NOTE: I have written these instructions for the crocheter who has never tried to crochet or is still a beginner. Therefore, in most cases, I have gone into detail about how many loops are left on the hook after each step in hopes to make learning the stitches a bit easier.
If you need information on this page but do not want to print the numerous pages
you can copy and paste the instructions you need into MS Word or Notepad and print that way.
Copy and paste the following web address to the same page so you can come back if you additional stitch information: http://www.crochetnmore.com/123basics.htm
ABBREVIATION | STITCH NAME | INSTRUCTIONS |
NO ABBREV. | AFGHAN STITCH Also known as: Afghan crochet | Special hooks are used that are much longer than ordinary hooks to make room for the large number of stitches. It is very important to check the number of stitches on the hook at the end of each row from right to left, because it is very easy to sk the last st at the end of the row. NOTE: The right side of the work is always facing you. Step 1: Make a base chain with the required number of stitches (no extra turning chain). Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook and draw through a lp. Leave this lp on the hook. Pull a lp through each ch, leaving them on the hook, to the end of the row. Step 2: Work the return row from left to right. Do not turn the work. YO and draw lp through the first lp on the hook. YO and draw lp through the next 2 lps on the hook. Continue drawing through 2 lps to end of row. ~Return Row~ Step 3: Do not turn the work. Work from right to left. Skip the first vertical lp formed at the edge of the work in previous row. Insert hook from right to left behind the next vertical lp. Yo and draw yarn through the vertical lp. Leave this lp on hook. Continue in this way to end. make sure you do not sk the last vertical lp on left-handed side of work. Repeat Steps 2 & 3 till project is desired length. Basic Instructions - Illustrated http://www.crochetcabana.com/specialty/tunisian.htm Heritage Shoppe has another tutorial: Wikipedia, Tunisian Crochet is |
BL or BLO | BACK LOOP | Instead of crocheting in the entire stitch which is both loops on the top of the stitch... you only catch or go through one of the loops when you do each stitch. The back loop (bl) is the loop farthest from you. |
VARIED ABBREVIATIONS | BACK POST STITCH | Insert hook from the back side from right to left around post of st on previous row, complete the indicated stitch. |
BPDC | BACK POST DOUBLE CROCHET | Yarn over, insert hook from the back side of the work right to left around the post of the indicated stitch on a previous row; |
BPHDC | BACK POST HALF DOUBLE CROCHET | Yarn over, insert hook from the back side of the work right to left around the post of the indicated stitch on a previous row; |
BPSC | BACK POST SINGLE CROCHET | Insert hook from the back side of the work right to left around the post of the indicated stitch on a previous row; yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through two lps. |
BP TR | BACK POST TREBLE | Yarn over twice, insert hook from the back side of the work right to left around the post of the indicated stitch on a previous row; |
NO ABBREV. | BEAD STITCH a/k/a Berry Stitch | Insert hook in st indicated, yo and pull up lp, (holding back last lp on hook, yo and pull through first lp on hook only) 3 times, yo and pull through both lps on hook. |
BEADED CH | BEADED CHAIN STITCH | With beads already threaded onto the yarn/thread... Pull up one bead then chain 1. |
BEG | BEGINNING | Beg is used in crochet patterns to let you know what part of the pattern you are working on. |
BEG LINKED DC | BEGINNING LINKED DOUBLE CROCHET | Ch3, insert hook in the second chain from the hook, yarn over and draw up a loop (2 lps on hook) NOTE: See below for instructions to work additional LINKED-DC stitches on a row. |
BEG LINKED TR (BEG LTR) | BEGINNING | Ch4, insert hook in the second chain from the hook, NOTE: See below for instructions to work additional LINKED-TR stitches on a row. |
BET | Between | Crochet stitches can be worked in several ways: into both loops, front loop only, back loop only, around posts, etc. When a pattern calls for you to work "between" stitches... crochet in between the posts of the indicated stitches. |
NO ABBREV. | Block Stitch a/k/a Diagonal Stitch a/k/a Crazy Stitch a/k/a Crazy Shell | You can find wonderful photo illustrated tutorials You can make numerous items using this stitch... http://www.crochetnmore.com/haleysdiagonalcape.htm |
NO ABBREV. | BOBBLE STITCH | Yarn over (yarn over, yarn over, Though similar a popcorn stitch, a bobble stitch is created by working a series of incomplete stitches and all of those stitches are joined at the top. Popcorn Stitches are worked using completed stitches the first and last stitches being joined to complete the stitch. |
NO ABBREV. | BROOMSTICK LACE This stitch is illustrated in the Broomstick Lace Afghan Square pattern. | Broomstick Lace is done with a large knitting needle or broomstick. Broomstick lace can be altered to suite your taste. Instead of doing 4 loops per section you might want to do 5. Use your imagination. Just remember... if you pull off 4 loops (like in the square pattern) you must do 4 stitches into those loops. If you pull off 5 loops you must do 5 stitches into the loops, etc. |
NO ABBREV. | BULLION STITCH (a/k/a ROLL STITCH a/k/a RICE STITCH) | Yo 5 times, insert hookin next st, yo, draw lp through st and all 6 lps on hook. Ch 1. Variation Bullion Stitch : This stitch has endless variations... JoAnne Birkenfeld has tips on the Roll/Bullion Stitch: |
CH | CHAIN | With the slip knot on your hook, yarn over and draw through the loop that is already on your hook. Continue this for how many chains you need to begin your project. The first row of a crochet project begins with a series of chain stitches. When working into the chain you can either insert your hook under the top strand of each chain (the method most people use) or into the back ridge, "the hump", of each chain (sometimes referred to as camel crochet). |
CH-1 SP | CHAIN 1 SPACE | Patterns sometimes refer to a chain space.. it can be chain 1 or any number/series of chains. |
CH-8 LP | CHAIN-8 LOOP | Working from bottom of pattern: |
CL | CLUSTER | There are variations of the cluster stitch but basically it means there is more than one stitch clustered together. As an example: If you were doing a 3 double crochet cluster you would do each double crochet without completing the last step (you would have 2 loops on the hook after the first dc, 3 loops on the hook after the second dc and 4 loops on the hook when all three dcs are completed. Then you yarn over and draw through all of the loops. That is what "Clusters" the stitch. |
CC | CONTRASTING COLOR | This simply refers to a color used in a pattern. |
CROSS OVER SHELLS | Click here for illustrated instructions. | |
CR DC (a/k/a CR ST or DC CR ST) | CROSSED DOUBLE CROCHET | Skip a stitch, work a double crochet in the next stitch, then back up and work a double crochet in the skipped stitch. This "crosses" the two doubles. |
CR ST | CROSS STITCH | You can cross regular crochet stitches by skipping one stitch, working a stitch in the next stitch, then working a stitch in the skipped stitch. |
DEC | DECREASE | There are several variations of decrease stitches. Decreasing can be done by one of two methods... 1) skipping stitches 2) do two or more stitches within one step of completion then draw through all loops on hook |
DNT | DO NOT TURN | |
DC | DOUBLE CROCHET | Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated. |
DC DEC a/k/a dc2tog | DOUBLE CROCHET DECREASE | Work a dc in the next stitch without completing the very last step (leave the last two loops on the hook), then dc in the next stitch without completing the last step. You should have three loops on the hook then yarn over and draw through all the loops. Decrease made. |
DC3TOG | DOUBLE CROCHET 3 TOGETHER | Work a dc in the next stitch without completing the very last step (leave the last two loops on the hook) DC in the next stitch without completing the last step. You should have three loops on the hook. Dc in the next stitch without completing the last step. You should have FOUR loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw through all the loops. |
DBL SHELL | DOUBLE SHELL STITCH | (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st or ch sp. |
DTR | DOUBLE TREBLE | Yarn over three times, then insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (You should have five loops on your hook.) Yarn over and draw through two loops. (You should have four loops on your hook.) Yarn over and draw through two loops. (You should have three loops on your hook.) Yarn over and draw through two loops. (You should have two loops on your hook.) Yarn over and draw through two loops. |
(2Dtr Cl) | 2-STITCH DOUBLE TREBLE CLUSTER | Omitting the last step of each dtr, dtr in the first stitch, dtr in the second stitch, YO, draw through all 3 lps on hook. THE UNABBREVIATED INSTRUCTIONS: Begin your first Double Treble: Begin your next Double Treble: NOTE: You can cluster more than two stitches... simply complete each additional stitch without completing the last step, then yarn over and draw through all loops remaining on the hook to cluster them all. |
EDC | EXTENDED DOUBLE CROCHET | Yo, insert hook into stitch, yo, pull through stitch (3 lps on hook), yo, pull through 1 loop, (still have 3 lps on hook) yo, pull through 2 lps, (2 lps on hook), yo, pull through remaining 2 loops. |
EHDC | EXTENDED HALF DOUBLE CROCHET | Yo, insert hook into stitch, yo, pull through stitch (3 lps on hook), yo, pull through 1 loop, (still have 3 lps on hook) yo, pull through remaining 3 loops. |
ESC | EXTENDED SINGLE CROCHET | Insert hook in next ch, yo, draw a loop through (2 loops on hook), yo, draw through one lp on the hook (2 loops still on hook), yo, draw through both loops on the hook. |
ETR | EXTENDED TREBLE CROCHET | Yo twice, insert hook into stitch, yo, pull through stitch (4 lps on hook), yo, pull through 1 loop, (still have 4 lps on hook) yo, pull through 2 lps, (3 lps on hook), yo, pull through 2 lps, (2 lps on hook) yo, pull through remaining 2 loops. |
NO ABBREV. | FASTEN OFF | Once you complete your last stitch on a project you will have one loop on your hook. |
FO | FINISHED OBJECT | |
NO ABBREV. | FIVE TREBLE BOBBLE | 1. Work five treble crochet into one stitch leaving the last loop of each treble crochet on the hook. 2. Yarn over and draw through all the loops on the hook. More bulky bobbles can be secured with an exta chain stitch. If this is necessary it would be indicated within the pattern. |
FL or FLO | FRONT LOOP | Instead of crocheting in the entire stitch which is both loops on the top of the stitch... you only catch or go through one of the loops when you do each stitch. |
VARIED ABBREV. | FRONT POST STITCH | Insert hook from the front side from right to left around post of st on previous row, complete the indicated stitch. |
FPDC | FRONT POST DOUBLE CROCHET (a/k/a | Yarn over, insert hook from the front side of the work right to left around the post of the indicated stitch on a previous row; |
FPHDC | FRONT POST HALF DOUBLE CROCHET (a/k/a | Yarn over, insert hook from the front side of the work right to left around the post of the indicated stitch on a previous row; |
FP SC | FRONT POST SINGLE CROCHET | Insert hook from the front side of the work right to left around the post of the indicated stitch on a previous row; yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through two lps. |
FP TR | FRONT POST TREBLE | Yarn over twice, insert hook from the front side of the work right to left around the post of the indicated stitch on a previous row; yo and draw up a lp (4 lps on hook) |
FSC | FOUNDATION SINGLE CROCHET | For any project that requires a foundation row of all single crochets you can use Foundation Single Crochets. In other words, instead of making a series of chain stitches and then working a single crochet into each chain you work a series of FSC stitches. To begin a Foundation Single Crochet row, Chain 2. Insert hook into the second chain from the hook Repeat from the asterisk * for as many stitches as you need for your project. |
FHDC | FOUNDATION HALF DOUBLE CROCHET | For any project that requires a foundation row of all half double crochets you can use Foundation Half Double Crochets. In other words, instead of making a series of chain stitches and then working a half double crochet into each chain you work a series of FHDC stitches. To begin a Foundation Half Double Crochet row, Chain 3. Yarn over Repeat from the asterisk * for as many stitches as you need for your project. |
FDC | FOUNDATION DOUBLE CROCHET | For any project that requires a foundation row of all double crochets you can use Foundation Double Crochets. In other words, instead of making a series of chain stitches and then working a double crochet into each chain you work a series of FDC stitches. To begin a Foundation Double Crochet row, Chain 4. Yarn over Repeat from the asterisk * for as many stitches as you need for your project. |
FTR | FOUNDATION a/k/a | For any project that requires a foundation row of all treble crochets you can use Foundation Treble Crochets. In other words, instead of making a series of chain stitches and then working a treble crochet into each chain you work a series of FTR stitches. To begin a Foundation Treble Crochet row, Chain 5. Yarn over twice Repeat from the asterisk * for as many stitches as you need for your project. |
NO ABBREV. | GAUGE | Gauge refers to the measurement of stitches and rows contained in a stitch pattern sample. Always begin your gauge swatch with the recommended hook size and yarn then adjust the hook size as needed. Be sure to make your swatch large enough to get a proper measurement. To measure the stitch gauge... lay the ruler horizontally across the work. The measurements of your gauge swatch lets you know if your gauge meets what is recommended for your pattern. If it doesn't measure up like the pattern says then you should adjust your hook size accordingly... Keep in mind... if your project isn't for a garment or an item that needs to be the approximate suggested size in the pattern instructions... then checking the gauge isn't as critical. Helpful gauge information: |
HDC | HALF DOUBLE CROCHET | Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, yarn over and pull up a loop. (You should have 3 loops on your hook.) Yarn over again and draw through all three of the loops on the hook. |
HDC DEC a/k/a hdc2tog | HALF DOUBLE CROCHET DECREASE | Work a hdc in the next stitch without completing the very last step (keep all three loops on hook) , then hdc in the next stitch without completing the last step. You should have 5 loops on the hook then yarn over and draw through all the loops. Decrease made. |
HDC3TOG | HALF DOUBLE CROCHET 3 TOGETHER | Work a Hdc in the next stitch without completing the very last step (leave the last two loops on the hook) HDC in the next stitch without completing the last step. You should have FIVE loops on the hook. HDC in the next stitch without completing the last step. You should have SEVEN loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw through all the loops. |
HTR | HALF TREBLE CROCHET | Yarn over twice & insert hook in the stitch indicated. Yarn over, draw through two loops. Yarn over, draw through last 3 loops. |
NO ABBREV. | HUMP OF THE CHAIN | Each chain has a top loop, a bottom loop and a "hump" on the back of the chain. The hump of the chain is also known as the "back ridge". |
NO ABBREV. | IN JOINING | When you see this, work the indicated stitches in the same space as the joining stitch on the previous round. |
IFO | INVISIBLE FINISH OFF An interesting way of finishing off a granny square or other motif so there's no bump on the side of it. | |
INC | INCREASE | When you increase you are only adding extra stitches. |
LSC | LONG SINGLE CROCHET (a/k/a Spike Stitch) | Insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, draw a loop through (2 loops on hook), yo, draw through both loops on the hook. A Long Single Crochet Stitch is worked the same as a regular single crochet stitch, except... it is worked in a stitch on a row below the normal working row. |
LDC | LONG DOUBLE CROCHET | Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated. A Long Double Crochet Stitch is worked the same as a regular double crochet stitch, except... it is worked in a stitch on a row below the normal working row. |
LINKED DC not a standard abbreviation | LINKED DOUBLE CROCHET | Insert hook in lower horizontal bar on same stitch, NOTE: Refer to BEG LINKED-DC to see how to begin a row of linked double crochet stitches. |
L TR | LINKED TREBLE | Insert hook in upper horizontal loop of last stitch made. Watch the Video: |
LP(S) | LOOP(S) | Loops are a series of chains in a pattern. For example: 3 chains in a pattern may be referred to as a chain 3 loop (ch-3 lp) later in the pattern. |
LP ST | LOOP STITCH | Insert the hook in the next st, |
LK | LOVE KNOT | Ch 1 loosely, sc in the hump on the back of the ch. |
MC | MAIN COLOR | This simply refers to the main color used in a pattern. |
NO ABBREV. | MARGUERITE STITCH (a/k/a Star Stitch or Spiked Cluster) | Click here for illustrated instructions |
NO ABBREV. | MOSS STITCH | Make your foundation chain an odd number of chains. Row 1: Sc in 3rd ch from hook. * ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch *. Repeat from * across. Ch 2 (counts as turning chain and first chain 1). Turn. Row 2: Skip first sc, * sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, skip next sc *. Repeat from * across. Repeat Row 2 for desired length. |
PAT | PATTERN | Pat is the abbreviation for "pattern". |
P | PICOT | Ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook. |
PM | PLACE MARKER | This means you need to mark the indicated stitch. Use a short strand of a contrasting color yarn or a split ring marker... even a paper clip or latch pin will work. Just put either of these around the stitch you are indicated to mark and then continue with the pattern. The instructions should tell you when to reposition or remove the marker. Click here for YouTube Video |
PC | POPCORN | The standard popcorn stitch is worked as follows: Drop the loop from the hook. Now you can "pop" the popcorn to the right or wrong side of the work as needed. |
PS OR Puff St | PUFF STITCH | Yo, insert hookin next st, yo, draw up 1/2" long lp, (yo, insert hookin same st, yo, draw up 1/2" long lp) 2 times, yo draw through first 7 lps on hook, ch 1. |
QTR | Quadruple Treble Crochet | yarn over 5 times (6 loops on hook) |
REM | REMAINING | Keep working in pattern over remaining stitches on row or round. |
REP | REPEAT | Referenced in pattern when you need to repeat certain instructions. |
REV HDC | REVERSE HALF DOUBLE | YO, Insert hookin next st to the right, draw up a lp (3 lps on hook), yo, draw through all 3 lps. |
REV SC | REVERSE SINGLE CROCHET (a/k/a CRAB STITCH) | A reverse single crochet is worked from left to right; whereas a regular single crochet stitch is worked from right to left. Insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, then yarn over and pull up a loop. (You should have two loops on your hook.) Yarn over and draw through both of the loops on your hook. This stitch takes a bit of practice but the outcome is well worth the effort. |
NO ABBREV. | RICE STITCH (a/k/a BULLION STITCH a/k/a ROLL STITCH) | See Bullion Stitch above. |
NO ABBREV. | ROLL STITCH (a/k/a BULLION STITCH a/k/a RICE STITCH) | Roll st 20: Wrap the thread 20 times around the hook, bring up a loop through sc, thread over hook and draw through the coil on the hook, keep roll straight, thread over and draw through loop on hook. Repeat this for each roll. See Bullion Stitch above. JoAnne Birkenfeld has tips on the Roll/Bullion Stitch: |
RND(S) | ROUND(S) | The term "round" is used when a pattern calls for working in a circle instead of a straight row. |
VARIED ABBREV. | SHELL STITCH | A Shell Stitch just means that more than one stitch (such as a double crochet) is worked in the same space. Example: |
NO ABBREV. | SIMPLE RUFFLE | To add a simple ruffled edge to a project... attach yarn in any stitch, sc in same st, * ch 3, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st, fasten off and weave in ends. |
SC | SINGLE CROCHET | Insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, then yarn over and pull up a loop. (You should have two loops on your hook.) Yarn over and draw through both of the loops on your hook. |
SC DEC a/k/a Sc2Tog | SINGLE CROCHET DECREASE (a/k/a SINGLE CROCHET NEXT TWO STITCHES TOGETHER) | Insert hook in next stitch, draw up a loop, (two loops on hook), insert hook in next stitch, draw up a lp (3 loops on hook), YO and draw through all 3 loops. Watch the video:
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SC3TOG a/k/a ScDec3Tog | SINGLE CROCHET THREE STITCHES TOGETHER | Insert hook in next st, draw up a lp, (two lps on hook), insert hook in next st, draw up a lp (3 lps on hook), insert hook in next st, draw up a lp (4 lps on hook) YO and draw through all 4 lps. |
(SC over ring) | SINGLE CROCHET OVER RING | Working over ring, holding yarn in left hand behind ring, insert hook under/inside ring, yo, draw up a lp to the top of the ring, yo, draw through both lps on hook. NOTE: This stitch is used in projects that require plastic or metal rings. Use metal rings (the size of your choice) and this stitch to make Photo Christmas Ornaments. Once you have the ring filled with stitches, you can do 3dc in each sc to form a wavy edge. Add a string to hang it and you have a cute ornament. To add the photo, trim the photo to size and tape or hot glue it to the back of the ornament. |
SC PS or SC Puff St | SINGLE CROCHET PUFF STITCH | (Yarn over, pull up a loop) 4 times, 9 loops on hook, Watch the Video: |
SK | SKIP | Skip the indicated stitches. |
SL KNOT (not a standard abbreviation) | SLIP KNOT | To begin to crochet you first need to make a slip knot: With the palm of your hand facing you--place the end of the yarn across the palm of your hand from right to left and back around to cross over your palm again laying it across the end of the first strand of yarn. Now reach under both strands of yarn (from top to bottom) and pull up the longest strand. Insert your crochet hook into this loop and tighten to secure the knot. |
SL KNOT - UNCLOSED | UNCLOSED SLIP KNOT | Make the slip knot like you normally but do not tighten it... this leaves the loop from the knot open so you can draw the opening closed later. Note: This is similar to the Magic Loop or Magic Ring techique. |
SL ST (I've also seen this abbreviated as SS) | SLIP STITCH | Insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, yarn over and draw through the stitch and the loop on your hook. |
SP(S) | SPACE(S) | When a pattern refers to spaces (sp or sps) it means to crochet into a certain space on the previous row instead of crocheting directly into a stitch. The "space" can be the hole left beneath a chain or the opening between stitches. Click here for YouTube Video for crocheting into chain spaces. |
NO ABBREV. | SPIKED CLUSTER | Click here for illustrated instructions |
NO ABBREV. | STAR FILET STITCH | Click here for photo illustrations |
NO ABBREV. | STAR STITCH (a/k/a Marguerite Stitch or Spiked Cluster) | Click here for illustrated instructions |
ST(S) | STITCH(ES) | |
TOG | TOGETHER | When you see the abbreviation "tog" in a pattern you will be instructed to work a decrease over the indicated stitches. |
TR or TC | TREBLE CROCHET (Also known as Triple Crochet) | Yarn over twice, then insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (4 loops on hook.) |
TR DEC a/k/a tr2tog | TREBLE DECREASE | (this is already listed on this page as TREBLE NEXT TWO STS TOG but I had a viewer ask about a treble decrease so I'm listing this stitch again in different terms.) Work a treble in the next stitch (without completing the last step) Work a treble in the next stitch (without completing the last step) Now yarn over and draw through all loops on the hook. |
TR2TOG a/k/a tr dec | TREBLE NEXT TWO STITCHES TOGETHER | Yo twice, insert hookin next st, yo & draw through lp, yo & draw through 2 lps, yo & draw through 2 lps, (2 lps on hook) |
TR4TOG | TREBLE 4 STITCHES TOGETHER | Work a TR in the next stitch without completing the very last step (leave the last two loops on the hook) TR in the next stitch without completing the last step. You should have three loops on the hook. TR in the next stitch without completing the last step. You should have FOUR loops on the hook. TR in the next stitch without completing the last step. You should have FIVE loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw through all the loops. |
TR-SPL | TREBLE-SPLIT | Work 1 treble in stitch, then 1 double crochet through 2 threads on the side of the treble. |
TR-Y | TREBLE-Y | Work 1 treble in stitch, chain 1, then work 1 double through 2 threads on the side of the treble. |
NO ABBREV. | TRINITY STITCH | Row 1: sc in second from hook, Row 2 : ch 1, turn. sc in first sc & pull up a loop, Repeat Row 2 until desired length. Click here for photo instructions: Click here for a video: |
TP TR | TRIPLE TREBLE | YO 4 times, insert hookin next st, yo, draw lp through (6 lps on hook), [yo, draw through 2 lps] 5 times. |
TDC | TUNISIAN DOUBLE CROCHET | Click here for instructions. |
TSS | TUNISIAN SIMPLE STITCH | Click here for instructions. |
V-ST | V-STITCH | (Dc, ch 1, dc) in next st or ch sp. |
NO ABBREV. | WORK EVEN | Keep working the same stitches (or stitch pattern) as before keeping the same number of stitches until the piece is the size indicated. |
YO | YARN OVER | (Take the yarn over the hook the number of times specified in the pattern. If the pattern just says yarn over then you only do it once.) |