US vs UK Crochet Terminology

Many English-speaking crocheters (especially beginners) aren’t aware that there are actually two different crochet ‘languages’ out there: US Terminology vs UK Terminology.

Both US and UK terminology use the same basic crochet stitches – single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, and so on. However, the names assigned to these stitches differ between the two.

Here’s the key difference:

• US Terminology: Focuses on the number of loops left on your hook after completing a stitch.
• UK Terminology: Focuses on the number of yarn overs used to create the height of the stitch.

This seemingly minor difference can lead to major confusion when following a pattern written in the terminology that isn’t ‘native’ to you. For example:

• • US Single Crochet (sc): This stitch is called a Double Crochet (dc) in UK terms.
  • US Double Crochet (dc): This stitch translates to a Treble Crochet (tr) in UK terms.

Here are some clues to help you identify which terminology a pattern uses:

• Look for “single crochet”: If you see “single crochet,” the pattern uses US terms.
• Amigurumi: If you’re making amigurumi, the vast majority of the stitches will be US “sc”. If you see “dc”, the pattern is likely written in UK terminology. 
• Abbreviations: US terms often use “sc,” “hdc,” “tr,” while UK terms use “dc,” “htr,” “dbl tr.”
• Gauge: US patterns typically refer to gauge in terms of stitches and rows per inch, while UK patterns might use centimetres (it’s up to the preference of the pattern designer).

If you find a pattern in the terminology you don’t know, don’t despair!

Here are some tips to help you translate:

• Conversion charts: Many online resources offer conversion charts that translate stitch names between US and UK terms (like the one above).
• Learn both: Familiarising yourself with both terminologies will give you access to a wider range of crochet patterns.
• Pay attention to stitch descriptions: The stitch descriptions themselves can often provide clues regardless of the terminology used.

Tip: Keep in mind that creators outside of the UK in countries like Australia and New Zealand may also use UK terminology as it was available in written patterns before the internet.

Embrace the Differences!

Understanding the difference between US and UK crochet terminology may seem like a hurdle at first, but it’s a valuable skill that opens doors to a wider world of crochet patterns and techniques.