Crocheting terms covers the same broad vocabulary as crochet terminology generally, though this phrasing often comes up in more conversational, spoken contexts rather than reading a written pattern. These terms come up constantly in crochet groups and casual conversation among crafters. This guide covers the terms most likely to come up in conversation specifically.
Conversational Terms
- Stash: A crocheter’s yarn collection, often affectionately described as out of control.
- Frog / frogging: Unraveling a mistake, from “rip it, rip it.”
- Yarn chicken: The tense final stretch of a project when you are unsure if you have enough yarn to finish.
- WIP / FO: Work in progress and finished object, community shorthand for project status.
Technique Terms Often Discussed Casually
Gauge, tension, and blocking come up constantly in casual troubleshooting conversation, usually when someone is describing a project that did not turn out the expected size or shape.
Frequently asked questions
What does yarn chicken mean?
Yarn chicken describes the tense final stretch of a project when you are racing to finish before running out of yarn, unsure whether you have quite enough left.
Want the fuller written-pattern glossary?
See terms organized by construction, finishing, and pattern-writing categories.
Read the full terms glossary
