A growing stitch dictionary

Stitch repeat
library

Common names, familiar textures, and a place to collect the repeats we return to.

24

Names to start with

These short descriptions use US crochet terminology. Names and exact repeats can vary between books and designers; the notes here identify a stitch family rather than prescribe one universal version.

We’re starting with names, alternate names and our own descriptions. Crochet charts will be added as the collection grows.

01 / Repeat families

Everyday rows

Familiar fabrics and simple changes in height.

Single crochet rows

Also called Plain single crochet

An even fabric of short stitches, useful as a simple baseline when comparing row textures.

Half double crochet rows

Medium-height stitches create a fabric with more height and softness than plain single crochet.

Double crochet rows

Tall, regular stitches make a flexible fabric with clearly visible vertical columns.

Treble crochet rows

Also called Triple crochet rows

Extra-tall stitches create a longer vertical rhythm and a more open fabric.

Moss stitch

Also called Linen stitch · Granite stitch

Short stitches alternate with chain spaces to build an interlocking, woven-looking surface.

Lemon peel stitch

Alternating short and tall stitches produce a small, irregular-looking texture across the fabric.

02 / Repeat families

Groups and spaces

Patterns made by gathering stitches and leaving room between them.

Granny stitch rows

Also called Granny stripe

Repeated groups of double crochet sit in spaces between earlier groups, creating a familiar striped rhythm.

V-stitch rows

Also called V stitch

Paired tall stitches separated by a space form repeating V shapes across a row.

Shell stitch rows

Also called Shells

Several stitches spreading from a shared base create rounded groups that can repeat across the fabric.

Fan stitch rows

Broad groups of stitches open outward, creating a fan-like rhythm with many possible variations.

Filet mesh

Also called Filet crochet mesh

A regular grid of stitches and spaces provides a framework for open and filled blocks.

Diamond mesh

Chain-based openings connect into a repeating diamond-shaped net.

03 / Repeat families

Raised texture

Surface patterns with dimension, ridges and rounded groups.

Waffle stitch

Raised posts outline a recessed grid, giving the surface its waffle-like appearance.

Basketweave

Also called Basket weave

Blocks of raised and recessed post stitches alternate to suggest an over-and-under woven structure.

Alpine stitch

Raised post stitches build a layered, pointed texture over a simpler background.

Puff stitch rows

Groups of drawn-up loops create soft, rounded texture that can be repeated across a row.

Bobble stitch rows

Partly worked stitches closed together form small raised bumps against the surrounding fabric.

Popcorn stitch rows

Groups of completed stitches are gathered together to create prominent rounded bumps.

04 / Repeat families

Rhythm and ribbing

Grouped heights, ridges, crossed stitches and changes in direction.

Sedge stitch

Mixed stitch heights grouped together create a compact fabric with a gently rippled surface.

Suzette stitch

Single and double crochet grouped together build a pebbled texture across repeated rows.

Back-loop ribbing

Working through the back loops creates horizontal ridges that can form a ribbed surface.

Post-stitch ribbing

Also called Front-post and back-post ribbing

Raised and recessed post stitches alternate to create vertical ribs.

Crossed double crochet rows

Also called Crossed stitches

Tall stitches worked across one another create repeated crossed shapes.

Chevron rows

Also called Zigzag rows

Repeated increases and decreases create angular peaks and valleys; related ripple patterns use softer waves.

Keep a reference close

Symbols, terms and yarn

Looking up an abbreviation or hook size? Visit our collection of independent crochet references.

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