Crochet Glossary

Crochet Glossary

Chain —The foundation for most crochet projects. A crocheted chain can also be used at the end of a row of flat knitting, or to create open spaces in lace patterns.

Slip stitch —Creating a slip stitch is a way to move your yarn to another point in a crochet project, without cutting the yarn. If you knit a project entirely with slip stitch, it creates a very dense fabric.

Single crochet —A basic crochet stitch. It is a shorter stitch, and it creates a firm and dense fabric.

Half double crochet —A crochet stitch that is a little taller than a single crochet stitch. This fabric is quick to create but still dense, so it is used in a lot of garment patterns.

Double crochet —A taller and more open stitch than single or half double crochet. It’s a versatile stitch, but looks especially good in hat and scarf patterns.

Treble crochet —A very tall stitch. Also called triple crochet. Use treble crochet for ultra fast or big projects, like an afghan.

Decrease —Reduce the number of stitches in a row. This can be done by skipping a stitch or crocheting multiple stitches together.

Increase —Add more stitches to a row. This can be done by working multiple stitches into a single stitch, or adding an additional stitch at the beginning or end of a row.

Crab stitch —Decorative edging that can be applied to a piece of crochet or knitting. It is the single crochet stitch worked in the reverse direction that you usually crochet.

Spike Stitch —By inserting the hook into a row or two below your working row, you can create vertical strands of yarn that adorn your crocheted fabric. The spike stitch looks great in a contrasting color.

Crossed stitch —Work a pair of stitches in reverse order, and the stitches will cross each other, creating an “x”. This is similar to how one would create a cabled cross if they were knitting.

Post stitch —This technique is used to create ribbing or cables. Also called a raised stitch.

Granny square —A granny square is an iconic crochet motif with lots of variations. You crochet it from the inside toward the outer edge. It looks great in an afghan!

Tunisian crochet —Also known as the Afghan stitch. Tunisian crochet uses a very long crochet hook, and the flat fabric is created by picking up, then binding off stitches. The technique is a cross between crochet and knitting.

Free form crochet —Crochet made without a pattern. Use scraps of yarn and join small shapes to create a really colorful, textured, and interesting fabric. You can make any type of project with free form crochet, from a sculptural art piece to a wearable garment. For more information about this technique, check out any of Prudence Mapstone’s books.

Filet crochet —A type of crocheted lace that allows you to create shapes, initials, or pictures. This type of crochet is commonly seen in home décor projects, because it is so easy to personalize!