One of the most basic and essential techniques in crochet is the crochet yarn over. A yarn over is simply the act of wrapping the yarn over the crochet hook to create a new loop.
The yarn over in crochet is abbreviated as “yo” in crochet patterns and is used in all crochet stitches, including single crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet. It is a fundamental skill that every crocheter needs to master to crochet a wide range of patterns and designs.
While the yarn over may seem simple, it can be a confusing terms for crochet beginners who are just starting to learn crochet.
This article will explore what a yarn over is, why it’s important, and how to do it correctly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, understanding the yarn over is essential to creating beautiful and intricate crochet projects.
Definition of a Crochet Yarn Over
A crochet yarn over is a the most basic step in crochet that involves wrapping the working yarn over the crochet hook. This technique is used to create an extra loop of yarn on the hook, which is then used to complete stitches.
The yarn over in crochet is created by wrapping the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front.
Yarn overs can be used in different ways in crochet stitches. For example, if you yarn over before inserting the hook into the next stitch, you will create a taller stitch. The more yarn overs you do, the taller the crochet stitch will be.
On the other hand, you can do a crochet yarn over to then pull the yarn through loops on the crochet hook. This is the steps to finish off various crochet stitches.
Abbreviation for Yarn Over in Crochet
Crochet patterns often use crochet abbreviations to shorten the text.
It is abbreviated as “yo” in American crochet terminology (us terms) and “yoh” in British terminology (uk terms).
Materials Needed To Crochet A Yarn Over
To crochet yarn overs you can use any crochet hook size and yarn. If you’re following a crochet pattern, use the crochet hook mm and yarn weight suggested.
How to Make a Yarn Over in Crochet
Yarn over in crochet is a basic technique that is used in every crochet stitch. Here are a quick tutorial and the steps to make a yarn over:
Step 1: Yarn Over Hook
With your yarn hand*, hold the yarn between your forefinger and middle finger, bring the yarn up behind the hook. Lay the yarn over the throat of the hook.
*Your crochet hook will be in your dominant hand and the yarn hand will be the other hard (left hand or right hand).
Some find it better to hold the yarn between the thumb and the index finger, so practice the yarn over motion until you’re comfortable with it. This motion is essential to create the loops that form the stitches in crochet.
Step 2: Continue With the Stitch
Once you have made the yarn over, continue with the stitch as usual.
Depending on the stitch you are making, you may need to insert the hook into a specific stitch or chain space.
For the half double crochet stitch (hdc) and the double crochet stitch (dc) you will start with one yarn over.
Alternatively, you will use the yarn over to pull through loops on the crochet hook.
How to Make Multiple Yarn Overs in Crochet
For taller crochet stitches such as the treble crochet stitch, double treble crochet, triple treble, quadruple treble and quintuple treble crochet, you have to yarn over more than once to start the crochet stitch.
Step 1: Yarn Over Hook
With your yarn hand pick up the yarn between the index finger and middle finger. Bring the yarn up behind the crochet hook. Move it forward and lay it around the shaft of your hook.
Step 2: Yarn Over Hook Once More
Without dropping the yarn, move the hand behind the crochet hook, up and over the crochet hook again. Lay the second yarn over on the crochet hook shaft.
The example below has 4 yarn overs.
Step 3: Continue With the Stitch
You can continue repeating step 2 if you need to start with more yarn overs. If not, continue with your crochet stitch as instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crochet Yarn Overs
What are the difference between a crochet yarn over and a crochet yarn under?
A crochet yarn over (yo) is the most common technique used to crochet stitches, where you move the yarn behind the crochet hook and over it to create a new loop on the crochet hook. The yarn under (yu) is the complete opposite of the crochet yarn over, where you move the yarn to the front of the crochet hook, up and over the crochet hook.
Does crochet yarn under require less yarn than yarn over?
Yes, a crochet yarn under require less yarn than a crochet yarn over, however it also increases the crochet tension.
When do you use a yarn over in crochet?
A crochet yarn over (yo) is a fundamental crochet technique that is used to create an extra loop of yarn on the hook. Without knowing a yarn over, you will not be able to crochet any stitches.
- Crocheting Chains: To crochet the most basic stitch, you will have to start with a yarn over.
- All Crochet Stitches: One or multiple yarn overs are always necessary to crochet a crochet stitch.
- Crochet Tall Stitches: Tall stitches start with multiple yarn overs to create height.
- Crochet Clusters: You will crochet yarn overs and pull up a loop multiple times to crochet some clusters.
Overall, a yarn over is an important technique in crochet that can be used to create a wide variety of stitches and patterns. By mastering the yarn over, you can crochet beautiful crochet projects.
If you’re a crochet beginner, start with the beginners guide to crochet, learn the slip knot and how to crochet chains.
Then start with one of our free crochet patterns! Happy Crocheting!
