UK vs US crochet terms 

Welcome to the beautiful crochet world, where a few crochet terms make a difference in your project. Unfortunately, it’s right. Crochet is the art through which you transform yarn using crochet hooks to different items such as garments, blankets, and hats. As a beginner, you might need clarification on these terms. Generally, there are two standard terms: British English crochet (UK terms) and American English crochet (US terms). Keep in mind the crocheter follows either of the two. Don’t worry. In this blog, we will assist you in understanding the two terms easily without hassle.

Sound interesting? Let’s read more about it.

What is the difference between US and UK crochet terms?

Whether you use wooden or premium crochet hooks, the patterns and designs you follow are the same. But the only difference is the terms associated with them. For example, UK and US terminologies use the same stitch names, single and double crochet, but indicate different stitches! In the US, single-crochet is double crochet in the UK, while in the US, double crochet is Treble crochet in the UK. Confusing? It is mostly for beginners. It becomes chaotic when you use different names for the same thing.

Let’s look at it in detail. But do you know why there is a difference? Let’s understand the reason behind it. The UK terminology means the number of loops created on your crochet hook, while US terminology refers to the number of yarnovers when you pull up your first loop. For example, a US single crochet means a single yarnover in US terms, but it is two double loops on the hook after pulling up a loop from the stitch in UK double terms. Another example is a US double crochet, which means two yarns over, but in UK crochet terms, it has three yarns over after pulling up the loop, also called treble crochet.

Crochet terms conversion chart

We have explained all the basic stitches in UK crochet terminology and the US stitches beside them. You will easily understand and then apply accordingly.

Moreover, the above table also applies to stitch instructions, like increasing or decreasing the crochet. For example, a US pattern uses ‘sc2tog’ to decrease; in the UK it would be ‘dc2tog’.

We are not through yet; let’s move further.

What about the hook size?

Yes, that’s important to note; in the UK, we use the mm size, while in the US, we use the lettering system.

Check out the chart below for the different crochet hook sizes:

How is the pattern written in the US or UK crochet terms?

Mostly, crochet pattern designers specify whether to follow US or UK terms. Generally, you can see the information in the description, stitch abbreviation, or pattern notes. In case you are not able to locate it, then you can follow a few steps:

• Check the note section carefully, It is the easiest way to find whether the pattern follows US or UK terms.
• Check out the crochet diagram, compare it with the stitch description, and then check the table above.
• Another way is to find the location of the pattern author; Australian patterns generally use UK terminology, whereas Americans normally use US crochet patterns.
• Check out the pattern list. For example, when you check the single crochet, you know it’s a US pattern. The same goes for half treble crochet (htr), which exists in the US but not in the UK pattern.

We hope you understand the terminology, which help you crochet with confidence. It does not matter where you are or what pattern you are using. Lantern Moon offers a wide range of crochet accessories and hooks in individual sizes. You will also get a single-ended crochet hook to create a beautiful pattern.

Do you want to learn garter stitch? Read here to get more information.