Unravelling the mystery of US vs UK crochet terms

Hello, fellow hookers! 🧶 Whether you're a seasoned pro or a crochet newbie, understanding the differences between UK and US crochet terms can be a bit confusing at first. But don't worry – you're not alone! The good news is that once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to switch between the two systems. In this post, we’ll dive into the main differences between UK and US crochet terminology and give you some handy tips on how to navigate them.

Grab your yarn and hook, and let’s get started! 🌸

What’s the Big Difference?

At first glance, UK and US crochet terms might look almost identical, but there’s one big catch: the names of the stitches are different. What the US calls a 'double crochet', the UK calls a 'treble crochet'. Sounds a bit confusing, right? But don’t worry, we’ll break it all down so you can crochet like a pro in any pattern, no matter where it’s from!

Key Differences in Crochet Terms

Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison of some of the most commonly used stitches:

US Term	UK Term
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)

Confused yet? 😅 Let’s take a closer look at what each of these stitches actually means.

1. Single Crochet (US) vs Double Crochet (UK)

• a small, tight stitch, perfect for projects like amigurumi (those adorable little crocheted toys) and dishcloths. It’s the most basic stitch, and you’ll use it often in beginner projects.

• How to: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull throught, yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.

• Top tip: if a pattern doesn't specify whether it's using UK or US terms, if you spot sc in there, it's a dead giveaway as the UK doesn't have a sc stitch :)

2. Half Double Crochet (US) vs Half Treble Crochet (UK)

• a slightly taller stitch than a single crochet but not as tall as a double crochet. It’s great for creating a medium-height fabric that isn’t too stiff.

• How to: yarn over, insert your hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over pull through three loops on your hook.

3. Double Crochet (US) vs Treble Crochet (UK)

• one of the most common stitches in crochet, a taller, looser stitch with a bit more air between each one.

• How to: yarn over, insert your hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through, (three loops on hook), yarn over pull through two loops on hook, yarn over pull through 2 loops on hook.

4. Treble Crochet (US) vs Double Treble Crochet (UK)

• an even taller stitch, perfect for lace patterns and making fabric with more drape.

• How to: yarn over, yarn over (double wrap of yarn at the beginning of the stitch), insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through (four loops on hook), yarn over pull through two loops on hook, yarn over pull through two loops on hook, yarn over pull through two loops on hook.

5. Double Treble Crochet (US) vs Triple Treble Crochet (UK)

• a bit of a mouthful in UK terms, but perfect for creating long loops and the go-to stitch for making dramatic lace designs.

• How to: yarn over, yarn over, yarn over (triple wrap of yarn at the beginning of the stitch), insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through (five loops on hook), yarn over pull through two loops on hook, yarn over pull through two loops on hook, yarn over pull through two loops on hook, yarn over pull through two loops on hook.

  
  

How to Tackle a Pattern Written in a Different Terminology?

If you find yourself with a crochet pattern written in the 'other' language (for example, a US pattern when you're used to UK terms), don't panic! Here’s how you can handle it:

1. Use a Conversion Chart: Keep a conversion chart like the one we shared above handy, or find an app that helps with the conversion.

2. Read Through the Pattern: Sometimes, patterns will provide a 'key' or legend that explains what the terms mean. Always check before you start crocheting.

3. Ask the Community: Crochet communities (like those on Instagram, Ravelry, or Facebook) are full of friendly crafters who’ve probably had the same question you do. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

   
   

Why Do the UK and US Use Different Terms?

Great question! The short answer is… history. When crochet first became popular in both the UK and the US, different methods of describing stitches developed. Over time, each region stuck with its own terminology, and it’s continued that way ever since. So, while it might seem a little quirky, it’s all part of crochet’s rich history and culture.

Final Thoughts

No matter whether you’re using UK or US terms, the important thing is that you’re crocheting! 🧶 Whether you’re working on a cozy blanket, a cute scarf, or a charming amigurumi, understanding these terms will help you dive into any pattern with confidence.

So next time you’re crocheting and you see a pattern with a different terminology, just take a deep breath and remember: it’s all the same beautiful art, just with a few different names.

Happy crocheting, friends! 🌸 Don’t forget to share your projects with us – we’d love to see what you create!

Let me know if you’d like more crochet tips or tricks, and I’ll be happy to help!