Same words, different stitches. Here's the chart, the tells, the history, and the way to stop converting forever.
By Susi, founder of Crochets · left-handed since day one · updated September 2026
A double crochet in a UK pattern and a double crochet in a US pattern are different stitches. The UK dc is the US single crochet; the US dc is the UK treble. Follow the wrong system and every row comes out the wrong height — your hat becomes a bucket, your blanket a doormat.
| US | UK |
|---|---|
| chain (ch) | chain (ch) |
| 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 (tr) | double treble (dtr) |
| double treble (dtr) | triple treble (trtr) |
| skip (sk) | miss |
| gauge | tension |
| yarn over (yo) | yarn over hook (yoh) |
Memory trick: UK names are one step taller. Whatever the US calls it, the UK calls it the next stitch up. Paste any pattern into the converter to switch systems automatically.
Both traditions named stitches by counting — but counted different things. US names count the yarn-overs made before inserting the hook ('single' = none, 'double' = one, 'treble' = two). UK names count the total pull-throughs to finish the stitch. Both are logical; they just started from different places in the 1800s, and print patterns locked the difference in place.
The terminology split extends to hardware. US hook sizes are letters (H, I, J); UK sizes are numbers that run backwards (UK 6 = 5 mm, UK 3 = 6.5 mm). Yarn weight names also differ: US 'worsted' ≈ UK 'aran', US 'sport' ≈ UK '4-ply/light DK', US 'fingering' ≈ UK '4-ply'. See the hook size chart for the full mapping.
Pick one system and stick to it — most people choose the one their favourite designers use. Convert incoming patterns once (the converter takes seconds), or use an app that translates on the fly. In Crochets, you set US or UK once and every stitch, lesson and written pattern displays your terms — including patterns you design yourself.
Yes. Same stitch, different name. The UK dc = US sc; the US dc = UK tr.
The UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa mostly use UK terms. The US, Canada and most of Asia use US terms.
Only the stitch names and 'skip/miss'. Stitch counts, rows and shaping stay identical. A converter tool does it in one click.
Both — you choose once in settings and everything, including the stitch dictionary and your own designs, shows your terms.
Crochets shows every stitch, lesson and pattern in US or UK terms — your choice — and converts patterns you paste in.
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