing out when the project is used or worn. Depending on the pattern, the right side may have a different texture or appearance compared to the wrong side.

Wrong Side (WS): is the side that is at the back of the work and will not be visible when the project is used or worn. Depending on the pattern, the wrong side may have a different texture or appearance compared to the right side.

Round (rnd): a round is a sequence of stitches that are worked circular. Working in the round allows you to create crocheted items that start with a circle, they are either worked in a spiral and continuous (amigurumi) or in joined rounds (often hats and granny squares) most of which use a magic circle instead of a foundation chain.

Row: a row in crochet is a horizontal sequence of stitches. When you reach the end of a row, you’ll often “turn” your work to start the next one. Most patterns number each Row to help you keep track of your progress.

Skip (sk): to miss one or more stitches in the row below. This is often used to create spaces in a pattern or to decrease the number of stitches. When a pattern tells you to skip, you simply move to the next stitch as indicated without working into the skipped stitch.

Space (sp): the term “space” or “sp” in a pattern refers to the gap or hole created by a chain stitch in the previous row or round. Instead of inserting your hook into a stitch, you’ll insert it into this space.

Stitch/es (st/s): in a pattern, you’ll often see instructions telling you to work a certain number of stitches. You’ll also see it used at the end of the row or round to indicate the correct stitch count.

Turn: is an instruction you’ll often see at the end of a row in a crochet pattern. It simply means to flip your work around so you can start the next row. 

Yarn Over (yo): is the act of wrapping the yarn from back to front over your crochet hook. This is a fundamental part of creating stitches. You might also see this action called “yarn over hook” or “yoh.”

Blocking: is a finishing technique that involves wetting or steaming your finished crochet piece and then shaping it to the correct dimensions as it dries. This can help even out stitches, straighten edges, and help your project achieve its final shape. It’s especially helpful for granny squares or garments where fit and shape are essential.

Darning / Weaving: You will usually have at least two loose ends of yarn on a project, one from where you started and one from where you finished. You might also have additional ends if you’ve changed colours or added new balls of yarn during your project. Use a darning needle, often called a yarn needle (a large blunt-ended needle) to sew the loose ends back into your stitches to hide them and secure your work. This is an important step to give your project a neat, professional finish.

Finished Object (Fo): this term is a common abbreviation used among crafters when talking about their work online.

Frogging: is a term used in the crochet world to describe the process of ripping out stitches when you’ve made a mistake (“rip it, rip it,” like a frog’s sound).

Gauge: is the number of stitches and rows per inch in a crochet or knitting project. It’s important to match the pattern’s gauge to ensure your project turns out the correct size.

Hook Size: crochet hooks come in various sizes to match the weight of the yarn you’re using. They can be labelled in metric (mm), US, or UK sizes, and it’s essential to use the size recommended in your pattern to achieve the correct gauge.

Tension: Tension refers to how tightly or loosely you hold the yarn while you’re crocheting. Everyone’s tension is a little different, and it can change depending on the type of yarn you’re using. Consistent tension is important for creating even stitches and meeting the pattern’s gauge.

Unfinished Object (UFO): is a project that you’ve started but haven’t completed. It’s common to have a few UFOs lying around as you go from one project to another.

WIP (Work In Progress): a term used in online crochet communities to refer to the projects you’re currently working on. It’s not uncommon to have multiple WIPs at once!

Yarn Weight: refers to the thickness of the yarn strand. From lace (super thin) to jumbo (super thick), the weight of the yarn can dramatically impact the look and feel of your project.

C2C (Corner to corner): is a crochet technique of crocheting diagonally, from one corner to the other. It can be good for pixel images (more advanced) . It's also a great way to get diagonal stripes instead of horizontal or circular.