How to Learn Crochet - Beginner Instructions

ch = chain
sp = space
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet or triple crochet
dtr = double treble crochet
sl st = slip stitch
tog = together
sk = skip
lp = loop
YO = yarn over
MC = main color
CC = contrasting color
RS = right side of work

rnd = round

BPsc = Back Post single crochet
FPsc = Front Post single crochet

BPdc = Back Post double crochet
FPdc = Front Post double crochet

FPtr = Front Post treble crochet
BPtr = Back Post treble crochet

dec = decrease
inc = increase/increases/increasing

Learn how to crochet an oval rug following simple instructions and using a double crochet stitch.
How to Crochet an Oval Rug

When people who crochet talk about "gauge," they mean the stitches per square inch. The gauge of crochet varies depending on the hook size, the tension of the person crocheting and the weight of the yarn used. All of these will change the gauge when crocheting. The cool thing about gauge is that once you no the gauge for a given yarn and hook, you can make a pattern for virtually anything.

To do this, crochet a swatch. Measure the gauge. If you know your rows are 3/4 of an inch high and it takes 4 stitches to make one inch in width, you can use this information to trace shapes that you want to crochet. Draw one inch rows onto your traced pattern. Then mark the number of inches across each row to calculate the stitches in each row.

Making Custom Crochet Projects with Gauge.

The US crochet terms are different than the international crochet terms. The abbreviations discussed above were in US terms. To translate international and US crochet terms the follow chart can be used:

International to United States

single crochet (sc) = slip stitch (sl st)
double crochet (dc) = single crochet (sc)
half treble crochet (htr) = half double crochet (hdc)
treble crochet (tr) = double crochet (dc)
double treble crochet (dtr) = treble crochet(tr)
triple treble crochet (ttr) = double treble crochet(dtr)
miss = skip

B-1 = 2.25 mm
C-2 = 2.75 mm
D-3 = 3.25 mm
E-4 = 3.5 mm
F-5 = 3.75 mm
G-6 = 4.00 mm
H-8 = 5.00 mm
I-9 = 5.5 mm
J-10 = 6.00 mm
K-10 1/2 = 6.50 mm
N = 9.00 mm
P = 10.00 mm
Q = 15.00 mm

Yarn can be divided into 6 basic categories from lightest to heaviest. The weight of the yarn makes a difference in the overall look and feel of the project. Certain yarns, such as light stretchy cottons work great for socks, while stiff heavy yarns work well for winter coats and rugs. The 6 yarn categories by weight are:

Fingering:
Sport:
Double Knit:
Worsted:
Heavy Worsted:
Bulky: