If you’ve explored the online world of crochet, you may have come across the term “HOTH” and wondered what it means. HOTH is an acronym used by crocheters, and it stands for “Hot Off The Hook.” This term is used by crocheters to refer to a project that has just been completed and is fresh from their crochet hook. It indicates the excitement and pride of finishing a piece, whether it be a complicated afghan or a simple scarf.
Diving into the online crochet community can sometimes be a bit bewildering, with unfathomable new terms and expressions to learn. HOTH is just one of many acronyms and slang terms that you might encounter on crochet forums, social media platforms, and discussion groups. Read on to learn more about HOTH and other such terms and acronyms so you can take part in the online crochet community with confidence and understanding.
Understanding HOTH in Crochet
Hot Off the Hook (HOTH)
HOTH, or Hot Off the Hook, refers to a recently finished crochet project. It’s an expression of excitement and accomplishment within the crochet community. When someone says their work is HOTH, it means they’ve just completed it, and they’re proud of their achievement. The term “Hot Off the Hook” is mainly used on social media platforms or in online forums, where crocheters share their finished projects with others.
On platforms such as Instagram where hashtags are used, posts of newly completed project may be accompanied by the hashtag “#hoth” to indicate that it is a brand new project and to group it with other such projects.
Fresh Off the Hook (FOTH)
Fresh Off the Hook, or FOTH, carries a similar meaning to Hot Off the Hook. It also refers to a newly completed crochet project and is often used interchangeably with HOTH. These phrases are typically used by crocheters in casual conversations to express their enthusiasm for their latest creations. It’s a fun way for people in the crochet community to connect and share their latest creations, whether they’re Hot Off the Hook or Fresh Off the Hook.
More Common Crochet Abbreviations and Terms
As the crochet community grows and evolves, so does the number and variety of different terms and expressions that are used. In this section, we’ll discuss some other common abbreviations and terms that you might come across, and explain what they all mean.
Slang and Informal Terms
Crocheting has a range of different slang and informal terms that have come into being over the years. Here are some common examples and their meanings:
- CAL: Crochet Along – a community event where crocheters work on the same pattern at the same time
- FO: Finished Object – a completed crochet project (Note: This abbreviation actually has two meanings in crochet because, in a pattern, FO means Fasten Off).
- WIP: Work In Progress – an ongoing crochet project
- WIP-along: An online event where crocheters support each other to complete as many WIPs as possible over a specified period of time.
- UFO: Unfinished Object – a project that has been abandoned or set aside
- CIP: Crochet In Public – crocheting in a public place like a park, cafe, or on public transport.
- KIP: Knit In Public – knitting in a public place
- Frog: to rip out stitches – also known as “rip it” or “tink” (from “knit” spelled backward)
- Yarn barf: When your yarn gets into a terrible tangle
- Yarn chicken: When you are unsure if you have enough yarn to complete your project you might say you are playing “yarn chicken”. If you manage to complete your project with the available yarn, you can say you have won at yarn chicken. On the other hand, if you discover that you didn’t have enough yarn, you have lost at yarn chicken.
Crochet Project Stages
The crochet community has its own specific terms to refer to different stages of a project. These include WIP, UFO and FO. Let’s talk about these terms in a bit more detail.
Work in Progress (WIP)
When a crochet project is actively being worked on, it is referred to as a Work in Progress (WIP). This stage begins when the first stitch is made and continues until the last stitch is completed. During this phase, the crocheter is constantly adding more yarn, adjusting their pattern, and making decisions about the design. The WIP stage is exciting, as it allows a crocheter to see their creation come to life and offers ample opportunities for self-expression and exploration.
Members of the crochet community sometimes organize WIP-alongs, where over a period of around a month, crocheters support each other to complete as many WIPs as possible, turning them into FOs (finished objects).
Unfinished Object (UFO)
When a crochet project is set aside and not currently being worked on, it becomes an Unfinished Object (UFO). They are often stored away and can be forgotten about for various reasons, such as:
- Losing interest in the project
- Getting stuck due to a challenging pattern
- Running out of yarn
- Starting a new project that becomes a priority
UFOs may eventually be picked up again and turned into WIPs or, hopefully, Finished Objects (FOs).
Finished Object (FO)
Upon completing the last stitch and weaving in the ends of a crochet project, it becomes a Finished Object (FO). At this point, the project is ready to be used or gifted. At this point, crocheters may also use the acronym HOTH to indicate that the project has just been completed.
Other Crochet Terminology You Might Encounter
Yarn Bombing
Yarn Bombing is a playful form of street art involving covering public objects and spaces with colorful, crocheted, or knitted fabric. Common yarn bomb targets include trees, street signs, park benches, and sculptures. The trend is characterized by its whimsy and public engagement, bringing crochet and knit creations into unexpected places. Yarn bombing adds a touch of warmth and color to public spaces, engaging communities in the art of crochet in a fun and unconventional way.
Crochet Along
A Crochet Along (CAL) is an engaging community event where people follow a specific pattern or work on the same kind of project together for a specified period of time. CALs can be organized by yarn manufactures, crochet designers, or anyone else who is active in the crochet community.
In some CALs, all participants make the same pattern, which might be available at a discounted price during the CAL. There may be suggested colorways and even yarn packs available to buy for it. However, participants are usually free to choose their own colors if they prefer. Part of the fun of a CAL can be seeing the same pattern worked up in many different colors.
In other CALs, crocheters are encouraged to choose from a number of possible patterns, usually all with something in common. For example, they might be all by the same designer, all for the same kind of item (e.g. a granny square blanket), or all using the same technique (e.g. tapestry crochet).
In yet other CALs, participants are free to choose whichever pattern they like but usually they must be for a particular kind of item (e.g. hats or socks).
CALs can be run on a number of different platforms including:
- Instagram using hashtags,
- In groups on Ravelry, and
- In Facebook Groups.
Sometimes, CALs run on two or more platforms at the same time and in some cases, the CAL organizer offers prizes for participation in the CAL.
CALs are a great opportunity to make new crochet friends, share progress, be encouraged by the enthusiasm of other crocheters, ask questions, and learn from one another. Participating in a CAL is also a great way to learn new crochet techniques and create beautiful projects with the support of a community.
Crochet Slang and Humor
Some other humorous acronyms used in crochet, that are slightly tongue-in-cheek, are OCD, PIGS and TOAD. Let’s find out what they mean.
Obsessive Crocheting Disorder
Obsessive Crocheting Disorder (OCD) is a humorous term used to describe someone who is passionate about crochet. Many crocheters jokingly say they have OCD because they spend a lot of their free time:
- Crocheting multiple projects
- Searching for new patterns
- Buying yarn and supplies
- Discussing crochet with others
This term is of course not to be confused with the actual medical condition, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Projects in Grocery Sacks
Another common crochet slang expression is PIGS, which stands for Projects in Grocery Sacks. Crocheters use this term to describe:
- Unfinished projects stored in shopping bags
- A way to organize multiple works in progress
- A relatable experience for many crafters
This acronym highlights our habit to accumulate unfinished projects, as they are often set aside in favor of new and exciting patterns or materials.
Trashed Object Abandoned in Disgust
TOAD is another amusing crochet slang expression, meaning Trashed Object Abandoned in Disgust. It refers to:
- A crochet project that went wrong
- Frustration with a difficult pattern or technique
- Deciding to give up on a particular item
TOADs are common among crocheters, especially when learning a new stitch or trying a challenging pattern. This term reminds us that it’s okay to abandon a project if it’s not meeting our expectations or causing stress. You don’t have to finish everything you start.
Conclusion: What Does HOTH Mean in Crochet?
HOTH is a term used in the online crochet community to indicate that a project has only just been completed. It stands for “Hot Off The Hook”.
HOTH and other such terms are common in the world of crochet. While some of these terms may seem confusing at first, they are a key part of the crochet language and culture. By learning these terms, you can better communicate with other crocheters in the online world. So go forth and embrace the world of crochet slang, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you come across a term you don’t know!
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