Start here · a little extra help
Use this as a little translation desk
Crochet has everyday words with specialist meanings. ‘Turn’ usually asks you to flip the work for the next row; ‘work even’ means keep the stitch count steady, not make everything perfectly smooth. A pattern key is the list explaining that designer’s shorthand.
You do not need to memorise the whole dictionary before starting. Read a single instruction, look up the word that blocks you, then return to the same place. Special stitches still need the pattern’s own recipe even when their names appear in a glossary.
Your small practice goal
Keep a personal list of three new words from your current project. Write a one-sentence explanation beside each.
Picture it
Select the diagram to open it at full size. Use the written steps for the actual hook movements.
Words you’ll meet
No need to memorise these. Keep them nearby and look up a word whenever you need it. This guide uses UK names, with US equivalents explained.
Open the plain-English word guide · 27 terms
Chain · ch
A small loop pulled through the loop on your hook. A line of chains often forms the starting edge.
UK dc / US sc
UK double crochet is called single crochet in US patterns. They are the same short stitch.
Stitch / stitches · st / sts
One finished unit of crochet, or more than one. Count the completed tops, following the turning-chain rule.
Yarn over · yo / yoh
Bring the working yarn over the hook so you can catch it and pull it through a loop.
Working yarn
The strand leading from your hook to the ball, used to make each new stitch.
Swatch
A small sample used to practise or to check the fabric, stitch size and washing behaviour.
Gauge / tension
The number of stitches and rows in a measured area. Tension can also mean how firmly you hold the yarn.
Turning chain
Chains at the start of a row that reach the next stitch’s height. The pattern says whether they count as a stitch.
Increase · inc
Add stitches. A common increase makes two new stitches in one existing stitch.
Decrease · dec / 2tog
Reduce the count. ‘2tog’ means two together: two existing stitches are joined into one finished top.
Magic ring / magic circle
An adjustable loop around which the first round is worked, then gently drawn closed.
Round · rnd
A complete trip around a shape. It may be joined at the end or continue in a spiral.
Motif
A separate repeatable piece, such as a square or flower, which may be joined to other pieces.
BLO · back loop only
Work under only the strand of the stitch’s top V that is farther from you as you hold the work.
FLO · front loop only
Work under only the nearer strand of the stitch’s top V as you hold the work.
RS · right side
The face of the fabric intended to show. It does not mean your right-hand edge.
WS · wrong side
The face usually intended to be inside or at the back. It is not a mistake.
Amigurumi
Crocheted or knitted stuffed shapes and characters; many crochet versions use short stitches in rounds.
Blocking
A fibre-appropriate finishing method that helps fabric settle into its intended shape.
Frogging
Undoing stitches so you can work them again. Usually no cutting is needed.
Ease
The difference between body and garment measurements: extra room or, with stretch, a closer fit.
WIP · work in progress
A project you have started but have not finished.
CAL · crochet-along
People following a shared project, often released in stages.
Repeat · rep
Do the stated group of instructions again, as many times as the pattern says.
Work even
Keep the stitch count unchanged: do not add increases or decreases unless told to.
Stitch post
The upright body of a stitch below its top V. A post stitch works around that body rather than into the top loops.
Skein
A packaged length of yarn. Its shape, fibre and thickness can vary.
Quick note: this guide uses UK crochet names. UK double crochet is US single crochet.
A–F
| Word | Plain-language meaning |
|---|---|
| Amigurumi | Crocheted or knitted stuffed shapes and characters |
| Blocking | Settling or shaping finished fabric using a fibre-appropriate method |
| BLO / FLO | Back loop only / front loop only of a stitch |
| CAL | Crochet-along: people working through a project together |
| Decrease | Turn more stitches into fewer stitches |
| Ease | Difference between body measurement and garment measurement |
| Frogging | Undoing stitches so you can remake them |
G–P
| Word | Plain-language meaning |
|---|---|
| Gauge / tension | Stitches and rows in a measured area; tension can also mean how you hold yarn |
| Increase | Add to the number of stitches |
| Join | Connect edges or close a round |
| Magic ring | An adjustable loop used to start working in the round |
| Motif | A repeatable piece, such as a square or flower |
| Pattern repeat | A group of instructions worked again |
| Post | The upright body of a stitch below its top loops |
R–Y
| Word | Plain-language meaning |
|---|---|
| RS / WS | Right side / wrong side: the intended outside and inside |
| Skein | A packaged length of yarn; winding styles vary |
| St / sts | Stitch / stitches |
| Swatch | A small sample to check a stitch, fabric or gauge |
| Turning chain | Chains used at the start of a new row to reach its stitch height |
| WIP | Work in progress |
| Yarn over — yo | Bring the working yarn over the hook before drawing it through |
Missing a word?
Check the pattern's own key first. A designer may define a special abbreviation just for that project. Use the library search to find a full lesson for a technique rather than guessing from its name.
Sources & further learning
Original Crochet By Micky practice notes. See the linked lessons for the underlying techniques.
Checked 24 October 2026. Written in UK terms, with US equivalents where useful. Follow a project's own stitch key if it differs. These are original explanations and practice exercises, not copies of the linked publishers' patterns.