Crochet glossary A–Z

Crochet terms with their Indonesian names and the difference between US and UK terminology. International patterns use a lot of abbreviations, so keep this page open while you read one.

A

AmigurumiUS: amigurumiUK: amigurumiID: Amigurumi: The Japanese art of crocheting dolls and small figures. The parts are worked in tight single crochet spirals, stuffed with fibre fill and sewn together.Full explanation →

B

Back Loop OnlyUS: back loop only (BLO)UK: back loop only (BLO)ID: Lubang Belakang Saja: Working only into the back loop of a stitch. It creates raised ribs, often used for textures like crochet cacti or hat brims.
BlockingUS: blockingUK: blockingID: Blocking: Wetting or steaming a finished piece and pinning it to size on a board until it dries. Blocking evens out the stitches and makes granny squares the same size before joining.
Bobble StitchUS: bobble stitchUK: bobble stitchID: Tusuk Bobble: Several unfinished double crochet in one stitch, closed together. Bobbles pop out on the back of the fabric. We use them for the dotted trim on our bunny's dress.

C

ChainUS: chain (ch)UK: chain (ch)ID: Rantai: The most basic crochet stitch. You wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through the loop already on the hook, making a small link. A row of chains is usually the foundation for the first row.Full explanation →
Crochet HookUS: crochet hookUK: crochet hookID: Hakpen: The crochet tool, a shaft with a hook at the tip. Sizes are given in millimetres, such as 2.5 mm, matching the shaft diameter. The thicker the yarn, the bigger the hook.Full explanation →

D

Double CrochetUS: double crochet (dc)UK: treble crochet (tr)ID: Tusuk Ganda: A tall stitch that makes an open fabric and grows fast. It's the main stitch for granny squares, scarves and blankets. In UK terms it's called treble crochet.Full explanation →

F

Front Loop OnlyUS: front loop only (FLO)UK: front loop only (FLO)ID: Lubang Depan Saja: Working only into the front loop of a stitch, the one closest to you. The unused back loops form a ridge you can attach things to, like a doll's skirt.

G

Gauge (Tension)US: gaugeUK: tensionID: Gauge (Ketegangan): The number of stitches and rows in a 10 × 10 cm square. Gauge makes sure your piece comes out the same size as the pattern. It matters most for clothing and hats.
Granny SquareUS: granny squareUK: granny squareID: Granny Square: A classic square motif crocheted from the centre out in clusters of double crochet. Many squares can be joined into bags, blankets or cardigans.Full explanation →

H

Half Double CrochetUS: half double crochet (hdc)UK: half treble crochet (htr)ID: Tusuk Setengah Ganda: A stitch between single and double crochet in height. It makes a softer fabric that works up quickly, good for cardigans, hats and blankets.Full explanation →

I

IncreaseUS: increase (inc)UK: increase (inc)ID: Penambahan (Increase): Working two stitches into the same stitch to widen the fabric. Spacing increases evenly each round gives you a flat circle or a ball shape.Full explanation →
Invisible DecreaseUS: invisible decrease (dec)UK: invisible decrease (dec)ID: Pengurangan (Decrease): Joining two stitches into one to narrow the fabric. The invisible version only picks up the front loops of both stitches, so it barely shows. A must for amigurumi.Full explanation →

M

Magic RingUS: magic ring (magic circle) (MR)UK: magic ring (MR)ID: Magic Ring: A way to start crocheting in the round with an adjustable loop that pulls tight, leaving no hole in the middle. Almost every amigurumi, hat and flower starts with one.Full explanation →

P

Popcorn StitchUS: popcorn stitch (pc)UK: popcorn stitch (pc)ID: Tusuk Popcorn: Several double crochet (usually 5) worked into one stitch, then closed together so they pop out like popcorn. Often used for texture on blankets and bags.
Puff StitchUS: puff stitchUK: puff stitchID: Tusuk Puff: Several yarn-over loops pulled up from one stitch and closed together. It makes a soft cluster that sits flatter than a popcorn. Good for petals and scrunchies.

R

RoundUS: round (rnd)UK: round (rnd)ID: Putaran: One full circle when crocheting in the round. Amigurumi patterns are written by round, for example "Rnd 3 (sc, inc) x 6 (18)", where the number in brackets is the stitch count at the end.
RowUS: rowUK: rowID: Baris: A line of stitches worked back and forth. At the end of each row you turn the work and start with a turning chain. Totes and scarves are usually made in rows.

S

Single CrochetUS: single crochet (sc)UK: double crochet (dc)ID: Tusuk Tunggal: A short, tight stitch that makes dense fabric. It's the main stitch for amigurumi, bags and anything that needs to be sturdy. In UK terms it's called double crochet.Full explanation →
Slip StitchUS: slip stitch (sl st)UK: slip stitch (ss)ID: Tusuk Selip: The shortest stitch, adding almost no height. It's used to close a round, move along without cutting the yarn, and join two pieces.Full explanation →
Stitch MarkerUS: stitch markerUK: stitch markerID: Penanda Jahitan: A small clip hooked into the first stitch of a round so you know where the round ends. Very handy when working amigurumi in a spiral. A safety pin or a scrap of contrasting yarn works too.

T

Tapestry NeedleUS: tapestry needleUK: darning needleID: Jarum Tapestry: A large blunt needle with a wide eye, used to sew amigurumi parts together and weave in ends without splitting the yarn.
Treble CrochetUS: treble crochet (tr)UK: double treble crochet (dtr)ID: Tusuk Ganda Tiga: Taller than double crochet. You wrap the yarn twice before inserting the hook, then work the loops off two at a time. Often used for long petals and lace.
Turning ChainUS: turning chain (t-ch)UK: turning chain (t-ch)ID: Rantai Putar: Chains made at the start of a new row to bring the yarn up to the height of the next stitches. Usually 1 for single crochet, 2 for half double and 3 for double crochet.

W

Weaving In EndsUS: weave in endsUK: weave in endsID: Menyembunyikan Ujung Benang: Threading leftover tails into the fabric with a tapestry needle so they're hidden and won't unravel. Weave each tail in three different directions to lock it in.