Crochet

Crochet is a way of creating fabric from yarn or thread using a crochet hook to pull loops of yarn through other loops. It is similar to knitting, except that usually only one loop is active at one time, and that a crochet hook is used instead of knitting needles. Also, crochet can not be made by machine. Crochet uses more yarn than knitting but is faster to make by hand.

Crochet is used to make clothing, household items like tablecloths, blankets and potholders, and toys. Lace is often made by crocheting, though it can be made by knitting and weaving as well.

Crocheting is also a great craft for younger children. The stitches are easy and their small hands are able to hold the crochet hook. They are also able to see progress very quickly and that motivates them to continue. It is very easy to start again after setting the project down, which will help to keep young people involved in the craft.

Crocheting

Stitch Abbreviations

Basic

ch: chain stitch
yoh: yarn over hook
bl: back loops
fl: front loops
rs: right side
ws: wrong side
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
tc: triple crochet
sk or sk st: skip stitch
sl st: slip stitch
rnd: round(s)
*: repeat instructions following the "*"

Advanced

bp: back post
fp: front post
bpdc: back post double crochet
fpdc: front post double crochet
tog: together
dc2tog: double crochet 2 stitches together
hdc: half double crochet
dec: decrease

US and UK Terminologies

The US and the UK use different names for the same crochet stitches. If you are using a pattern, make sure you know if it uses US or UK terminology so you read it correctly.

Here are the main differences.

Crochet Stitches
US Name	UK Name
Single crochet (sc)	Double crochet (dc)
Double crochet (dc)	Treble crochet (tr)
Treble crochet (tr)	Double treble crochet (dtr)

Crochet Media

Demonstration of crochet technique
19th century crochet from Orvieto, Italy
A crocheted purse described in 1823 in Penélopé
Tambour embroidery in the Diderot Encyclopedia
Shepherd's hook, 19th-century tapered hook, modern inline hook
Detail of a Portuguese crocheted tablecloth, about 1970
Irish crochet lace, late 19th century. The design of this example is closely based on Flemish needle lace of the 17th century.
Filet crochet by an internee at Manzanar War Relocation Center, 1943. Photograph by Ansel Adams
Detail on gold thread crochet in a mid-20th century short jacket designed by Sybil Connolly
Bags and hacky sack tapestry crocheted in Guatemala.