Same stitches, different names — convert crochet terms between US and UK English.
| US Term | Abbr. | UK Term | Abbr. |
|---|
The most common stitch mix-up in crochet is the "single crochet vs double crochet" naming gap: what an American pattern calls a single crochet, a British pattern calls a double crochet. Every stitch further up the height scale shifts by one name too, which can throw off an entire project if you don't catch it early. Always check which system a pattern uses before you start, especially with vintage or international patterns.
Is a UK double crochet the same as a US single crochet?
Yes. What US patterns call "single crochet" (sc), UK patterns call "double crochet" (dc) — same stitch, different name. This is the single most common source of confusion when following a pattern from the other side of the Atlantic.
How can I tell if a pattern is written in US or UK terms?
Check the pattern's abbreviation key or designer notes — most patterns state this upfront. As a clue, if a pattern uses "dc" for the shortest, most common stitch, it's likely UK terms; if "dc" appears alongside taller stitches like "tr" (treble), it's likely US terms.
Do stitch symbols on charts change between US and UK?
No — crochet chart symbols are international and represent the actual stitch structure, not a regional name, so they read the same regardless of whether the written instructions use US or UK terms.