"CROCHET LINGO": ABBREVIATIONS
When reading crochet patterns, you'll come across several of these techniques, as shown in the table. Here's an overview of the abbreviations for the different crochet techniques, in both Norwegian and English.
For example, the Norwegian stav is called a double crochet in English, while dobbeltstav corresponds to a treble crochet. Despite the similar names, these are two different techniques.
| Engelsk fork. | Engelsk | Norsk fork. | Norsk |
|---|---|---|---|
| ch | chain | lm | luftmaske |
| sl st | slip stitch | kjm | kjedemaske |
| sc | single crochet | fm | fastmaske |
| hdc | half double crochet | hst | halvstav |
| dc | double crochet | st | stav |
| tr | treble crochet | st | stav |
| dtr | double treble | dbst | dobbeltstav |
| trtr | triple treble | trpst | trippelstav |
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CHANGING YARN/COLOR AS YOU GO
There are several ways to change yarns and colors. This video shows a simple way to do it.
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TREBLE CROCHET (TR)
The treble crochet is an even taller stitch than the double crochet, giving an airy look. You wrap the yarn around the hook twice before inserting it into the stitch, catch the yarn, and pull it through two loops at a time until only one remains. Perfect when you want height, drape, or a more open pattern.
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SINGLE CROCHET (SC)
Single crochet stitches are tight, firm stitches that give an even fabric. You insert the hook into the stitch, catch the yarn, and pull it through both loops. A basic, versatile stitch used very often in patterns.
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HALF DOUBLE CROCHET (HDC)
Half double crochet stitches are slightly taller than single crochet, but shorter than double crochet. You wrap the yarn once around the hook, insert it into the stitch, catch the yarn, and pull it through all three loops on the hook. Gives an even, soft look – great for everything from garments to blankets.
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CROCHETING OVER LOOSE ENDS ON THE CITY BEANIE
To avoid spending time weaving in the ends when you've finished your work, you can crochet over them as you go. Lay the yarn along the edge of the work and crochet around it. The video also shows you how to start a new color in the City Beanie pattern.
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CROCHETING WITH TWO COLORS/STRANDS
When crocheting with two colors, the unused strand (which stays hidden) should lie along the front of the work.
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MAGIC RING
A magic ring is the starting point for many crochet projects worked in the round. You make a loop with the yarn and crochet stitches into it. When you pull the yarn tight, the hole in the middle closes completely – perfect for hats, beanies, or coasters.
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CHAIN STITCHES (CH) / SLIP STITCHES (SL ST)
Chain stitches form the foundation chain of many projects and are also used to create spaces or height in a pattern. You make them by pulling the yarn through the loop on your hook. When you work slip stitches, it's the same technique, but used to join two ends together.
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INCREASING
When crocheting something round that grows outward, you always need to increase. Increasing means crocheting several stitches of the same type into the same stitch. For example: two single crochets or two half double crochets into the same stitch. This makes the work wider.
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DOUBLE CROCHET (DC)
Double crochet stitches are taller stitches that give a more open look than single crochet. You wrap the yarn around the hook before inserting it into the stitch, then work through the loops in two steps. Often used for garments and blankets, or other projects that don't need a completely dense fabric.
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INVISIBLE JOIN
An invisible join is used to finish your work seamlessly. You create a false stitch. You'll need a tapestry needle and scissors.