Beginner Crochet Terms & Phrases

Every time we start a new hobby, the learning curve is usually pretty steep. Learning the “language” that goes along with crochet can definitely help a beginner crocheter grow their skills more easily and rapidly. The list below contains some of the most common words and phrases along with their definitions to help you as you start learning the art of crochet!

I don’t know if anyone else has this problem, but when I’m learning something new, I tend to get frustrated when I don’t understand the lingo associated with whatever I’m learning. Anyone else like this?

When I first started crocheting, I had to look up sooooo many words, phrases, abbreviations, and other what-not simply to understand the simplest of patterns. While there are lots of wonderful tutorials out there, I had trouble finding a straightforward go-to sheet until I learned more about how to sift through material. I don’t want any newbies to have to do this as it was frustrating at times and often led to unfinished projects. Thank the Lord for making me stubborn and for all of the help I received from other crocheters and makers, or I may not have gotten this far.

Now, you may not need to use these definitions right this second, but make sure you like and save this post for later to use when you need it. I hope it helps make crocheting more understandable and fun!

Don’t forget to pin this post!

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Beginner Crochet Terms

Crochet Hook: While this is probably obvious, the crochet hook is the tool you use to crochet. It looks almost like a short rod with a hook at one end of it. The size of the crochet hook itself will vary, and you can use different sizes for various projects and, especially, types of yarn.

Fasten off/Tie off: This phrase is used when you have come to the end of a project or portion of a pattern. It refers to cutting the yarn and securing it with a knot, which forms when you pull the end of the yarn through the final loop that was over the hook.

Frogging: This term is used when a crocheter has to rip out the stitches of a project. It can be done simply by removing the hook and pulling the yarn connected to the skein being used. Once you have frogged to the point desired, you can reinsert your hook into the loop of a stitch and begin again.

Gauge: Gauge is measuring to see the size of your stitches together, usually in a small square (e.g. 4x4in.). Your tension impacts your gauge, and no crocheter really has the exact same tension. So, patterns, especially garments, will usually have a gauge section. This is for you to follow and create a test square of your stitching and compare it to the pattern author’s test square. That way you can see if your end result will look similar to theirs. If your gauge is not the same, you can adjust your hook, or sometimes your yarn, until you get a gauge that meets the one from the pattern. (Note: Not every pattern has a gauge section as some projects it may not be necessary!)

Row or Round: When you complete a line of stitches in one direction, you have completed a row. A round is when you complete the crochet stitches in a circular shape.

Tension: How tightly you hold your yarn when you crochet. Tension is very important, but especially so when you are attempting to create a garment, follow a pattern, or are wanting consistent sizes for repeat projects. Your tension impacts your gauge and will vary with different crochet hooks and yarns you use.

Turn: When you finish a row of crochet stitches, you will need to flip the crochet project so that what was the back of the project now faces you as the front. You will then work in the stitches from the previous row unless otherwise stated by the pattern.

Weave in ends: This phrase usually appears towards the end of a pattern, and it refers to the fastened off yarn (ends) being sewn or woven back into the crochet piece you just finished. Some patterns will even state what side you should weave your ends into.

Yarn Weight: How thick the yarn is. While countries and crocheters will vary on how many strands or what method they use to describe the thickness of a yarn, most yarn labels will have a classification on their label to help you, and patterns will tell you what thickness you need to create the crochet project.

Beginner Stitch Terms

Chain: This term refers both to a stitch and an action. Patterns often start by saying how many to chain, which simply means how many chain stitches to create.

Front Loop/Back Loop: Every crochet stitch has two loops, a front loop and back loop, and they together create the top of the crochet stitch. The front loop is the loop nearest to you, and the back loop is the loop furthest away from you.

Special Stitch: When a pattern has a stitch or stitch combination that was created by the pattern author or is used in the pattern, the pattern will often have an explanation of the stitch in the notes section and will want you to complete this stitch at the directed points.

Yarn-Over: This simply means to wrap the yarn around, or over, the crochet hook; you will see this term used all the time as it is a necessary step to create any crochet stitch.

Get Started!

While this list is not by any means exhaustive, I do hope it helps you get started on your crocheting journey and clears up any confusion you may have had when trying to learn! Crocheting is so much fun, and it is a wonderful hobby and outlet that takes some getting used to. However, once you get used to the crochet lingo, you will be able to participate in discussions and read patterns more effectively, and have the opportunity to make some wonderful products as well!