UK vs US Crochet Terminology: A Quick Reference Guide

Crochet is a beautiful and popular craft loved by people all over the world. Whether you are crocheting scarves, blankets, or intricate lacework, the process can be both relaxing and creative. However, one thing that often trips up crocheters, especially beginners, is the difference in terminology between UK and US crochet patterns. While the stitches themselves are the same, the names and abbreviations for these stitches differ.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key differences between UK vs US Crochet Terminology, making it easier to follow any pattern you come across.

UK vs. US Crochet Terminology

UK Term	US Term	Description
Single crochet	Double crochet	1 yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops on hook.
Half double crochet	Half double crochet	1 yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.
Double crochet	Treble crochet	2 yarn overs, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.
Treble crochet	Double treble crochet	3 yarn overs, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.
Double treble crochet	Triple treble crochet	4 yarn overs, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.
Triple treble crochet	Quadruple treble crochet	5 yarn overs, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.
Chain stitch	Chain stitch	1 yarn over, pull through loop on hook.
Slip stitch	Slip stitch	Insert hook in the next stitch, yarn over, pull through the loop on the hook.
Back loop only	Back loop only	Insert hook in the back loop of the stitch.
Front loop only	Front loop only	Insert hook in the front loop of the stitch.

ey Differences Between UK and US Crochet Terminology

1. Single Crochet (SC)

• UK: Single crochet is equivalent to the US double crochet (DC).
• US: Single crochet (SC) is a basic stitch and often the first one beginners learn. To create a single crochet, you:
  • Insert the hook into the stitch.
  • Yarn over (yo).
  • Pull up a loop.
  • Yarn over again.
  • Pull through both loops on the hook.

The UK doesn’t technically have a stitch called “single crochet.” Instead, the equivalent action in the UK is referred to as a double crochet (DC). This is one of the most important differences to remember, as it can completely change the texture and size of a project if mistaken.

2. Double Crochet (DC)

• UK: Double crochet corresponds to the US treble crochet (TC).
• US: Double crochet (DC) is a very popular stitch, especially in blankets, scarves, and larger projects. It involves:
  • Inserting the hook into the stitch.
  • Yarn over, pull up a loop.
  • Yarn over again.
  • Pull through two loops on the hook.
  • Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.

In UK terminology, this same stitch is called a treble crochet (TC). So, when following UK patterns, if you see “DC,” you should work a treble crochet as you would in US terms.

3. Treble Crochet (TC)

• UK: Treble crochet is the same as the US double treble crochet (DTC).
• US: Treble crochet (TC) is used for taller, lacier stitches. To make a treble crochet, you:
  • Yarn over twice.
  • Insert the hook into the stitch.
  • Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  • Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook.
  • Yarn over and pull through two more loops.
  • Yarn over and pull through the last two loops.

In the UK, this stitch is called a double treble crochet (DTC). The extra height of this stitch creates a more open, airy texture, often used in lacework or openwork designs.

4. Half Double Crochet (HDC)

• UK: Half double crochet is equivalent to the US half treble crochet (HTC).
• US: Half double crochet (HDC) is a stitch that falls between a single crochet and a double crochet in height. It’s made by:
  • Yarn over once.
  • Insert the hook into the stitch.
  • Yarn over, pull up a loop.
  • Yarn over again and pull through all three loops on the hook.

In the UK, this stitch is called a half treble crochet (HTC). It provides a little more height than single crochet but is still tight enough for dense fabric projects.

5. Slip Stitch (SS)

• UK and US: Slip stitch is the same in both regions.
  • It is the simplest crochet stitch and is typically used to join rounds, finish edges, or create a very tight and small stitch.
  • To make a slip stitch:
    • Insert the hook into the stitch.
    • Yarn over.
    • Pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.

This stitch is crucial in both UK and US patterns for joining rounds and creating neat edges.

6. Chain Stitch (CH)

• UK and US: Chain stitch is identical in both UK and US terminology.
  • It’s the foundation stitch for most crochet projects, used to begin rows or rounds.
  • To create a chain:
    • Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.

Chains are essential for starting your projects and are often used in combination with other stitches to create spaces or decorative elements.

Pattern Conversions: UK to US and US to UK

If you have a pattern from one region but prefer to crochet in the terminology of another, you can easily convert the stitches. Here’s how:

• Converting from US to UK: Replace the stitch names in the pattern according to the UK equivalents.
  • US single crochet (SC) = UK double crochet (DC)
  • US double crochet (DC) = UK treble crochet (TC)
  • US treble crochet (TC) = UK double treble crochet (DTC)
  • US half double crochet (HDC) = UK half treble crochet (HTC)
• Converting from UK to US: Simply swap the UK stitch names with their US equivalents.
  • UK double crochet (DC) = US single crochet (SC)
  • UK treble crochet (TC) = US double crochet (DC)
  • UK double treble crochet (DTC) = US treble crochet (TC)
  • UK half treble crochet (HTC) = US half double crochet (HDC)

This simple substitution will ensure your stitches align with the pattern’s intended structure, no matter where it originated.

Final Words

Now that you understand the key differences between UK and US crochet terminology, you’ll be able to confidently approach patterns from either region without confusion. Crochet is a rewarding craft, and once you have the terminology down, it opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re working on a cozy blanket, a delicate lace shawl, or a fun amigurumi project, understanding these terminology differences will ensure that your creations come out exactly as planned.