When you're starting a new hobby the terms they use can be confusing. So we've pulled together this short glossary of the key terms you need to know when starting to knit or crochet. Found another you'd like to know the meaning of? Email us at [email protected]

Knitting terms:

Cast-on

The process of creating the initial stitches on the knitting needle.

Knit stitch

A basic stitch where the yarn is pulled through the existing loop on the needle to create a new stitch.

Purl stitch

A basic stitch where the yarn is wrapped around the needle from front to back and pulled through the existing loop on the needle.

Stockinette stitch

A pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches on alternate rows.

Garter stitch

A pattern created by knitting every stitch on every row.

Yarn over

A method of adding an extra stitch to the knitting by wrapping the yarn over the needle.

Decrease

A method of reducing the number of stitches on the needle.

Bind/Cast off

The process of finishing the final row of stitches and securing the yarn.

Gauge

The number of stitches and rows per inch in a knitting project.

Blocking

The process of shaping and stretching the finished project to its final size and shape.

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Crochet terms:

Chain stitch (ch)

Chain stitches often form the foundation of crochet and can worked into with other stitches. They are also used within crochet patterns to create spaces, patterns and form the design. With one loop on the hook (this can be a slip knot if starting off, wrap the yarn round the hook and pull it through the loop so you have one loop left on the hook. This is a UK and a US crochet term.

Double crochet (dc)

A crochet stitch where the hook is inserted into the next stitch or space (depending on your pattern). Wrap the yarn round the hook then pull the yarn through. Next pull the yarn through the two loops on the hook to finish the stitch. This is a UK crochet term – it is called a Single Crochet (sc) in US terms

Treble crochet (tr)

A crochet stitch where the yarn is wrapped round the hook once then the hook is inserted into the next stitch or space (depending on your pattern). Wrap the yarn round the hook then pull the yarn through. You will have three loops on your hook. Next wrap the yarn over the hook and pull the yarn through two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull the yarn through the last two loops to finish the stitch. This is a UK crochet term – it is called a Double Crochet (dc) in US terms.

Half Treble Crochet (htr)

A crochet stitch where the yarn is wrapped round the hook once then the hook is inserted into the next stitch or space (depending on your pattern). Wrap the yarn round the hook then pull the yarn through. You will have three loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over the hook then pull the yarn through all three loops to finish the stitch. This is a UK crochet term – it is called a Half Double Crochet (hdc) in US terms.

Slip stitch (sl st)

AA basic stitch used to join stitches together or add decorative elements on top of already worked crochet. With a loop already on your hook, insert the hook where you want the slip stitch to be then pull the yarn through that stitch and the loop on your hook to finish the slip stitch. This is a UK and a US crochet term.

Crochet hook

The tool used to work crochet. They come in different sizes depending on the yarn and pattern you are using and are also made from different materials such a plastic, aluminium, and wood. Choose the size listed in your pattern or adjust this to suit your tension and a material and style which you feel comfortable working with.

Yarn needle

A needle which has a large eye and a blunt point and is used to weave in the ends when you’ve finished a project and also for sewing it together.

Tension

This describes how loose or tight your crochet stitches are once worked. Patterns often ask you to create a tension square before you begin so you can count how many stitches you have per inch or cm and how many per row. You can adjust your tension if it isn’t the same as described in the pattern by changing your hook size. If you have more stiches and rows than listed in the pattern tension square, then your tension is too tight and you should use a larger hook size, repeat the square and measure again, adjusting the hook size until it is correct. If you have less stitches, then your tension is too loose and you need to use a smaller hook size. Taking the time to work the correct tension means your finished item will be the right size. Often referred to as Gauge in US patterns.

Blocking

This involves dampening your finished crochet then pinning it out to the correct size or shape and allowing it to dry so it has a better finish and is the right size too. You can use blocking boards or mats for this and also special pins.

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