Crochet Basics

Definition of Crochet

(From French Croc or Croche meaning “hook”).   The method of fashioning textiles using string, yarn, or thread with a hooked tool.

Some of the Many Varieties of Crochet

Filet Crochet-worked from a grid or graphFilet Crochet Shawl

Tunisian Crochet-After the starting chain is accomplished; the first row is worked by inserting the hook in the chain, pulling a loop from the free end of the yarn, and inserting the hook in the next chain without working the loop off the hook. At the end of the row, you will have as many loops on the hook as there are stitches across. In the second half of the row, you will work the loops off the hook.

Broomstick Crochet-A form of crochet that originally was accomplished over a

broomstick, most often today is done over a very large knitting needle. In actuality, you could use a piece of PVC, curtain rod, fat pencil or any long cylindrical object you can find around the house.

Hairpin Lace-This method uses a crochet hook and a hairpin lace loom (pictured here). Hairpin Lace Loom Formerly, a metal U-shaped hairpin was used for this purpose which is how the method got its name. Strips are made by this method which are then joined together to create a lightweight fabric. Various types of yarns and threads are used to get different color, texture and designs. Items such as scarves, shawls, hats, baby blanket, afghans, and clothing are made from it. Hairpin lace can also be used to decorate sewn, knitted, and crocheted works.

Cro-Hook Crochet-The cro-hook is a special double-ended crochet hook. Because the hook has two ends, two colors of thread can be handled at once and freely interchanged.

Irish Crochet-There are many types and definitions of Irish Crochet; basically what they all have in common is: they are crocheted in pieces and assembled in a 3D quality.

Basic Crochet Stitches

Abbreviation	Name	Description	Illustration
Ch	Chain Stitch	With the slip knot on your hook, yarn over and draw through the loop that is already on your hook. Continue this for how many chains you need to begin your project. When working into the chain you can either insert your hook under the top strands of each chain (the method most people use) or into the back ridge, "the hump", of each chain (sometimes referred to as camel crochet).
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
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.
TC or TR	Treble 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.	Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
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.
SS or SL ST	Slip Stitch	Insert your hook into the space indicated, yarn over and draw through the stitch and the loop on your hook.

Things to keep in mind:

If you purchase a pattern authored in England (UK) be aware of the following: