Lexique Crochet: Decoding Terms and Abbreviations in English UK and French
The crochet world is full of varied patterns, from amigurumis to garments and accessories. However, most of these patterns are written in French, which can be confusing at first. But don’t panic! With a good lexicon and a little practice, you’ll soon be able to understand them and crochet without stress.
To help you, I’ve put together a detailed glossary of the most commonly used crochet terms and abbreviations, translated into English UK. And for added convenience, you can download a PDF for easy reference when you’re crocheting.
Why master the French crochet vocabulary?
Access unique French-language models
Numerous designers who speak French create original patterns that aren’t always available in English. By learning French crochet terms, you can explore these exclusive designs and broaden your creative possibilities.
Explore additional educational resources
French crochet tutorials, books, and videos frequently share unique tips and techniques. Knowing French crochet terms helps you access these valuable resources without letting language stand in your way
Participate in an international community
When you learn French crochet terms, connecting with French-speaking crocheters on social media, forums, or at global events becomes much simpler. This enhances your experience and opens doors to sharing ideas and finding inspiration.
Developing language skills while enjoying a leisure activity
Mastering French crochet terms is an engaging and useful way to improve your language abilities. It blends education with a creative pastime, making the process both enriching and fun.
The French – English UK Crochet Glossary
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To facilitate navigation and help you with your project, you can simply click on a term of interest to highlight it. This can help you focus on the translations that are important to your project. If you click again on an already selected line, the highlight will disappear.
| English UK | Abbreviation (EN) | French | Abbreviation (FR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Stiches | |||
| Chain | ch | Maille chaînette Maille en l’air |
ml |
| Double Crochet | dc | Maille serrée | ms |
| Half treble | htr | Demi bride | db |
| Treble | tr | Bride | b |
| Double Treble | dtr | Double bride | Db |
| Triple treble | trip tr | Triple bride | Tb |
| Slip stitch | slst | Maille coulée | mc |
| Techniques | |||
| Increase | inc | Augmentation | Aug |
| Decrease | dec | Diminution | Dim |
| Magic circle | mc | Cercle magique | cm |
| Work in round | Travailler en rond continu En cercle continu |
||
| Work in row | Travailler en rang | ||
| Row | Rang | ||
| Repeat | rep | Répéter | rep |
| Position & Instructions | |||
| Back loop only | blo | Dans le brin arrière seulement | bar |
| Front loop only | flo | Dans le brin avant seulement | bav |
| Insert in | Piquer dans | ||
| Crochet together | tog | Crocheter ensemble | |
| Continue | cont | Continuer | |
| Skip a stitch | sk | Passer une maille | |
| Fasten off | fo | Rabattre | |
| Yarn over | Yo | Faire un jeté | |
| Cut the yarn | Couper le fil | ||
| Materials & Tools | |||
| Yarn / Wool | Fil / Laine | ||
| Yarn weight | Grosseur de la laine | ||
| Hook | Crochet | ||
| Hook size | Taille du crochet | ||
| Tapestry needle | Aiguille à laine | ||
| Stitch marker | Marqueur de maille | ||
| Gauge | Échantillon | ||
| Thread | Fil | ||
| Safety eyes | Yeux de sécurité | ||
| Needle | Aiguille | ||
| Stuffing | Rembourrage | ||
| Scissors | Ciseaux | ||
| Knitting needles | Aiguilles à tricoter | ||
| Textured or Special stitches | |||
| Popcorn stitch | pc | Point popcorn | pc |
| Bobble stitch | Point noisette | ||
| Star stitch | Point d’étoile | ||
| Shell stitch | Point de coquille | ||
| Filet stitch | Point de filet | ||
| Cable stitch | Point de torsade | ||
| V-stitch | Point V | ||
| Ribbing stitch | Point élastique | ||
| Other terms | |||
| Tension | Tension | ||
| Pattern | Patron | ||
| Free pattern | Patron gratuit | ||
| Invisible join | Couture invisible | ||
| Joining | Assemblage | ||
| Pick up stitches | Relever les mailles | ||
| Slip knot | Nœud coulant | ||
I hope you find this French-English UK glossary of terms commonly used in crochet patterns useful. To keep this information close at hand, don’t forget to download the PDF!
Want to explore other languages? Discover the multilingual lexicon, where you’ll find crochet terms translated into Italian, Spanish and many more.
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