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!