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US vs UK Crochet Terms: Conversion Chart

Use this US-to-UK crochet terminology guide to convert the most common stitch names and avoid working the wrong stitch height.

By CrochetIndex EditorialUpdated 2026-10-21
US vs UK Crochet Terms: Conversion Chart
LevelBeginner
TypeReference
Learn in10–15 minutes
Updated2026-10-21

Follow the written lesson for each stitch. US crochet terms are used unless stated otherwise.

Quick answer

US and UK crochet use many of the same stitch names for different stitches. For example, US single crochet equals UK double crochet, and US double crochet equals UK treble crochet.

US vs UK Crochet Terms: Conversion Chart video preview
Video tutorial

Watch us vs uk crochet terms: conversion chart

Prefer to learn by watching? Open the full lesson, then use this page for quick reference, tips, common mistakes, and FAQs.

Watch video lessonBy Joy as it Flies
Quick reference

Mini lesson sheet

Keep each complete first instruction alongside the accompanying reference illustration.

Step 1
Find the terminology statement in the pattern notes or source.
Step 2
If the pattern is in the unfamiliar system, map every stitch abbreviation before you start.
Step 3
Pay special attention to sc, dc, tr, and htr because the same letters can refer to different stitch heights.
Step 4
Write the converted term beside repeated stitch instructions if you are likely to forget mid-project.
US vs UK Crochet Terms: Conversion Chart practice sheet preview
Stitch reference
Follow the stitch instructions for each step.
Use this section as a fast visual check before you work through the full steps.
  • Use this as a quick check before the full lesson.
  • Keep it nearby while you practice the stitch or technique.
What you should see

Finished result

Final outcome
Crochet technique image for US vs UK Crochet Terms: Conversion Chart

Key facts

US sc = UK dc
US hdc = UK htr
US dc = UK tr
US tr = UK dtr
Chain and slip stitch names are generally the same
In practice

Details that prevent common beginner mistakes

Two names, different stitches

US sc is UK dc; US hdc is UK htr; US dc is UK tr. Always determine the terminology used by a source before translating instructions; changing terminology mid-pattern changes the fabric.

Useful tips

Make it easier

  • Do not infer terminology only from the designer’s location; use the pattern’s own terminology note.
  • Check stitch height in photos if the pattern source is unclear.
Common mistakes

What usually goes wrong

  • Assuming “double crochet” means the same stitch in both systems
  • Converting hook sizes when only the stitch terminology needs conversion
Frequently asked

Questions about us vs uk crochet terms: conversion chart

What is US single crochet in UK terms?+

US single crochet is called double crochet in UK terminology.

What is US double crochet in UK terms?+

US double crochet is called treble crochet in UK terminology.

Is chain stitch the same in US and UK crochet?+

Yes. Chain is commonly abbreviated ch in both systems.

How can I tell whether a pattern uses US or UK crochet terms?+

Check the pattern notes, the designer location, and the stitch list. A pattern using single crochet is usually written in US terminology because traditional UK terminology does not use single crochet as the matching basic stitch name.

Do hook sizes change between US and UK patterns?+

The physical hook does not change, but labeling systems can. Metric millimeter sizes are the safest reference when converting a pattern.

Should I convert the whole pattern before starting?+

For short patterns you can translate as you work, but for repeated instructions it is safer to write the converted stitch names beside the abbreviations first.

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