Crochet facts for kids

Crochet is a fun way to create fabric using yarn or thread and a special tool called a crochet hook. It's a bit like knitting, but with crochet, you usually work with only one loop of yarn at a time. Instead of knitting needles, you use a single hook. Unlike knitting, crochet can't be made by machines, so every crocheted item is handmade! It uses a little more yarn than knitting, but many people find it faster to do by hand.

People use crochet to make all sorts of things, like clothing, items for the home such as tablecloths, blankets, and potholders, and even toys. Delicate Lace is often made by crocheting, too!

Crocheting is also a great craft for younger kids. The stitches are fairly easy, and small hands can hold the crochet hook well. Kids can see their projects grow quickly, which helps them stay excited and motivated. It's also super easy to pick up a crochet project again after a break, which is perfect for keeping young crafters interested.

Crocheting

Understanding Crochet Patterns

When you follow a crochet pattern, you'll often see special short forms, or abbreviations. These abbreviations make patterns shorter and easier to read. Knowing them helps you understand exactly what to do!

Common Crochet Abbreviations

Here are some of the most common abbreviations you'll find in crochet patterns:

• ch: This means "chain stitch." It's the very first stitch you learn!
• yoh: This stands for "yarn over hook." It's a basic step in many stitches.
• bl: This means "back loops." You insert your hook into the back loop of a stitch.
• fl: This means "front loops." You insert your hook into the front loop of a stitch.
• rs: This means "right side." It's the side of your work that will be seen.
• ws: This means "wrong side." It's the back side of your work.
• sc: This is a "single crochet." It's a very common and simple stitch.
• dc: This is a "double crochet." It's taller than a single crochet.
• tc: This is a "triple crochet." It's even taller than a double crochet.
• sk or sk st: This means "skip stitch." You miss a stitch in the row.
• sl st: This is a "slip stitch." It's used to join stitches or move yarn without adding height.
• rnd: This means "round(s)." It's used when you are crocheting in a circle.
• *: This symbol means "repeat instructions following the '*'." It tells you to do a set of steps again.

More Advanced Abbreviations

As you get better at crochet, you might see these abbreviations:

• bp: This means "back post." It's a special way to make stitches around the post of another stitch.
• fp: This means "front post." Similar to back post, but from the front.
• bpdc: This is a "back post double crochet."
• fpdc: This is a "front post double crochet."
• tog: This means "together." It's often used when you are joining stitches.
• dc2tog: This means "double crochet 2 stitches together." This makes your work smaller.
• hdc: This is a "half double crochet." It's between a single and double crochet in height.
• dec: This means "decrease." It's a way to make your work narrower.

US and UK Crochet Terms

Did you know that crochet patterns can use different names for the same stitches depending on where they come from? Patterns written in the United States often use different names than patterns from the United Kingdom. It's super important to check if your pattern uses US or UK terms so you don't get confused!

Here are the main differences in stitch names:

Images for kids

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  19th century crochet from Orvieto, Italy

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  A crocheted purse described in 1823 in Penélopé

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  Tambour embroidery in the Diderot Encyclopedia

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  Shepherd's hook, 19th-century tapered hook, modern inline hook

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  Detail of a Portuguese crocheted tablecloth, about 1970

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  Irish crochet lace, late 19th century. The design of this example is closely based on Flemish needle lace of the 17th century.

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  Filet crochet by an internee at Manzanar War Relocation Center, 1943. Photograph by Ansel Adams

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  Detail on gold thread crochet in a mid-20th century short jacket designed by Sybil Connolly

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  Bags and hacky sack tapestry crocheted in Guatemala.

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  Aluminium crochet hooks

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  A hank of wool yarn (center) is uncoiled into its basic loop. A tie is visible at the left; after untying, the hank may be wound into a ball or balls suitable for crocheting. Crocheting from a normal hank directly is likely to tangle the yarn, producing snarls.

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  Transformation of a hank of lavender silk yarn (top) into a ball in which the yarn emerges from the center (bottom). Using the latter is better for needlework, since the yarn is much less likely to tangle.

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  The two possible twists of yarn

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  A close view of a crocheted scarf made with lace-weight mohair yarn.

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  Some crochet symbols, abbreviations, and US/UK terms

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  Knitting uses two or more straight needles that carry multiple stitches.

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  Unlike crochet, knitting requires specialized needles to create circular rounds.

See also

In Spanish: Ganchillo para niños