Master Crochet Lingo: Essential Terms & Abbreviations

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Abbreviations in Crochet Conversations
   1. WIP - Work in Progress
   2. FO/FOE - Finished Object/Finished Off
   3. HOTH - Hot Off the Hook
   4. Frog/Froggy - Ripping Out a Project
   5. Hibernation - Putting a Project Away
   6. UFO - Unfinished Object
   7. CAL/COW/MAL - Crochet Along/Knit Along/Make Along
   8. C2C - Corner to Corner
   9. LYS - Local Yarn Store
   10. Ph.D. - Projects Have Done
   11. Yarn Barf - Tangled Yarn Mess
   12. Yarn Bomb - Decorating Public Spaces with Crochet

Abbreviations in Crochet Conversations

When it comes to crochet, there are a lot of abbreviations that are commonly used in conversations among crocheters. Understanding these abbreviations can help you communicate more effectively and be a part of the crochet community. In this article, we will go through some of the most commonly used abbreviations and their meanings.

WIP - Work in Progress

One of the most frequently used abbreviations in crochet conversations is WIP, which stands for Work in Progress. This refers to any project that you are currently working on but have not yet finished. It could be a blanket, a sweater, or any other crochet project that is still in the process of being completed.

FO/FOE - Finished Object/Finished Off

Another abbreviation that you might come across in crochet conversations is FO or FOE, which stands for Finished Object or Finished Off. This refers to a project that you have recently completed. It could be a hat, a scarf, or any other crochet item that is now finished and ready to be used or gifted.

HOTH - Hot Off the Hook

HOTH is an abbreviation that is used to signify a project that has just been finished and is being shared on social media platforms like Facebook. When you see someone using the term HOTH, it means that they have completed a project and are excited to show it off to others.

Frog/Froggy - Ripping Out a Project

If you ever come across the terms frog or froggy in a crochet conversation, it means that someone is talking about undoing or ripping out a project. This could be because they made a mistake or they are not happy with how the project is turning out. The term "frog" comes from the sound "ribbit ribbit" which is similar to the sound made when you rip back a project.

Hibernation - Putting a Project Away

Sometimes, when you are not happy with a project or you are not in the mood to work on it, you might put it in "hibernation." Hibernation refers to putting a project away in a project bag or a closet with the intention of coming back to it later. It's like temporarily pausing the project until you feel motivated or inspired to continue working on it.

UFO - Unfinished Object

Similar to hibernation, a UFO stands for Unfinished Object. It refers to a project that you have started but have not yet finished. UFOs are often projects that have been put in hibernation or set aside for various reasons. It's a term used to describe projects that are still awaiting completion.

CAL/COW/MAL - Crochet Along/Knit Along/Make Along

CAL, COW, and MAL are all abbreviations that signify group activities where people work on the same project or type of project together within a specific timeframe. A CAL stands for Crochet Along, where participants crochet the same pattern or project together. A COW stands for Knit Along, which is the same concept but for knitting projects. A MAL stands for Make Along, which includes any craft-related project, such as crochet, knitting, sewing, or other crafts.

C2C - Corner to Corner

C2C is an abbreviation for Corner to Corner, which is a popular crochet technique. In C2C projects, you start by crocheting from one corner and gradually increase stitches to create a diagonal shape. Once you reach the desired size, you then decrease stitches to form another corner. This technique is often used to create square or rectangular projects like blankets or afghans.

LYS - Local Yarn Store

LYS stands for Local Yarn Store, referring to any independent yarn store near you. These are typically smaller and offer a wider variety of yarns compared to big-box stores like Michaels or Walmart. LYSs are known for their diverse selection of high-quality and specialty yarns, making them a favorite destination for yarn enthusiasts.

Ph.D. - Projects Have Done

If you have many WIPs (Work in Progress) and feel a sense of accomplishment, you can call them your Ph.Ds (Projects Have Done). This is a playful term used to describe projects that are halfway finished but have been put on hold for some time. It can serve as a reminder of your progress as a crocheter and bring a sense of pride.

Yarn Barf - Tangled Yarn Mess

Yarn barf is a term used to describe a common occurrence in crochet - when you pull yarn out of the skein and a tangled mess comes out with it. It's an amusing term that most crocheters can relate to. It can be frustrating to untangle, but it's also a reminder of the joy and excitement that comes with working with yarn.

Yarn Bomb - Decorating Public Spaces with Crochet

Yarn bombing is a creative way of decorating public spaces using crochet or knitted pieces. It involves covering objects like trees, lampposts, or statues with colorful yarn creations to add beauty and whimsy to the environment. Yarn bombs are often temporary installations and can be seen as a form of street art in the crochet community.

In conclusion, understanding the abbreviations used in crochet conversations can make it easier for you to communicate with other crocheters and be more involved in the craft. Whether it's talking about WIPs, FOs, or CALs, knowing these abbreviations will help you feel more connected to the crochet community and enhance your crochet journey.

Highlights

• Learn about common abbreviations used in crochet conversations
• Understand the meanings of WIP, FO/FOE, HOTH, and more
• Discover the fun and creative world of yarn bombing
• Gain insights into popular crochet techniques like C2C
• Find out the significance of hibernation and UFOs in crochet projects
• Explore the benefits of shopping at local yarn stores (LYS)

FAQs

Q: What does WIP stand for in crochet? A: WIP stands for Work in Progress, referring to any project that is currently being worked on but is not yet finished. It could be a blanket, a hat, or any other crochet item that is still in the process of being completed.

Q: What is a CAL? A: CAL stands for Crochet Along, which is a group activity where participants crochet the same pattern or project together within a specific timeframe. It's a fun way to connect with other crocheters and create something together.

Q: What is yarn bombing? A: Yarn bombing is the act of decorating public spaces with crochet or knitted pieces. It involves covering objects like trees, lampposts, or statues with colorful yarn creations to add beauty and whimsy to the environment.

Q: What is the difference between frog and hibernation in crochet? A: "Frog" refers to the act of ripping out or undoing a crochet project, either because of a mistake or dissatisfaction with the outcome. On the other hand, "hibernation" is when a project is put aside temporarily, with the intention of returning to it at a later time to make necessary modifications or complete it.