Crochet Stitch Guide: Expanding Your Skills
Welcome back to our journey through the wonderful world of crochet! In my previous post, we covered the basics to get you started, including chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, and more. If you need a refresher, you can revisit that guide here.
You can find the Yarn Guide here and the Crochet Hook Guide here.
Today, we’ll explore three more stitches that are essential for any crocheter looking to expand their skill set: the Slip Stitch, Half-Double Crochet, and Triple Crochet. These stitches will help you add variety and texture to your projects. Let’s get started!
Slip Stitch (Sl St)
The Slip Stitch is one of the simplest stitches in crochet. It is often used to join rounds or to add subtle detail to projects. It creates a flat, tight stitch that is perfect for finishing edges or joining seams in crochet pieces.
- How to do it: Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and Pull yarn through the loop on the hook in one go. You’ve made a Slip Stitch! And here is a video.
Half-Double Crochet (HDC)
Half-Double Crochet is a wonderful stitch that offers a nice balance between the height of a Double Crochet and the compactness of a Single Crochet. It adds a lovely texture and thickness to your projects, making it perfect for sweaters, hats, and scarves.
- How to do it: Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull through the stitch. You’ll have three loops on your hook. Yarn over once more and pull through all three loops on the hook. Here is the video.
Treble Crochet (Tr)
The Triple Crochet is a tall stitch that works up quickly and creates a looser fabric. It is ideal for lacy patterns like shawls and dresses, where you want a light, airy texture.
- How to do it: Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull back through the stitch. You should have four loops on your hook now. Yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over again and pull through two more loops, then yarn over once more and pull through the last two loops on your hook. Here is a video.
Please remember that these are US Crochet Terms. My blog post explains the difference between US and UK Crochet Terms here.
Now that you’ve learned these new stitches, let’s bridge into how to interpret crochet diagrams, which can open up a whole new world of patterns for you. Understanding crochet chart symbols is essential as they visually represent the stitches you’ve just mastered. This skill will allow you to follow complex patterns from around the world, even if they don’t have written instructions. Below, you’ll find a table of the most common crochet chart symbols, each corresponding to a different stitch or technique, helping you visualize and execute patterns with ease. Let’s take a look!
Crochet Chart Symbols
To help you read patterns and charts more easily, I’m including a table with some of the most common crochet chart symbols. Each symbol represents a stitch or a group of stitches, as you’ll often find in crochet stitch charts.
Terms & Abbreviations
Additionally, here’s a handy table of terms and abbreviations you’ll encounter in crochet patterns. Whether you’re following a written pattern or a chart, these abbreviations will be your guide to understanding the instructions quickly.
ABBREVIATION & DESCRIPTION
alt = alternate
approx. = approximately
beg = begin or beginning
bet = between
bl or blo = back loop or back loop only
bo = bobble
bp = back post
bpdc = back post double crochet
bphdc = back post half double crochet
bpsc = back post single crochet
bptr = back post treble crochet
cc = contrasting color
ch = chain stitch
ch-sp = chain space
cL = cluster
cont = continue
dc = double crochet
dc2tog = double crochet 2 stitches together
dec = decrease
dtr = double treble crochet
edc = extended double crochet
ehdc = extended half double crochet
esc = extended single crochet
etr = extended treble crochet
fl or flo = front loop or front loop only
fp = front post
fpdc = front post double crochet
fphdc = front post half double crochet
fpsc = front post single crochet
fptr = front post treble crochet
hdc = half double crochet
hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 stitches together
inc = increase
mc = main color
pc = popcorn stitch
prev = previous
ps or puff = puff stitch
rem = remaining
rep = repeat
rnd = round
rs = right side
sc = single crochet
sc2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together
sh = shell
sk = skip
sl st slip = stitch
sm or sl m = slip marker
sp = space
st = stitch
tbl through back loop
tch or t-ch = turning chain
tog = together
tr = treble crochet
tr2tog = treble crochet 2 stitches to-
trtr = triple treble crochet
WS = wrong side
yo = yarn over
SYMBOL & DESCRIPTION
* = Repeat the instructions following the asterisk as many times as directed.
* * = Repeat the instructions between the asterisks as many times as directed.
{ } or [ ] = Work instructions within brackets as many times as directed.
( ) = Work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed, or work a group of stitches all in the same stitch or space.
These resources are designed to make your crochet journey smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use these stitches in various combinations to see what beautiful patterns you can create.
As I wrap up today’s guide on expanding your crochet skills with new stitches and understanding crochet chart symbols, I hope you feel inspired to tackle new projects and patterns with confidence. Crocheting is not just a hobby; it’s a creative journey that brings joy and relaxation to everyday life.
To make your crocheting adventure even more exciting, I invite you to join my email list. As a welcome gift, you’ll receive a free pattern to crochet your very own Winnie the Pooh Pillow—an adorable addition to any home.
Subscribing to my email list means more than just receiving a free pattern. You’ll get regular updates with fun emails packed with exclusive discounts, free patterns, and crafting tips. Plus, you’ll be able to enter our Monthly Subscriber-Only Giveaway, where you can win a Free Pattern Of Your Choice from My Shop, Pretty Things By Katja.
Join our community of passionate crafters today and start enjoying all these benefits. Let’s continue to grow our skills together and share in the joy of creating beautiful things with our hands. Remember, every stitch you make adds a unique touch of beauty to the world.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Have a beautiful day, and enjoy crocheting!
Katja
