Knitting & Crochet Glossary for Beginners: Terms, Tools & Abbreviations

Starting your knitting or crochet journey? 🧵 Understanding the terminology is key to following patterns, choosing tools, and feeling confident as you craft. This beginner-friendly glossary breaks down the most common knitting and crochet terms, abbreviations, and tools — all in plain English.

✨ Why This Glossary Matters

Whether you're reading a crochet pattern or shopping for yarn, these terms come up constantly. Knowing what they mean will help you:

• Read patterns correctly
• Buy the right materials
• Understand tutorials
• Avoid beginner frustration

🛍️ All tools and materials listed here are available at Candy Yarn — with fast, worldwide shipping from Ukraine!

🧶 General Terms (Used in Both Knitting & Crochet)

Term	Meaning
Yarn weight	Refers to the thickness of yarn (e.g., worsted, bulky, lace)
Skein	A bundle of yarn — usually twisted into a cylinder shape
Gauge	How many stitches and rows fit in a given area (important for sizing)
Stitch marker	Small tool used to mark places in your project
Tapestry needle	Large blunt needle for weaving in yarn ends
Frogging	Unraveling your project to fix a mistake (“rip it, rip it”)
WIP	"Work in Progress" — something you’re still working on
Blocking	Wetting and shaping a finished piece to size it properly

🧵 Crochet Terms & Abbreviations (U.S. Terminology)

Abbreviation	Term	Description
ch	Chain	Foundation stitch; used to start most projects
sc	Single Crochet	A tight, dense stitch; great for amigurumi
hdc	Half Double Crochet	Slightly taller than single crochet
dc	Double Crochet	Tall, open stitch — good for blankets and garments
tr	Treble Crochet	Taller than double crochet
sl st	Slip Stitch	Used to join rounds or move across stitches
inc	Increase	Add stitches to widen your work
dec	Decrease	Combine stitches to narrow your work
amigurumi	The art of crocheting small stuffed toys, often in spiral rounds

🧶 Note: This glossary uses American (U.S.) crochet terms. In the UK, stitch names are different (e.g., U.S. single crochet = U.K. double crochet).

🪡 Knitting Terms & Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Term	Description
k	Knit	The most basic knitting stitch
p	Purl	The reverse of the knit stitch
CO	Cast On	Create the first row of stitches
BO	Bind Off	Secure the last row to finish the piece
RS	Right Side	The “front” of your project
WS	Wrong Side	The “back” of your project
st(s)	Stitch(es)	The loops on your needles or hook
rep	Repeat	Repeat a section of pattern
yo	Yarn Over	Wrap yarn to create an extra stitch (for increases or lace)
ssk / k2tog	Decrease methods	Combine two stitches into one

🇺🇸 U.S. vs. 🇪🇺 European (Continental) Styles

👉Crochet

Crochet terminology varies between the U.S. and U.K.. This glossary uses U.S. terms. Always check your pattern's origin!

👉Knitting Styles

• English (American) Style: Yarn held in the right hand, “thrown” over the needle
• Continental (European) Style: Yarn held in the left hand, “picked” by the needle

Both styles are correct. It’s all about what feels comfortable!

🧰 Essential Tools & Materials

Everything you need to get started with knitting or crochet:

Tool	Purpose
Yarn	Choose worsted (#4) for beginners
Knitting needles	Start with US size 8 (5mm)
Crochet hook	Size H/8 (5mm) is great for beginners
Scissors	For cutting yarn
Measuring tape	To check size and gauge
Stitch markers	Keep track of rows or pattern repeats
Tapestry needle	Finish off and weave in ends

🛍️ All available at Candy Yarn — with worldwide shipping!

🧶 Final Thoughts

Don’t let new terms intimidate you. With this glossary, you’ll understand patterns, tutorials, and crafting conversations like a pro. Bookmark this page and come back any time you get stuck on a term.

Ready to start knitting or crocheting?
👉 Shop quality yarns, hooks, needles, and accessories at Candy Yarn — with fast worldwide shipping from Ukraine!