2026-07-27 · Absolute Fundamentals · Beginner
US vs. UK Crochet Terms: The Conversion Chart You'll Actually Use
Ever bought a pattern only to realize your stitches look completely wrong? The culprit might be US vs. UK terminology. Here's how to tell them apart and convert between them.
Why Crochet Terms Are Confusing
If you've ever followed a pattern and ended up with something that looks nothing like the photo, you're not alone. The same stitch has different names in US and UK crochet terminology, and it causes endless confusion.
A US double crochet is called a UK treble crochet. A US single crochet is a UK double crochet. See the problem?
The Quick Conversion Chart
US Term → UK Term
- Slip stitch → Slip stitch (same!)
- 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)
How to Tell Which System a Pattern Uses
Most patterns will specify at the beginning, but here's a quick trick: if the abbreviation list shows "sc" for single crochet, it's US terms. If it shows "dc" as the most basic stitch after slip stitch, it's likely UK terms.
Pro Tip
When in doubt, check the designer's location or look for phrases like "US terminology" in the pattern notes. Canadian patterns typically use US terms, which makes life easier for us!