Easy Way To Navigating UK and US Crochet Terminology
Wait—Why Are There Two Kinds of Crochet Terms?
You just found the perfect pattern. You're ready to dive in and then confusion hits.
What the heck is a “double crochet” supposed to be?!
Is it tall? Short? Should it look like the one in your book—or the one in that video? Because they’re not the same.
It's that nobody told you there are two completely different crochet languages—UK and US—and they use the same names for totally different stitches.
So if you've been wondering why your rows don’t match the photo, it’s not your tension, it’s not your yarn, and it’s definitely not your fault.
It’s one of those, essential crochet basics that no one warns you about when you're starting out.
We're break it all down, so you can get back to the fun part—actually making something beautiful.
Crochet Basics
Differences: UK vs. US Crochet Terms
You wouldn’t think a simple word like double could cause so much confusion, would you?
When you pick up a pattern from a UK designer and see “double crochet,” it doesn’t mean what you might think if you learned from a US-based YouTube video or book. In the UK, a “double crochet” (dc) is actually what Americans call a “single crochet” (sc).
Same name, totally different move.
Let’s break it down.
In UK terminology:
A double crochet (dc) is a short, tight little stitch.
A treble (tr) is taller and has more loops involved.
In US terms:
A single crochet (sc) is short and tight—same stitch as the UK dc.
A double crochet (dc) is taller—same as the UK treble.
It’s almost like they’re always one name apart.
That’s the golden rule here: UK stitches are usually one step “taller” in name than their US counterparts. Keep that in your back pocket, and it’ll save you from frogging (that’s unraveling, in crochet speak) an entire project.
Learning the terminology isn’t just helpful—it’s one of the most important crochet basics you can master if you want to follow patterns from around the world.
Conversion Chart: Stitch Equivalents
Imagine you're working on a UK pattern that says, "Make 20 dc into the ring." If you're used to US terms, you might be doing 20 tall double crochets. But what you should be doing is 20 tight little single crochets.
Before you know it, the shape is off, the size is wonky, and the stitch count doesn't make sense.
That’s why having a chart makes all the difference. And if you're serious about learning your crochet basics, referring to this chart regularly will become second nature.
More about crochet basics: Check out the Crochet Stitch Dictionary
Beyond Stitches: Other Terminological Differences
The stitch names are the big one, but they’re not the only place UK and US patterns part ways. There are sneaky little differences hiding in the details—like whispering voices in a crowded room. You might not notice them right away, but once you do, you can’t unhear them.
Here’s where else things can trip you up:
Yarn Over (US) vs. Yarn Over Hook (UK)
They mean the same thing. But when you’re reading the instructions and it says “yoh,” you might hesitate. It’s a pause, a moment of mental friction. Now you know—same motion, just a different way of saying it.Skip (US) vs. Miss (UK)
This one’s especially tricky when working into chains. “Skip the next chain” in a US pattern is “miss the next chain” in the UK. Feels a bit more polite, doesn’t it?Gauge (US) vs. Tension (UK)
This difference is less about what you do and more about how it sounds. “Gauge” feels scientific. “Tension” feels emotional. But both refer to the same thing: how tight or loose your stitches are, and whether your piece will come out the size it’s supposed to.Hooks:
US hooks are labeled with letters (like G, H, I) and sometimes millimeters. UK hooks almost always stick to millimeters. So a US “H” hook is a UK 5mm.These are the types of subtle shifts that make crochet basics feel a little like a secret code. But once you know the signals, you’re in the club.
Crochet Hook Conversion Chart
Identifying Pattern Origins
Now here's something counterintuitive—just because a designer is from the UK doesn’t mean they used UK terms. And just because a pattern is on a US-based website doesn’t guarantee it’s in US terms.
That’s why pattern designers should always state what terms they’re using. But not all of them do. So how can you tell?
Here are some quick ways to play pattern detective:
Look for the phrase “single crochet.”
If you see it, you’re in US territory. UK patterns don’t use that term—it doesn’t exist in their system.Check the spelling.
If it says “colour,” “fibre,” or “centre,” you’re likely looking at a UK or Commonwealth source. But don’t take this as gospel—some designers mix and match their language and terminology.Scan the About Page.
Sometimes just knowing where the designer lives gives you context. An Australian or New Zealander is more likely to use UK terms than US.Pattern previews or stitch tutorials.
Many designers include photo tutorials or videos. If the video shows them doing a yarn-over-pull-through-two twice, you’re probably looking at a US double crochet. If it’s once, you’re likely in the UK.
Identifying origin is one of those sneaky little crochet basics that gets easier the more you do it.
New to crochet? You might find this useful:
10 Best Crochet Books for Beginners
7 Types of the Best Yarn for Crochet Beginners
Learn to Crochet: 5 Skillshare Classes to Master the Basics
How to Do a Single Crochet
Practical Tips for Crocheters
Let’s talk about what you can do to avoid the confusion, and keep your hook moving smoothly.
1. Check the terms before you start
Right at the top of the pattern—pause. Breathe. Look for “Terminology: UK” or “Terminology: US.” If it’s not listed, flip through and look for stitch names like "sc" or "tr." Clarity here means fewer headaches later.
2. Keep a conversion chart close
Stick it in your project journal. Tape it to your yarn bin. Bookmark it in your phone. This one tool will save you hours of second-guessing.
3. Make a test swatch
We know, swatches can feel boring. But a tiny square can tell you a lot—like whether your stitches are matching the photo, and whether the tension (aka gauge) is on point. Bonus: it’s a good way to switch gears if you're feeling stuck or frustrated.
4. Use stitch markers and notes
Especially when switching between patterns in different terminologies. Mark the first row, label your stitches, write a quick reminder: "This dc = sc in US terms." Little notes like that can act like trail markers through a dense forest.
5. Practice both versions
It sounds wild, but learning both systems makes you a more versatile crocheter. You won’t just be following patterns—you’ll be understanding them. And that kind of confidence changes everything.
When you're building your foundation of crochet basics, this adaptability becomes your superpower.
Let me know when you're ready for the introduction and conclusion! Want me to include a printable version of this article or a visual chart for Pinterest too?
Mastering Crochet Basics: One Stitch at a Time
Understanding the difference between UK and US crochet terms might feel overwhelming at first—but it’s one of the most empowering crochet basics you can learn. The more you work with patterns from different places, the more intuitive it all becomes. And before long, you’ll be flipping between terms like a pro, with total confidence in your stitches.
So next time you pick up a pattern, pause and ask: “Which side of the crochet pond am I on?”
That one moment of awareness can save you hours of confusion and help you build projects that truly match your vision.
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Happy crocheting!
What’s Next?
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square you master. The fan stitch you've just learned works beautifully as a standalone design element or as part of a larger project.
Don't forget to block your finished square before adding it to your collection, and we'd love to hear in the comments below if you found any special rhythm while working the fan repeats!
Happy crocheting until next week!
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Feeling stuck between UK and US crochet terms? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. This guide breaks down one of the most overlooked crochet basics: the confusing stitch name switch between British and American patterns. Get clarity, skip the frustration, and get back to the fun part—actually crocheting.