US to UK Crochet Terms Conversion Chart
The table above shows US and UK names and abbreviations side by side. Use it to translate a pattern, to double-check an abbreviation, or to figure out which system a pattern is written in. The stitches themselves are identical everywhere; only the names differ.
The one rule to remember: the UK shift
UK terms count the loops differently, so every basic stitch name is shifted one step compared with US terms:
| US term | UK term |
|---|---|
| single crochet (sc) | double crochet (dc) |
| half double crochet (hdc) | half treble crochet (htr) |
| double crochet (dc) | treble crochet (tr) |
| treble crochet (tr) | double treble crochet (dtr) |
| double treble crochet (dtr) | triple treble crochet (trtr) |
The chain (ch) and slip stitch stay the same in both (the UK often abbreviates slip stitch as ss instead of sl st). A few other words differ, such as skip (US) vs. miss (UK) and yarn over (US) vs. yarn over hook or yarn round hook (UK); the full table above covers these.
Why the names differ
We found no reliable source that settles how the two naming systems arose, so treat this as a memory aid rather than history: US names match the number of “yarn over, pull through 2” steps that finish the stitch (one for single crochet), while UK names match the number of loops on the hook after the first pull-up (two for UK double crochet). Either way, the UK name is always one step taller than the US name for the same stitch.
How to tell which terms a pattern uses
The danger is the word “double crochet,” which means one stitch in the US and a shorter one in the UK. Look for these clues:
- Check the pattern notes. Good patterns state “US terms” or “UK terms” at the top.
- Look for “single crochet” or “sc.” That stitch doesn’t exist in UK terms. If you see it, the pattern is in US terms.
- Look for “htr,” “tr” as a common stitch, or “miss.” These point to UK terms.
- Check the spelling and units. “Colour,” “tension” (for gauge) and metric-only sizing suggest a UK or Australian pattern, though this is only a hint.
- Look at the photo. If the pattern says “dc” but the photo shows short, dense stitches, it’s probably UK dc (US sc).
Tip: Australian patterns generally use UK terms. Canadian patterns may use either system, so check. When in doubt, look for clues 1–3.
Converting a pattern
- Decide which way you’re converting and write it at the top of your copy.
- Go through stitch by stitch, converting each abbreviation with the chart. A highlighter helps.
- Convert the turning chains carefully: they follow the stitch height, not the name. A US dc row (UK tr) still uses about ch 3.
- Leave chains and slip stitches as they are.
- Check gauge terms: UK patterns call gauge “tension.” It means the same thing.
Hook sizes are a separate system
US and UK patterns also once used different hook-size labels. Today both use millimeters, which convert one-to-one. Vintage UK patterns may use old numbered hook sizes that run in the opposite direction to US sizes; check a hook size chart for those.
Common mistakes
- Following a UK pattern with US stitches. Every stitch ends up one step too tall, so the piece comes out larger than intended.
- Converting only some abbreviations. Mixing systems in one copy causes confusion; convert the whole pattern.
- Assuming “dc” means the same thing everywhere. It never does across US and UK. Always confirm the system.
- Changing the turning chain names. Chains are chains in both systems.
FAQ
Is a UK double crochet the same as a US single crochet?
Yes. They’re the same stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
What is a US double crochet in UK terms?
A UK treble crochet (tr).
Is “half treble” a UK term?
Yes. A UK half treble crochet (htr) is the US half double crochet (hdc).
Do chart symbols change between US and UK?
The basic symbols (chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double, double and treble) are largely shared, so the symbol for a US double crochet (UK treble) is the same in US and UK charts. Some symbols, such as front-loop and back-loop marks or puff and bobble symbols, vary between publishers, so always read the chart’s key.