US and UK crochet patterns use the same stitch names for different stitches, which is why a project can go wrong fast. The rule is simple: UK terms are one step up from US terms. A US single crochet is a UK double crochet, a US double crochet is a UK treble, and so on. Same yarn, same hook, different words.
Why US and UK crochet terms cause so much trouble
The same word means two different stitches. "Double crochet" is not the same height in US and UK terms. Following the wrong set never throws an error, the fabric just comes out the wrong size and shape, and that is what makes the mix-up so easy to miss until it is too late.
The one-step-up rule
UK stitch names are shifted one step taller than US names. Memorise the anchor and the rest follows: a US single crochet equals a UK double crochet. Every taller stitch moves up by one in the same way.
US to UK crochet conversion chart
The abbreviations stay in English, because those are the words printed in patterns.
| US term (abbr.) | UK term (abbr.) |
|---|---|
| Slip stitch (sl st) | Slip stitch (ss) |
| Single crochet (sc) | Double crochet (dc) |
| Half double crochet (hdc) | Half treble (htr) |
| Double crochet (dc) | Treble (tr) |
| Treble crochet (tr) | Double treble (dtr) |
| Double treble (dtr) | Triple treble (trtr) |
Two more wording differences: US "gauge" is UK "tension", and US "skip" is UK "miss".
How to tell which terms your pattern uses
- If you see "single crochet" or "sc", it is US terms.
- If the smallest stitch is "double crochet" and there is no "sc", it is most likely UK.
- "Gauge" points to US, "tension" points to UK.
- "Skip a stitch" is US, "miss a stitch" is UK.
- If it is not stated, check where the designer is based.
Keep the conversion handy with Knittle
Attach the pattern (PDF, photo or link) in Knittle, add a note at the top with the conversion you need, and keep your row counter on the same project so you never lose your place while you translate in your head. Knittle works the same for a US or a UK pattern, and for knitting or crochet.
