CROCHET BASICS

CROCHET BASICS

Crochet Abbreviations and Stitch Instructions NOTE: I have written these instructions for the crocheter who has never tried these stitches. 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 HOOK CONVERSION CHARTS Aluminum Hooks Steel Hooks Click Here for a Stitch Conversion Chart UK/Austrailian vs. American Stitches
ABBREVIATION	STITCH NAME	INSTRUCTIONS
NO ABBREV.	AFGHAN STITCH Also known as: Afghan crochet Afghan stitch Tricot crochet Hook knitting Railroad knitting Crochet knit Tunis crochet Shepherd's knitting	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 hk and draw through a lp. Leave this lp on the hook. Pull a lp through each ch, leaving them on the hk, 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 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/tunisian.htm Heritage Shoppe has another tutorial: http://www.heritageshoppe.com/heritage/stitches/tunisian.html http://crochet.about.com/od/tunisiancrochet/p/Tunisian_Crochet_Technique.htm Wikipedia, Tunisian Crochet is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunisian_crochet
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 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; 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
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; yo and pull up a loop (3 lps on hk) yo and draw through all three 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; 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 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. 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* a/k/a Diagonal Stitch a/k/a Crazy Stitch a/k/a Crazy Shell	You can find wonderful photo illustrated tutorials on the following pages: http://crochet.about.com/library/blcrazyst.htm http://www.crochetcabana.com/stitches/diag-box-st.htm You can make numerous items using this stitch... http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/april9.html http://www.crochetnmore.com/haleysdiagonalcape.htm
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. Using a crochet hook the loops are made one at a time and then placed onto the broomstick needle. Loops are worked off of the broomstick needle by removing them in sets and crocheting into them. 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. Click here for illustrated instructions
NO ABBREV.	BULLION STITCH (a/k/a ROLL STITCH a/k/a RICE STITCH)	Yo 5 times, insert hk in next st, yo, draw lp through st and all 6 lps on hk. Ch 1. Variation Bullion Stitch : Yo 5 times, insert hk in next st, yo, draw lp through st, yo and all 7 lps on hk. Ch 1. This stitch has endless variations... click here for stitch photo More info at Annie's Attic JoAnne Birkenfeld has tips on the Roll/Bullion Stitch: http://home.comcast.net/~gandal195/LetsRoll.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.
CH-1 SP	CHAIN 1 SPACE	Patterns sometimes refer to a chain space.. it can be chain 1 or any 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 COLOR	This simply refers to a color used in a pattern.
	CROSS OVER SHELLS	Click here for illustrated instructions.
CR DC	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	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 CROCHET	Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (3 loops on hook.) Yarn over and draw through 2 of the loops. (2 loops on hook.) Yarn over and draw through the last 2 of the loops. Click here for youtube video courtesy of knitwitch.com
DC DEC a/k/a dc2tog	DOUBLE CROCHET DECREASE	Work a dc in the next stitch withoutcompleting the very last step (leave the last two loops on the hook), thendc in the next stitch 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 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.
EDC	EXTENDED DOUBLE CROCHET	Yo, insert hook into stitch, yo, pull through stitch (3 lps on hk), yo, pull through 1 loop, (still have 3 lps on hk) yo, pull through 2 lps, (2 lps on hk), yo, pull through remaining 2 loops.
EHDC	EXTENDED HALF DOUBLE CROCHET	Yo, insert hook into stitch, yo, pull through stitch (3 lps on hk), yo, pull through 1 loop, (still have 3 lps on hk) 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.
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 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	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 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 Front Raised Double Crochet)	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; 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
FPHDC	FRONT POST HALF DOUBLE CROCHET (a/k/a Front Raised Half Double Crochet)	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; yo and pull up a loop (3 lps on hk) yo and draw through all three 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 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 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. Row gauge... lay the ruler vertically 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... too many stitches in your measurement... switch to a larger hook too few stitches... switch to a smaller hook 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: http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/gauge.htm http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-post_08.html
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. Click here for youtube video courtesy of knitwitch.com
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.
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.	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 so there's no bump on the side of it.	http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/invisible-finish.htm
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 CROCHET	Insert hook in indicated stitch, yo, draw a loop through (2 loops on 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 DOUBLE CROCHET	Insert hook in lower horizontal loop on same stitch, (refer to illustration at 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 TREBLE	Insert hook in upper horizontal loop of last stitch made. Yarn over, 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
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. 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 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.
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 HALF DOUBLE	YO, Insert hk in next st to the right, draw up a lp (3 lps on hk), 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. Click here for illustrated instructions
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: 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 CROCHET	Click here for illustrated instructions
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: 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 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. Click here for illustrated instructions Click here for youtube video courtesy of knitwitch.com
SC DEC a/k/a sc2tog	SINGLE CROCHET DECREASE (a/k/a SINGLE CROCHET NEXT TWO STITCHES TOGETHER)	Insert hook in next st, draw up a lp, (two lps on hk), insert hook in next st, draw up a lp (3 lps on hook), YO and draw through all 3 lps. Click here for photo illustrations
SC3TOG	SINGLE CROCHET THREE STITCHES TOGETHER	Insert hook in next st, draw up a lp, (two lps on hk), 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 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 or SC Puff St	SINGLE CROCHET PUFF STITCH	Yo, pull up loop 4 times, 9 loops on hook, yo, pull thru 8 loops, yo, pull thru 2 loops, push puff to front of work, work next st in your pattern. Click here for a pattern using the single crochet puff stitch.
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. Click here for illustrated instructions.
SL ST (I've also seen this abbreviated as SS)	SLIP STITCH	Insert your hook into the 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.
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.) Yarn over and draw through 2 loops. (3 loops on hook.) Yarn over and draw through 2 loops. (2 loops on hook.) Yarn over and draw through two loops. Click here for youtube video courtesy of knitwitch.com
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 hk in next st, yo & draw through lp, yo & draw through 2 lps, yo & draw through 2 lps, (2 lps on hk)yo twice, insert hk in next st, yo & draw through lp, yo & draw through 2 lps, yo & 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 STITCH	Row 1: sc in second from hook, 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 TREBLE	YO 4 times, insert hk in next st, yo, draw lp through (6 lps on hk), [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.)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Stitch Conversion Chart Courtesy of Susan Lee
UK/AUSTRALIAN	Instructions	AMERICAN
Chain Stitch (ch)	Wrap the yarn over the hook and draw the yarn through to form a new loop	Ch
Slip Stitch (sl st)	Insert the hook into the work as indicated, wrap the yarn over the hook, draw the yarn through the work and the loop on the hook in one movement.	Sl st
Double Crochet (dc)	Insert the hook into the work, yarn over the hook and draw the yarn through the work only, yarn over hook draw the yarn through both loops on the hook.	Sc
Half Treble (htr)	Wrap yarn over hook and insert the hook into the work, yarn over the hook draw through work, yarn over hook draw through all 3 loops in the hook.	Hdc
Treble (tr)	Wrap yarn over hook and insert the hook into the work, yarn over the hook draw through work, yarn over hook draw through first 2 loops, yarn over hook, draw through last two loops.	Dc
Half Treble	Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, 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.	Hdc
Double Treble (dtr)	Wrap the yarn over the hook twice and insert the hook into the work, yarn over hook draw through work, yarn over hook, draw through first two loops, yarn over hook draw through next two loops, yarn over hook draw through last two loops.	Tr
Miss	Miss or Skip means you don't work a stitch in that particular stitch.	Skip
Triple Treble (ttr)	Wrap the yarn over the hook 3 times and insert the hook into the work, wrap the yarn over the hook draw through work, yarn over hook drawn through first two loops, yarn over hook draw through next two loops, yarn over hook draw through next two loops, yarn over hook draw through last two loops.	Dtr
Tension	Tension or Gauge refers to how lose 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.	Gauge
Visit CROCHET AUSTRALIA for information about Australian Crochet Stitches... including left handed instructions.

Crochet Guild of America Lessons:

How to Hold Your Hook

How to Hold Your Yarn

Right Handed Crochet Lessons

Left Handed Crochet Lessons

More assistance for the Left-Handed Crocheter:
http://members.tripod.com/~bryan27/index.html

http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=554

Tapestry Crochet For the Left Handed Crocheter:
http://iweb.tntech.edu/cventura/leftstitches.html

Additional sites with stitch instructions and/or illustrations to help get you started crocheting:

http://www.learntocrochet.com/instructions_cr.php3
http://www.needlepointers.com/department.aspx?NavID=14
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Cottage/3606/tutorialpage.html
http://www.craftown.com/crolesson.htm

BLOCKING

You can steam block afghan squares by placing a cloth over the square and steaming it with an iron. Do not press it... just work with the steam and then let the square lay flat until it cools. Be sure to use a cloth between the iron and the finished piece and be extra careful if you decide to block "acrylic" yarn items as it could melt if overheated. Some people block by just steaming over the piece without actually touching the iron to the project but if you decide to actually press the iron onto your project I suggest testing a scrap swatch first.

Here's a page that explains blocking:
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayArticle?articleNum=ae0079

CROCHET WITH BEADS

http://crochet.about.com/hobbies/crochet/library/weekly/aa030197.htm

CABLES

http://crochet.about.com/hobbies/crochet/library/weekly/aa062798.htm

CAMEL CROCHET - There's not alot of information available online in regard to Camel Crochet as this is a technique for which the name has been trademarked.

And another pattern here:
http://www.geocities.com/tootsie.geo/pieces/humpgranny.html

"Though I've never tried it I do know a little about this method of crochet.
On the first row, you do stitches in the hump (hence the name camel crochet)
of the chain instead of the top loop. This is what makes it look knitted.
I wasn't sure where to put the stitches in subsequent rows until I saw the
pattern for the "hump granny". The photo that shows the horizontal back thread
helped me visualize where to place the stitches."

Lisa

CHART CROCHET & CHANGING COLORS

FILET CROCHET

http://www.crochetcabana.com/specialty/filet_crochet.htm
http://www.smartcrochet.com/tutorial.shtml
http://www.hassdesign.com/BasicFiletTechniques/
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa050298.htm

FREE FORM CROCHET

Free Form Crochet doesn't require a "pattern".
You make a crocheted fabric using any stitch or combination of stitches you want.
You can read more here:
http://www.freeformcrochet.com/

Notice some of the creations on this page:
http://www.freeformcrochet.com/designs.html
these are made by using alot of smaller crocheted pieces to form a larger item.

You can purchase a book called "The Crocheter's Art: New Dimensions in Free-Form Crochet" here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385051344/crochetnmore/104-5419168-5066362

The following page contains a pattern that gives you an idea of how free form crochet works:
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/Sample%20Freeform%20pattern.html

FRINGE

Cut several pieces of yarn approximately 12-14 inches long (you can experiment to get the length you want). Insert hook in the stitch. Fold all strands of yarn in half. Using the hook, draw the folded ends of the yarn up through the stitch and pull the loose ends through the folded end. This completes a fringe and all you need to do is tighten up the knot by pulling on the strands of yarn. Continue with this method until you have added all of your fringe. You can trim the ends even with scissors after all fringes are added.

Martha has some great fringe illustrations here!

HAIRPIN LACE

TUTORIALS:
http://www.crochetcabana.com/specialty/hairpin_lace.htm
http://crochet.about.com/library/howto/hthairpinlace.htm

HOW TO READ A PATTERN

JOIN A NEW SKEIN OF YARN

When I tie on a new color I always tie a knot (not recommended by most
crocheters as it leaves a little bump in your work) and then I weave in the
old color by working it back into the stitches of the same color. You can
crochet right over the ends of the yarn tails if they are both the same
color. If not, crochet over the tail of the color you are working with and
then use a different weaving method to weave in the old color that you just
fastened off.

You can weave the old color in with 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

As for how to change colors... this page is helpful:
http://crochet.about.com/hobbies/crochet/library/weekly/aa072697.htm

Click Here to learn the Russian Joining Method

Here's a great information page if you need to
JOIN CROCHET SQUARES, MOTIFS, PANELS, ETC.

LAUNDRY CODES ON YARN LABELS

"I love the newsletter and tips. Is there a section that gives you the explaination of the laundry codes on all yarn labels? I found this one on the Lion Brand Yarn site and now I know what each symbol means. "
http://cache.lionbrand.com/yarnCare.html
Sherry

RIBBING

http://crochet.about.com/hobbies/crochet/library/bltrivia3.htm

SUGAR & STARCH STIFFENERS

You can find stiffening information on these pages:
http://crochet.tangleweeds.com/stiffeners.html

I used the "sugar water" recipe to stiffen two flower girl baskets for my sister in law's wedding.
It worked great... however the solution is very HOT so be CAREFUL to let it cool
enough before you try to put your hands in it - it could blister your skin !

SYMBOL CROCHET

TAPESTRY CROCHET

Carol Ventura's Tapestry Crochet Necklace Pouch

Tapestry Crochet in Rounds for Left-Handed Crocheters

Tapestry Crochet in Rounds for Right-Handed Crocheters

Carol Ventura's Tapestry Crochet “Spiral” Basket

Weaving the Ends (and fastening 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

WORKING IN ROW ENDS

Sometimes a pattern has you work rows of stitches and then to form a border or edging
you are instructed to "work in the row ends". The row ends are the first & last stitches you did on each row. If the rows are single crochet stitches then the "end of the row" refers to
making the required stitches around the first & last single crochet stitches on each row.
If the first & last stitches on the row are double crochet stitches you work around the post of the double crochet stitches. No matter what kind of stitch you are using you work around the actual stitch on the end of the row... not into the top of it.

The first photo in the following picture shows a swatch turned on its side
with the ends of the rows on the top. I used a white cotton thread to work into the
row ends so you could see where the stitches go. The second photo shows the entire
piece with a border added. I worked one single crochet into each row end, one single
into each unworked loop of the foundation chain, one single in each row end up the opposite
side, and one single in each stitch on the last row I had made. For each corner I worked
3 singles so the motif wouldn't curl up.

Row Ends

YARN CONVERTER

http://www.benefitslink.com/cgi-bin/fiberlinkmanager/measurement_converter.cgi

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