CrochetZen stitch dictionary
Crochet Stitches A to Z
Every page below gives you a one-sentence definition written for featured snippet capture, the US and UK abbreviations side by side, a numbered list of the exact steps, and practical tips from people who have actually worked each stitch hundreds of times.
US and UK crochet terms use the same names for different stitches. A US double crochet is a UK treble crochet. Each stitch page lists both abbreviations and explains the difference so you can follow any pattern without confusion.
Crochet symbol key
Charted patterns use a small set of standard symbols instead of written abbreviations. Here are the six you will meet most often. Every textured stitch is drawn as a group of these basic symbols.
- Chainch
- Slip stitchsl
- Single crochetsc
- Half double crochethdc
- Double crochetdc
- Treble crochettr
US and UK crochet terms
The same words mean different stitches in the United States and the United Kingdom. Before starting any pattern, check which system it uses.
| US term | US abbr | UK term | UK abbr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain | ch | Chain | ch |
| Slip stitch | sl st | Slip stitch | ss |
| Single crochet | sc | Double crochet | dc |
| Half double crochet | hdc | Half treble | htr |
| Double crochet | dc | Treble | tr |
| Treble crochet | tr | Double treble | dtr |
Foundation Stitches
- Beginner·Foundation
Chain Stitch
US: ch · UK: ch
The chain stitch is the foundational crochet stitch that creates a series of interlocked loops used to start almost every pattern and to form turning chains at the start of a row.
Learn the stitch →
- Beginner·Foundation
Slip Stitch
US: sl st · UK: ss
The slip stitch is the shortest crochet stitch, used to join rounds, move yarn to a new position without adding height, and finish seams.
Learn the stitch →
- Beginner·Foundation
Single Crochet
US: sc · UK: dc
The single crochet (sc) is the most basic crochet stitch, creating a short, dense fabric by inserting the hook, pulling up a loop, and drawing yarn through two loops.
Learn the stitch →
- Beginner·Foundation
Half Double Crochet
US: hdc · UK: htr
The half double crochet (hdc) is a medium-height stitch that produces a slightly taller, softer fabric than single crochet, with a characteristic third loop on the back that can be used for texture.
Learn the stitch →
- Easy·Foundation
Double Crochet
US: dc · UK: tr
The double crochet (dc) is the most widely used crochet stitch, producing an open, drapey fabric by working yarn over twice to create a stitch roughly twice the height of single crochet.
Learn the stitch →
- Easy·Foundation
Treble Crochet
US: tr · UK: dtr
The treble crochet (tr) is a tall stitch created by yarning over twice before inserting the hook, producing an open, lacy fabric about three times the height of single crochet.
Learn the stitch →
Textured Stitches
- Intermediate·Textured
Bobble Stitch
US: bob · UK: bob
The bobble stitch is a raised textured stitch made by working 5 incomplete double crochets into the same stitch and pulling them together at the top, creating a rounded bump on the fabric surface.
Learn the stitch →
- Easy·Textured
Shell Stitch
US: sh · UK: sh
The shell stitch is a fan-shaped crochet stitch made by working multiple double crochets into the same stitch or space, creating a repeating scallop pattern used in blankets, garments, and shawls.
Learn the stitch →
- Intermediate·Textured
Waffle Stitch
US: dc + fpdc · UK: tr + fptr
The waffle stitch is a textured crochet stitch that combines double crochet with front post double crochet to build a raised, grid-like surface that looks like a waffle.
Learn the stitch →
- Beginner·Textured
Moss Stitch
US: sc, ch 1 · UK: dc, ch 1
The moss stitch, also called the linen or granite stitch, is a simple crochet stitch made by alternating single crochet and chain-1 spaces to create a flat, woven-looking fabric with excellent drape.
Learn the stitch →
- Easy·Textured
Granny Stitch
US: 3-dc cluster · UK: 3-tr cluster
The granny stitch is the building block of the classic granny square, made from small clusters of three double crochets separated by chain spaces, worked here in straight rows.
Learn the stitch →
- Easy·Textured
V-Stitch
US: V-st · UK: V-st
The V-stitch is an open crochet stitch made by working a double crochet, chain one, and another double crochet all into the same stitch, forming a small V shape with light, airy drape.
Learn the stitch →
- Intermediate·Textured
Puff Stitch
US: puff · UK: puff
The puff stitch is a soft, raised crochet stitch made by drawing up several loops in the same stitch and closing them together into a plump, rounded bump.
Learn the stitch →
- Intermediate·Textured
Popcorn Stitch
US: pc · UK: pc
The popcorn stitch is a rounded, three-dimensional crochet stitch made by working several complete double crochets into one stitch and then folding them forward into a pop.
Learn the stitch →
- Intermediate·Textured
Ripple Stitch
US: ripple · UK: ripple
The ripple stitch, also called the chevron, creates a wave of peaks and valleys by working increases at the top of each peak and decreases at the bottom of each valley.
Learn the stitch →
- Intermediate·Textured
Crocodile Stitch
US: crocodile · UK: crocodile
The crocodile stitch creates overlapping scales by working double crochets down and then up around the posts of paired stitches, giving a dramatic three-dimensional, reptilian texture.
Learn the stitch →
- Intermediate·Textured
Jasmine Stitch
US: jasmine · UK: jasmine
The jasmine stitch is a dense, interlocking crochet stitch built from rows of puff-like petals that link into the row below, producing a star-flower texture with no gaps.
Learn the stitch →
- Easy·Textured
Cluster Stitch
US: cl · UK: cl
The cluster stitch joins several partly worked stitches together at the top, pulling a group of double crochets into a single point for a textured, gently decreasing effect.
Learn the stitch →