Crochet Terms: Stitch, Space, Loop, Row and Round Explained

Crochet instructions become much less mysterious once a few similar-sounding words have clear jobs. These five terms describe different parts of the work, not interchangeable ideas.

Stitch and space are not the same

A stitch is a completed unit of crochet. Its top usually forms a V, and its post or body sits below. A space is an opening between stitches or beneath one or more chains. When a pattern says “work into the space,” the hook goes around the open area rather than through a stitch top.

A loop is one strand of a stitch

The top V normally has a front loop and a back loop. “Through both loops” means under both strands. Instructions such as BLO or FLO deliberately use only one. The working loop on the hook is different: it is live and is not counted as a completed stitch.

Rows turn; rounds travel around

A row runs from one edge to the other and is often followed by turning the work. A round travels around a centre or shape. Rounds may be joined at the end or worked continuously in a spiral.

• Mark the first and last stitch of a row.
• Mark the first stitch of a continuous round.
• Point to a named part before putting the hook into it.

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