Reference chart
US and UK crochet terms conversion chart
US and UK crochet terms use the same names for different stitches. A US single crochet is a UK double crochet, a US half double crochet is a UK half treble, and a US double crochet is a UK treble. Chain and slip stitch are the same stitches in both systems.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed · Editorial policy
| US term | US abbreviation | UK term | UK abbreviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| chain | ch | chain | ch |
| slip stitch | sl st | slip stitch | ss |
| 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 |
| single crochet 2 together | sc2tog | double crochet 2 together | dc2tog |
| double crochet 2 together | dc2tog | treble crochet 2 together | tr2tog |
| front post double crochet | FPdc | front post treble | FPtr |
| back post double crochet | BPdc | back post treble | BPtr |
| yarn over | yo | yarn over hook / yarn round hook | yoh / yrh |
| skip | sk | miss | — |
| gauge | — | tension | — |
| fasten off | — | fasten off | — |
How can you tell if a crochet pattern uses US or UK terms?
A crochet pattern uses UK terms if it never mentions single crochet or uses half treble and miss. A pattern that includes single crochet or sc always uses US terms, because single crochet does not exist in UK terminology.
Why are US and UK crochet terms different?
US and UK crochet terms differ because each system names stitches by a different loop count. UK names count the loops pulled through after the first insertion, so the shortest post stitch is called double crochet.
How do you convert a pattern from UK to US terms?
Convert a pattern from UK to US terms by stepping each post stitch name down one height.
- Replace every UK treble (tr) with US double crochet (dc).
- Replace every UK half treble (htr) with US half double crochet (hdc).
- Replace every UK double crochet (dc) with US single crochet (sc).
- Change miss to skip and tension to gauge.
Source and method: Terminology reflects standard US and UK crochet conventions used by pattern publishers and yarn companies. Abbreviations can vary slightly between designers; always read the pattern's abbreviation key.
Frequently asked questions
Is a UK double crochet the same as a US single crochet?
Yes. A UK double crochet (dc) is the same stitch as a US single crochet (sc).
Is chain the same in UK and US terms?
Yes. Chain (ch) is identical in both systems.
What is a UK treble in US terms?
A UK treble (tr) is a US double crochet (dc).