US vs UK Crochet Terms: Complete Conversion Chart
US vs UK Crochet Terms — Complete Conversion Chart
American and British patterns use the same stitch names for different stitches — the number-one cause of crochet confusion. This chart translates every common term so you can follow any pattern from anywhere.
US to UK crochet stitch conversion chart
| US term (abbr.) | UK term (abbr.) |
|---|---|
| Slip stitch (sl st) | Slip stitch (sl st / ss) |
| Single crochet (sc) | Double crochet (dc) |
| Half double crochet (hdc) | Half treble (htr) |
| Double crochet (dc) | Treble (tr) |
| Treble / triple crochet (tr) | Double treble (dtr) |
| Double treble (dtr) | Triple treble (trtr) |
| Triple treble (trtr) | Quadruple treble (quad tr) |
| Gauge | Tension |
| Yarn over (yo) | Yarn over hook (yoh) |
| Skip (sk) | Miss (m) |
How to tell if a pattern is US or UK
Most patterns state their terminology at the top — look for "US terms" or "UK terms." If it doesn't say, use these clues: if the pattern uses "single crochet" (sc), it's US (UK has no single crochet). If it uses "double crochet" as the shortest stitch and mentions "tension" instead of "gauge," it's UK. MrsCrochetWorld patterns all use US terms, explained in our crochet glossary.
Why the terms differ
It's purely historical — the two crochet traditions named their stitches independently. The stitches themselves are identical; only the labels move up by one. Once you know the "one step up" rule, you can confidently crochet any pattern in the world. Bookmark this page so you never get caught out mid-project.
Frequently asked questions
Is a US single crochet the same as a UK double crochet?
Yes. A US single crochet (sc) is exactly the same stitch as a UK double crochet (dc). The stitch is identical; only the name differs.
What is a US double crochet in UK terms?
A US double crochet (dc) is a UK treble (tr).
Does the UK have a single crochet?
No. UK terminology has no "single crochet." The shortest standard stitch in UK terms is the double crochet (dc), which equals the US single crochet.
What terms do MrsCrochetWorld patterns use?
All MrsCrochetWorld patterns use standard US crochet terms, with every abbreviation explained in our crochet glossary.
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