US vs UK Crochet Terminology
American and British crochet patterns use identical terms for different stitches. Use this comparative reference table (based on Craft Yarn Council standards) to translate patterns accurately.
How to check which terminology your pattern uses:
Scan the pattern abbreviations. If you see "sc" (single crochet), the pattern is written in US terms. If you see "htr" (half treble), "tr" as a standard stitch without sc, or "miss" instead of skip, it is in UK terms.
| US Terminology | UK Equivalent | Turning Chain | Structural Action & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slip Stitch (sl st) | Slip Stitch (ss / sl st) | 0 ch | Identical across systems; used for joins and moving yarn without adding height. |
| Single Crochet (sc) | Double Crochet (dc) | 1 ch | Most common point of confusion. British patterns have NO single crochet. |
| Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Half Treble Crochet (htr) | 2 ch | Medium height stitch worked with yarn over and pulled through all 3 loops. |
| Double Crochet (dc) | Treble Crochet (tr) | 3 ch | Standard height stitch. In US terms, dc pulls through 2 loops twice; in UK terms, tr is the exact same action. |
| Treble / Triple Crochet (tr) | Double Treble Crochet (dtr) | 4 ch | Yarn over twice before inserting hook; pulls through 2 loops three times. |
| Double Treble Crochet (dtr) | Triple Treble Crochet (trtr) | 5 ch | Yarn over three times before inserting hook; pulls through 2 loops four times. |
| Triple Treble Crochet (trtr) | Quadruple Treble (quad tr) | 6 ch | Rare, very tall stitch used for high-drape lace. |
| Gauge | Tension | — | The term used to describe stitch and row density per 10cm or 4in. |
| Yarn Over (yo) | Yarn Over Hook (yoh) | — | Wrapping the yarn over the shaft of the hook. |
| Skip (sk) | Miss (miss) | — | Leaving a stitch unworked in the row below. |
Turning Chain Rules Across Both Systems
Regardless of whether you follow US or UK terminology, the physical height of crochet stitches dictates the minimum chain elevation needed when turning:
- Single Crochet (US) / Double Crochet (UK): Ch 1. Does not count as a stitch; work the first stitch directly into the very first base stitch.
- Half Double Crochet (US) / Half Treble (UK): Ch 2. In modern patterns, often does not count as a stitch, but always check pattern specific notes.
- Double Crochet (US) / Treble Crochet (UK): Ch 3. Almost universally counts as the first stitch of the row; skip the very first base stitch and work into the second.
- Treble Crochet (US) / Double Treble (UK): Ch 4. Counts as the first stitch.