Reference

Stitch glossary

Look up any crochet or knitting stitch, what its abbreviation means, and how to work it. Crochet terms differ between the US and the UK, so each entry notes both. A US single crochet is a UK double crochet, which is the mix-up that trips up most patterns.

Basic stitches

chChainThe starting row of loops most crochet begins from.sl stSlip stitchThe shortest crochet stitch, used to join and to move across.scSingle crochetThe short, dense workhorse stitch. Called double crochet in UK terms.hdcHalf double crochetA medium-height stitch between single and double. UK half treble.dcDouble crochetA tall, quick stitch. This is the UK treble, and the UK double crochet is our single.trTreble crochetA very tall stitch with two yarn overs to start. UK double treble.kKnitThe fundamental knitting stitch, the smooth V on the front.pPurlThe reverse of the knit stitch, a small bump on the front.

Increases

incIncreaseTwo stitches worked into one to add width or shape a round.yoYarn overWrapping the yarn to add a stitch and a small hole, the basis of lace.

Decreases

decInvisible decreaseTwo stitches joined into one to shape and close amigurumi neatly.k2togKnit two togetherA right-leaning decrease that knits two stitches as one.sskSlip slip knitA left-leaning decrease, the mirror of k2tog.

Techniques

MRMagic ringAn adjustable loop that starts crochet in the round with no hole.COCast onPutting the first row of stitches onto the needle.

Finishing

BOBind offSecuring the last row so the knitting cannot unravel.