Have you ever wondered, what is the difference between these two terms; Yarn Over (YO) and Yarn Under (YU)? While you are learning new crochet pattern on YouTube or TikTok, you will found out that crocheteer keep saying either of these terms. It depends on what type of crochet project the crocheteer is working on.
Generally, both works the same way. Yarn is roll onto the hook before it pulled out from the chain and one stitch is complete. But technically, it’s not the same. The position where you roll up the yarn, whether under the hook or over the hook, determine the outcome of your crochet.
Let’s us dive deeper into the outcome of using both Yarn Over and Yarn Under and identify it’s distinctive features:
1. Stitch Appearance
Yarn Over: When you do the yarn over on Single Corchet (Sc), “V” shape will appear on every stitch. As the yarn is placed on top of the hook, so the next process is just to pull the yarn out of the chain. No winding occurs to the yarn during the process, which contribute to the “V” shape as you finish up stitching a Single Crochet (Sc).
Yarn Under: “X” shape will be seen on the stitch as you do the yarn under on Single Crochet (Sc). Yarn will be placed under the hook prior to pulling out the yarn off the chain. As it positioned under the hook, yarn will be winding up as it pulled out of the chain. As the result, position of the yarn is twisted and “X” shape appear as the yarn crossing with itself.
2. Tension and Density
Yarn Over: The “fabric” produced by using yarn over on your stitch will drape elegantly. You will noticed that your stitch will be stretchy and loose enough to leave tiny hole for the air to flow on it.
Yarn Under: It will produce a dense, tight and sturdy stitch. Why does it different from yarning over? Remember the yarn winding up on the hook as you pull through the chain? Actually, twisting the yarn did locking the position of every stitch. Just imagine that yarn over is like you’re holding a shirt, while yarn under is you grabbing a shirt.
3. Usage
Yarn Over: Suitable for almost crochet project such as blanket, cardigan or any accessories that requires softness and fabric-like appearance.
Yarn Under: Is inseparable with Amigurumi. Due to it’s tight and dense stitch, it prevent stuffing (usually cottons) from spill out through the holes, or to be seen.
The Takeaway
Sometimes, we get confused with these yarn over and yarn under. Not just with the position of the yarn on the hook, but how the output will look like. Thinking that both works the same way, we suddenly getting frustrated when our crochet does not look similar with one been taught on YouTube. The mistake, is not yarn under when required to, or vice versa. But worry not, you have the input to differentiate between yarn over and yarn under already. So next time, you will not going to be confused anymore.
So, happy crocheting!!
