Stitch dictionary
Stitch Dictionary: Knitting, Crochet and Hand Embroidery Stitches
The first stitches to learn are the knit and purl stitches in knitting, chain and single crochet in crochet, and running stitch, backstitch and French knots in hand embroidery. This dictionary covers 60 stitches with numbered steps, abbreviations, common mistakes and related stitches.
- Knitting stitches 20 stitches with step-by-step instructions
- Crochet stitches 20 stitches with step-by-step instructions
- Hand embroidery stitches 20 stitches with step-by-step instructions
All 60 stitches are listed below by craft, 33 of them rated beginner level. If you are starting from nothing, work through crochet for beginners, cross stitch for beginners or needlepoint for beginners first, then come back here whenever a pattern names a stitch you do not recognise.
Knitting stitches
- Knit Stitch
- Purl Stitch
- Garter Stitch
- Stockinette Stitch
- Reverse Stockinette Stitch
- Seed Stitch
- Moss Stitch
- 1x1 Rib
- 2x2 Rib
- Basketweave Stitch (Knit)
- 6-Stitch Cable
- Linen Stitch (Knit)
- Slip Stitch (Knit)
- Knit Two Together
- Slip Slip Knit
- Yarn Over
- Make One Left
- Make One Right
- Knit Front and Back
- Brioche Stitch (One Color, Flat)
Crochet stitches
- Chain
- Slip Stitch (Crochet)
- Single Crochet
- Half Double Crochet
- Double Crochet
- Treble Crochet
- Magic Ring
- Granny Square Cluster
- Shell Stitch
- V-Stitch
- Moss Stitch
- Puff Stitch
- Bobble Stitch
- Popcorn Stitch
- Front Post Double Crochet
- Back Post Double Crochet
- Waffle Stitch
- Corner to Corner (C2C)
- Herringbone Half Double Crochet
- Extended Single Crochet
Hand embroidery stitches
Frequently asked questions
Which stitches should a complete beginner learn first?
Learn four stitches per craft and you can follow most patterns. In knitting that is the knit stitch and purl stitch, which between them make garter and stockinette fabric. In crochet it is the chain and single crochet. In hand embroidery it is running stitch and backstitch.
How many stitches are in this dictionary?
This dictionary covers 60 stitches across knitting, crochet and hand embroidery, and 33 of them are rated beginner level. Every entry has numbered steps, US and UK abbreviations where they differ, the mistakes people most often make, and the related stitches worth learning at the same time.
Why do US and UK patterns use different stitch names?
The two traditions name crochet stitches one step apart: a US single crochet is a UK double crochet, and a US double crochet is a UK treble. A pattern that says dc therefore means two different stitches depending on where it was written. Check the abbreviation key first, or compare them on the US and UK crochet terms chart.
Which stitches use the most yarn?
Texture costs yarn. Garter stitch uses about 46 percent more yarn than stockinette over the same area, and deep textures like waffle stitch and brioche stitch are hungrier still. Each stitch page lists its relative yarn use where a figure exists, so check it before buying yarn for a textured blanket.
Researched from manufacturer specifications, owner manuals and verified owner reviews, not hands-on testing, and not professional advice. As an Amazon Associate, Cozy Stitchery earns from qualifying purchases.
