What Does “yoh” Mean in Crochet?

In order to get to grips with crochet patterns and tutorials, there are various terms and abbreviations that you’ll need to understand. One such term is “yoh,” which a fundamental step in all crochet stitches.

Quite simply, “yoh” is an abbreviation for “yarn over hook”. This refers to the step in creating a crochet stitch of wrapping the yarn around the crochet hook. One or more “yoh”s are performed before drawing the wrapped yarn through the work or through one or more loops on your hook.

“yoh” in Basic Crochet Stitches

As mentioned above, performing a “yoh” is an essential step in creating all crochet stitches. This section covers the basic crochet stitches with particular reference to when, and how many, “yoh” to perform.

In this article, US crochet terms are used throughout. To convert to UK crochet terms, please see this article.

Single Crochet (sc)

Single crochet (sc) is considered the most basic crochet stitch, and it requires just two “yoh”s. Follow these steps to create a single crochet stitch:

• insert the hook into the stitch in which the sc is to be made;
• yoh and pull through (two loops now on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through both loops on the hook.

Double Crochet (dc)

Double crochet (dc) is another common stitch. There are four “yoh” involved in creating a dc stitch. Follow these steps to make a double crochet stitch:

• yoh and insert hook into the stitch in which the dc is to be made;
• yoh and pull through (three loops now on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (two loops remain on hook);
• yoh again and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

Half Double Crochet (hdc)

Half double crochet (hdc) is a stitch that falls between single and double crochet in height. To create half double crochet stitch, follow these steps:

• yoh and insert hook into the stitch in which the hdc is to be made;
• yoh and pull through (three loops now on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through all three loops on the hook.

Treble (tr)

The treble stitch (tr), also known as triple crochet, requires two yarn overs before inserting the hook into the stitch. There are six “yoh” in total but it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Follow these steps to form a treble crochet stitch:

• yoh twice and insert hook into the stitch in which the tr is to be made;
• yoh and pull through (four loops now on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (three loops remain on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (two loops remain on hook);
• yoh again and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

Double Treble (dtr)

Double treble (dtr) stitches are even taller than tr stitches and involve several “yoh”s. To create a double treble stitch, follow these steps:

• yoh three times and insert hook into the stitch in which the dtr is to be made;
• yoh and pull through (five loops now on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (four loops remain on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (three loops remain on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (two loops remain on hook);
• yoh again and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

Triple Treble (trtr)

Finally, the triple treble (trtr) stitch involves four initial yarn overs. Create a triple treble stitch with these steps:

• yoh four times and insert hook into the stitch in which the trtr is to be made;
• yoh and pull through (six loops now on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (five loops remain on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (four loops remain on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (three loops remain on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (two loops remain on hook);
• yoh again and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

“yoh” in Special Stitches

Many special crochet stitches also involve “yoh” as most special stitches are actually just variations on the basic stitches set out above.

This section focuses on a few special stitches that you might come across and explains how to use the “yoh” technique for each of them.

Cluster or Bobble

A cluster or bobble stitch is a type of crochet stitch where multiple stitches (usually multiple double crochet stitches, but not always) are worked into one stitch or space. This creates an attractive textured or bobbly appearance. There are various types of cluster and bobble stitches, and the specific one you should use will be explained in the pattern.

To create one kind of basic cluster or bobble stitch, based on double crochet stitches, follow these steps:

1. yoh and insert hook into the stitch in which the cluster is to be made;
2. yoh and pull through (three loops now on hook);
3. yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook;
4. repeat steps 1-3 as many times as required for the cluster size in your pattern (e.g. five times in some cases).
5. yoh one final time and pull through all the loops remaining on the hook, completing the cluster stitch.

Front Post

Front post stitches are worked around the post of the stitch below, rather than into the top loops of the stitch. This creates a raised texture on the front side of the work and can be useful for creating ribbing, for example. The front post method can be applied to any of the basic crochet stitches. The only difference from the basic stitches is where and how you insert the hook into your work.

To create a front post double crochet (FPdc) stitch, follow these steps:

• yoh and insert hook from front to back and then to the front again around the post of the specified stitch below;
• yoh and pull through (three loops now on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (two loops remain on hook);
• yoh again and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

Back Post

Back post stitches, like front post stitches, are worked around the post of the stitch below. However, they create a raised texture on the back side of the work. To create a back post double crochet (BPdc) stitch, follow these steps:

• yoh and insert hook from back to front and then to the back again around the post of the specified stitch below;
• yoh and pull through (three loops now on hook);
• yoh again, and pull through the first two loops on the hook (two loops remain on hook);
• yoh again and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

Common Abbreviations in Crochet Patterns

In addition to “yoh”, most crochet project contains multiple abbreviations used to make written patterns more concise and easier to follow. Familiarizing yourself with these abbreviations will enhance your ability to read and follow crochet instructions. Here are some common abbreviations for crochet stitches and pattern instructions:

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• tr: treble crochet
• dtr: double treble crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• tog: together
• BPdc: double crochet back post
• FPdc: double crochet front post
• beg: beginning
• cont: continue
• inc: increase
• rem: remaining
• rep: repeat
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

In addition, many patterns use the asterisk or * symbol to denote pattern repeats. Find out how to understand what asterisks mean in crochet patterns in this article.

Conclusion: What does “yoh” mean in crochet?

In conclusion, “yoh” is an abbreviation in crochet patterns and tutorials that simply stands for “yarn over hook.” It’s a fundamental technique that is involved in creating all basic crochet stitches as well as more special stitches. Understanding and mastering the “yoh” technique is essential for any crocheter.

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