CROCHET BASICS (http://www.crochetnmore.com/123basics.

htm)
ABBREVIATION STITCH NAME INSTRUCTIONS
NO ABBREV. AFGHAN Special hooks are used that are much longer than ordinary hooks to
STITCH make room for the large number of stitches. It is very important to
Also known as: check the number of stitches on the hook at the end of each row from
Tunisian right to left, because it is very easy to sk the last st at the end of the
Crochet row.
Shepherd's NOTE: The right side of the work is always facing you.
Knitting Step 1: Make a base chain with the required number of stitches (no
Railroad extra turning chain). Insert hook in 2nd ch from hk and draw
Knitting through a lp. Leave this lp on the hook. Pull a lp through each ch,
Tricot Crochet leaving them on the hk, to the end of the row.
Hook Knitting 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 hk. 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 hk
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.
Illustrated instructions
Basic Instructions - Illustrated
http://www.crochetcabana.com/specialty/ltc-tunisian.htm
Detailed Illustrated Instructions
BL 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.
Click here for photo
VARIED BACK POST Insert hook from the back side from right to left around post of st on
ABBREVIATIONS STITCH previous row, complete the indicated stitch.

BPDC BACK POST Yarn over, insert hook from the back side of the work right to left
DOUBLE around the post of the indicated stitch on a previous row;
CROCHET yo and pull up a loop (3 lps on hk)
yo and draw through two lps (2 lps on hk)
yo and draw through two lps (1 lp on hk)
Illustrations
BP TR BACK POST Yarn over twice, insert hook around the post (from behind your
TREBLE work) of the stitch indicated;
yo and draw up a lp (4 lps on hk)
yo and draw through two lps (3 lps on hk)
yo and draw through two lps (2 lps on hk)
 yo and draw through two lps (1 lp on hk)
NO ABBREV. BEAD STITCH Insert hook in st indicated, yo and pull up lp, (holding back last lp on
a/k/a Berry hook, yo and pull through first lp on hook only) 3 times, yo and pull
Stitch through both lps on hook.
http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=2
BEG BEGINNING Beg is used in crochet patterns to let you know what part of the
pattern you are working on.
NO ABBREV. Block Stitch You can find wonderful photo illustrated tutorials
a/k/a Diagonal on the following pages:
Stitch http://crochet.about.com/library/blcrazyst.htm
a/k/a Crazy http://www.crochetcabana.com/stitches/diag-box-st.htm
Stitch You can make numerous items using this stitch...
a/k/a Crazy Shell http://www.crochetme.com/Oct_Nov_2004/patt_brown_sugar.html
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/april9.html
http://www.crochetnmore.com/haleysdiagonalcape.htm
NO ABBREV. BROOMSTICK Broomstick Lace is done with a large knitting needle or broomstick.
LACE Using a crochet hook the loops are made one at a time and then
This stitch is placed onto the broomstick needle. Loops are worked off of the
illustrated in the broomstick needle by removing them in sets and crocheting into
Broomstick Lace them.
Afghan Square Broomstick lace can be altered to suite your taste. Instead of doing 4
pattern. 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.
Click here for illustrated instructions
NO ABBREV. BULLION Yo 5 times, insert hk in next st, yo, draw lp through st and all 6 lps
STITCH on hk. Ch 1.
(a/k/a ROLL Variation Bullion Stitch :
STITCH Yo 5 times, insert hk in next st, yo, draw lp through
a/k/a RICE st, yo and all 7 lps on hk. Ch 1.
STITCH) This stitch has endless variations...
click here for stitch photo
More info at Annie's Attic
Bonnie Pierce has tips on making Bullion Stitches:
http://members.aol.com/elegantcrochet/additionaltips.html
JoAnne Birkenfeld has tips on the Roll/Bullion Stitch:
http://home.comcast.net/~gandal195/LetsRoll.html
Click here for tips for making the bullion stitch:
http://members.aol.com/gandal195/tip.html
CH CHAIN With the slip knot on your hook, yarn over and draw the loop
already on your hook. Continue this for how many chains you need
to begin your project.

The first row of a crochet project begins in a chain.

Always work in the second chain from the hook for a single
 crochet.Always work in the third chain from the hook for a half or
double crochet. 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).
Click here for illustrated instructions.
How to work the Foundation chain
courtesy of Crochet Cabana
CH-1 SP CHAIN 1 Patterns sometimes refer to a chain space.. it can be chain 1 or any
SPACE number/serices of chains.
Ch-1 sp is the same as chain one space.
Ch2-sp is the same as chain two space.
etc.
Example: If a pattern says "sc in next ch-1 sp" then you do a single
crochet in the next chain one space (the next space where you
previously chained one). Work the stitch into the hole below the
chain... not directly into the chain itself.
CH-8 LP CHAIN-8 LOOP Working from bottom of pattern:
Twist ch-8 lps, starting with first skipped ch-8 on starting ch,
working vertically across ch-8 lps to last row, fold first ch-8 lp left to
right forming a loop. With crochet hook, draw next ch-8 lp through,
twisting left over right. Continue working in this manner across to
last row. Secure last loop with bobby pin or clothes pin. Repeat this
procedure on each ch-8 lp across.
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.
Click here for illustrated instructions of another version
CC CONTRASTING This simply refers to a color used in a pattern.
COLOR
CROSS OVER Click here for illustrated instructions.
SHELLS
CR DC CROSSED Skip a stitch, work a double crochet in the next stitch, then back up
DOUBLE and work a double crochet in the skipped stitch. This "crosses" the
CROCHET two doubles.
CR ST CROSS STITCH Ch number indicated in pattern , dc in 4th ch from hk, sk next ch, dc
in next ch; working over dc just made, dc in skipped ch.
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 Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated,
CROCHET yarn over again and pull up a loop. (You should have three loops on
your hook.) Yarn over again and draw through two of the loops on
the hook. (You should have two loops on your hook.) Yarn over
again and draw through the last two of the loops on the hook.
DOUBLE CROCHET (click here for instructions)
Click here for youtube video
courtesy of knitwitch.com
DC DEC DOUBLE Work a dc in the next stitch withoutcompleting the very last step
a/k/a dc2tog CROCHET (leave the last two loops on the hook), thendc in the next stitch
DECREASE without completing the last step. You should havethree loops on the
hook then yarn over and draw through all the loops. Decrease made.
DBL SHELL DOUBLE (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st or ch sp.
SHELL STITCH
DTR DOUBLE Yarn over three times, then insert your hook into the stitch or space
TREBLE 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.
EDC EXTENDED Yo, insert hook into stitch, yo, pull through stitch (3 lps on hk), yo,
DOUBLE pull through 1 loop, (still have 3 lps on hk) yo, pull through 2 lps, (2
CROCHET lps on hk), yo, pull through remaining 2 loops.
EHDC EXTENDED Yo, insert hook into stitch, yo, pull through stitch (3 lps on hk), yo,
HALF DOUBLE pull through 1 loop, (still have 3 lps on hk) yo, pull through
CROCHET remaining 3 loops.
ESC EXTENDED Insert hook in next ch, yo, draw a loop through (2 loops on hook), yo,
SINGLE draw through one lp on the hook (2 loops still on hook), yo, draw
CROCHET through both loops on the hook.
NO ABBREV. FASTEN OFF Once you complete your last stitch on a project you will have one
loop on your hook.
Cut the yarn leaving about a 4-6" tail to be woven in.
Yarn over, draw the yarn tail completely through the loop, and pull
it tight.
This secures the yarn so the project doesn't unravel.
Now you need to weave in the yarn tail using a crochet hook or a
yarn needle.
The yarn needle is quicker and you can weave the strand in without
disturbing the stitches.
Here's a page that might help:
http://crochet.about.com/hobbies/crochet/library/bl_weave_ends.htm
FO FINISHED
OBJECT
NO ABBREV. FIVE TREBLE 1. Work five treble crochet into one stitch leaving the last loop of
BOBBLE 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 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.
The front loop (fl) is the loop closest to you.
Click here for photo
VARIED FRONT POST Insert hook from the front side from right to left around post of st on
ABBREV. STITCH previous row, complete the indicated stitch.
FPDC FRONT POST Yarn over, insert hook from the front side of the work right to left
DOUBLE around the post of the indicated stitch on a previous row;
CROCHET yo and pull up a loop (3 lps on hk)
(a/k/a yo and draw through two lps (2 lps on hk)
Front Raised yo and draw through two lps (1 lp on hk)
Double Crochet) Illustrations
FP TR FRONT POST Yarn over twice, insert hook around the post (from the front side of
TREBLE your work) of the stitch indicated;
yo and draw up a lp (4 lps on hk)
yo and draw through two lps (3 lps on hk)
yo and draw through two lps (2 lps on hk)
yo and draw through two lps (1 lp on hk)
NO ABBREV. GAUGE Gauge refers to how loose or tight you crochet your stitches. Some
patterns list measurements for a certain number of stitches and/or
rows. This tells you if your tension or gauge meets what is
recommended for your pattern. If not, adjust your hook size
accordingly.
HDC HALF DOUBLE Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated,
CROCHET yarn over again and pull up a loop. (You should have three loops on
your hook.) Yarn over again and draw through all three of the loops
on the hook.
Click here for illustrated instructions
HDC DEC HALF DOUBLE Work a hdc in the next stitch without completing the very last step
a/k/a hdc2tog CROCHET (keep all three loops on hook) , then hdc in the next stitch without
DECREASE completing the last step. You should have 5 loops on the hook then
yarn over and draw through all the loops. Decrease made.
HTR HALF TREBLE Yarn over twice & insert hook in the stitch indicated.
CROCHET Yarn over, draw through two loops.
Yarn over, draw through last 3 loops.
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 http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/invisible-finish.htm
FINISH OFF
An interesting
 way of finishing
off a granny
square so there's
no bump on the
side of it.
INC INCREASE When you increase you are only adding extra stitches.
Example: If the row you just completed has 12 stitches and you need
to add 3 stitches evenly, then you should do an extra stitch in the 3rd,
6th and 9th stitch to make the pattern even.
LSC LONG SINGLE Insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, draw a loop through (2 loops on
CROCHET hook), yo, draw through both loops on the hook.
Click here for photo instructions
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.
L DC LINKED Insert hook in lower horizontal loop on same stitch,
DOUBLE (refer to illustration at
CROCHET http://www.geocities.com/pmshc/Stitchguide.html )
yarn over, draw loop through,
insert hook in next st on row you are working,
yarn over, draw loop through, (yarn over, draw loop through 2 loops
on hook) 2 times.
L TR LINKED Insert hook in upper horizontal loop of last stitch made. Yarn over,
TREBLE draw loop through,
insert hook in lower horizontal loop on same stitch,
yarn over, draw loop through,
insert hook in next st on row you are working,
yarn over, draw loop through,
(yarn over, draw loop through 2 loops on hook) 3 times.
Visit this page for an illustration of horizontal loops.
Illustrated Tutorial
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,
grab the working yarn in a clockwise motion from left to right,
looping the working yarn over your finger or a large knitting needle.
Grab the working yarn and draw it through the stitch.
Drop the loop to the back of the crochet fabric.
Yarn over and draw through remaining loops on the hook.
Click here for loop stitch instructions
Click here for more loop stitch instructions
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 Click here for illustrated instructions
STITCH
 (a/k/a Star Stitch
or Spiked
Cluster)
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.
End this row with a sc in the top of the beg ch 2 of previous row. Ch
2. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 for desired length.
Click here for photo & instructions
PAT PATTERN Pat is the abbreviation for "pattern".
Some crochet pattern designers will tell you to
continue "working in pattern" for so many stitches
and/or rows. You simply continue the same stitches
you were doing before until the designer tells you to work different
stitches.
P PICOT Ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hk.
(that's it... the picot makes a little bump in the piece you're
crocheting)
PM PLACE This means you need to mark the indicated stitch. Use a short strand
MARKER 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.
PC POPCORN The standard popcorn stitch is worked as follows:
5 dc in next ch, drop lp from hook, insert hook in first st of 5-dc
group, pick up dropped lp, draw through st, ch 1. Then you can pop
the popcorn to the right or wrong side of the work as needed.
Click here for illustrated instructions
Hass Design has great video instructions... click here!
PS OR Puff St PUFF STITCH Yo, insert hk in next st, yo, draw up 1/2" long lp, (yo, insert hk in
same st, yo, draw up 1/2" long lp) 2 times, yo draw through first 7 lps
on hk, ch 1.
REM REMAINING
REP REPEAT
REV HDC REVERSE YO, Insert hk in next st to the right, draw up a lp (3 lps on hk), yo,
HALF DOUBLE draw through all 3 lps.
REV SC REVERSE A reverse single crochet is worked from left to right; whereas a
SINGLE regular single crochet stitch is worked from right to left. Insert your
CROCHET hook into the stitch or space indicated, then yarn over and pull up a
(a/k/a CRAB loop. (You should have two loops on your hook.) Yarn over and draw
STITCH) through both of the loops on your hook. This stitch takes a bit of
 practice but the outcome is well worth the effort.
Click here for illustrated instructions
NO ABBREV. RICE STITCH See Bullion Stitch above.
(a/k/a BULLION
STITCH
a/k/a ROLL
STITCH)
NO ABBREV. ROLL STITCH Roll st 20: Wrap the thread 20 times around the hook, bring up a
(a/k/a BULLION loop through sc, thread over hook and draw through the coil on the
STITCH hook, keep roll straight, thread over and draw through loop on hook.
a/k/a RICE Repeat this for each roll.
STITCH) See Bullion Stitch above.
JoAnne Birkenfeld has tips on the Roll/Bullion Stitch:
http://home.comcast.net/~gandal195/LetsRoll.html
RND(S) ROUND(S) The term "round" is used when a pattern calls for working in a
circle instead of a straight row.
NO ABBREV. RUFFLING Click here for illustrated instructions
CROCHET
VARIED SHELL STITCH A Shell Stitch just means that more than one stitch (such as a double
ABBREV. crochet) is worked in the same space.
Example:
If a pattern calls for a 5 dc shell then you work 5 dc into the specified
stitch.
If a pattern calls for a 9 tr shell then you work 9 tr into the specified
stitch.
NO ABBREV. SIMPLE To add a simple ruffled edge to a project... attach yarn in any stitch,
RUFFLE 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 Insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, then yarn over
CROCHET 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.
Click here for illustrated instructions
Click here for youtube video
courtesy of knitwitch.com
SC DEC SINGLE Insert hook in next st, draw up a lp, (two lps on hk), insert hook in
a/k/a sc2tog CROCHET next st, draw up a lp (3 lps on hook), YO and draw through all 3 lps.
DECREASE Click here for photo illustrations
(a/k/a SINGLE
CROCHET
NEXT TWO
STITCHES
TOGETHER)
SC3TOG SINGLE Insert hook in next st, draw up a lp, (two lps on hk), insert hook in
CROCHET next st, draw up a lp (3 lps on hook), insert hook in next st, draw up
THREE a lp (4 lps on hook) YO and draw through all 4 lps.
STITCHES
 TOGETHER
(SC over ring) SINGLE Working over ring, holding yarn in left hand behind ring, insert
CROCHET hook under/inside ring, yo, draw up a lp to the top of the ring, yo,
OVER RING draw through both lps on hk.
NOTE: This stitch is used in projects that require plastic or metal
rings.
You can also crochet over a ring made from chains. Just chain as
many as you'd like to use, join with a sl st to form the ring and begin
doing the Sc over ring stitch.
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.
Click here for photo instructions
SC PS SINGLE Yo, pull up loop 4 times, 9 loops on hook, yo, pull thru 8 loops, yo,
or CROCHET pull thru 2 loops, push puff to front of work, work next st in your
SC Puff St PUFF STITCH pattern.
Click here for a pattern using the single crochet puff stitch.
SK SKIP Skip the indicated stitches.
SL KNOT SLIP KNOT To begin to crochet you first need to make a slip knot:
(not a standard With the palm of your hand facing you--place the end of the yarn
abbreviation) 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.
Click here for illustrated instructions.
SL ST SLIP STITCH Insert your hook into the space indicated, yarn over and draw
(I've also seen this through the stitch and the loop on your hook.
abbreviated as SS)
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.
NO ABBREV. SPIKED Click here for illustrated instructions
CLUSTER
NO ABBREV. STAR FILET Click here for photo illustrations
STITCH
NO ABBREV. STAR STITCH Click here for illustrated instructions
(a/k/a
Marguerite
Stitch or Spiked
Cluster)
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 TREBLE Yarn over twice, then insert your hook into the stitch or space
CROCHET indicated. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (You should have four loops
(Also known as on your hook.) Yarn over and draw through two loops. (You should
Triple Crochet) 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.
Click here for illustrated instructions
TR DEC TREBLE (this is already listed on this page as TREBLE NEXT TWO STS
a/k/a tr2tog DECREASE 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 TREBLE NEXT Yo twice, insert hk in next st, yo & draw through lp, yo & draw
a/k/a tr dec TWO through 2 lps, yo & draw through 2 lps, (2 lps on hk)yo twice, insert
STITCHES hk in next st, yo & draw through lp, yo & draw through 2 lps, yo &
TOGETHER draw through 2 lps, (3 lps on hk)yo and draw through all 3 lps.
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 Row 1: sc in second from hook,
STITCH insert hook in same ch & pull up a loop,
(insert hook in next ch & pull up a loop) twice,
YO & draw through all 4 loops on hook,
* ch 1, insert hook in same ch & pull up a loop,
(insert hook in next ch & pull up a loop) twice,
YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook,
repeat from * across,
sc in last stitch.
Row 2 : ch 1, turn. sc in first sc & pull up a loop,
(insert hook in next stitch & pull up a loop) twice,
YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook,
* ch 1, insert hook in same stitch & pull up a loop,
(insert hook in next stitch & pull up a loop) twice,
YO & draw through all 4 loops on hook,
repeat from * across,
sc in same sc as last stitch.
Repeat Row 2 until desired length.
Click here for photo instructions:
http://yarntomato.com/tutorials/trinity-stitch/
Click here for a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6ZmQ_KoNm8
TP TR TRIPLE YO 4 times, insert hk in next st, yo, draw lp through (6 lps on hk),
TREBLE [yo, draw through 2 lps] 5 times.
TDC TUNISIAN Click here for instructions.
 DOUBLE
CROCHET
TSS TUNISIAN Click here for instructions.
SIMPLE
STITCH
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.)