CROCHET TERMINOLOGY

Chain Stitch
The chain stitch is the foundation of most crochet projects. The foundation chain is a series of chain stitches in which you work
the first row of stitches.
To make a chain stitch, you start with a slip knot (or loop) on the hook. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop on your hook
(first chain stitch made).
Don’t pull the stitches too tight, otherwise they will be difficult to work in.
When counting chain stitches, do not count slip knot, nor the loop on your hook. Only count the number of ‘v’s

Back Ridge of Foundation Chain

The back ridge ( also called back bumps or back bars) is found on wrong side of the foundation chain. It consists of single loops
behind the ‘v-loops’. To work in the back ridge, one inserts the hook from front to back through the back ridge loop to pull up the
yarn. Working in the Back Ridge gives a neater finish to projects.

Crocheting Around a Foundation Chain

When you want to start an oval piece rather than a round piece, I use this a lot for making feet and bags.
Start with indicated amount of stitches in a chain. Single crochet into the second chain from the hook ( if making an oval this will
usually also be an increase stitch) and in each chain along. The last chain is where you need to put your increases ( this will be
indicated on the pattern) as you maket he increases you will naturally turn to work up the other side of the foundation chain ( this
will be the other loop of the foundation chain).

Front and Back Loops

Every stitch what looks like ‘v’s on the top. There are two loops that make up the ‘v’. The front loop is the closest to you and back
loop is the loop furhest from you. Generally, we work in both loops- under both the front and back loops. Working in either the
front or back loops only, creates a decorative ridge.
Work all stitches under both loops unless otherwise instructed.

Increase

Inc: work 2 single crochet stitches in the same stitch indicated.

inc3: work 3 single crochet stitches in same stitch indicated.
inc4: work 4 single crochet stitches in same stitch indicated.
dc- inc: work 2 double crochet stitch in the same stitch indicated.
dc-inc3: work 3 double crochet stitch in the same stitch indicated.

Half-Double Crochet (hdc)

Starting with a loop on your hook, yarn over hook before inserting hook in stitch and draw up a loop ( three loops on hook). Yarn
over and pull yarn through two loops (two loops remains on hook). Yarn over and pull yarn through all three loops (first hdc made)

Double crochet (dc)

Starting with a loop on your hook, yarn over hook before inserting hook in stitch and draw up a loop (three loops on hook). Yarn
over and pull yarn through two loops ( two loops remains on hook). Yarn over and pull yarn through remaining two loops on hook.
(first dc made).

Treble (or triple) crochet (tr)

Starting with a loop on your hook, yarn over hook twice before inserting hook in stitch and draw up a loop (four loops on hook).
Yarn over and pull yarn through two loops (three loops remain on hook). Again, make a yarn over and pull yarn through two loops
(two loops remain on hook). Once more, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (first tr made).
Invisible single crochet decrease (inv- dec)

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