Skip to content
Free International Pattern Translator • No Signup

US ⇄ UK Crochet Terms Converter

Stop ruining your gauge with confusing terminology. Paste any pattern to translate seamlessly between US & UK stitch terms with collision-safe token replacement.

Terminology Mode

UK Terms ➔ US Terms (Recommended)

US vs. UK Crochet Terms Quick Reference

Never confuse DC & SC again
US Term & AbbrUK Term & AbbrStitch Anatomy & Note
Single Crochet (sc)Double Crochet (dc)Standard single height stitch
Half Double Crochet (hdc)Half Treble Crochet (htr)Intermediate height stitch
Double Crochet (dc)Treble Crochet (tr)Standard tall post stitch
Treble Crochet (tr)Double Treble Crochet (dtr)Very tall stitch with 2 yarn-overs
Double Treble Crochet (dtr)Triple Treble Crochet (ttr)Extra tall stitch with 3 yarn-overs
Slip Stitch (sl st)Slip Stitch (ss)Joining and seam stitch (identical move)
Tension (gauge)Tension / Gauge (tension)Stitches per inch/cm measure
Yarn Over (yo)Yarn Round Hook (yrh)Wrapping yarn around hook

Next Step For Your Project

Now that your pattern is in your familiar stitch terminology:

Why Are American and British Crochet Terms Different?

The historical logic behind the terminology divide

If you have ever started a pattern calling for double crochet (dc), worked several inches, and noticed your project came out twice as tall and airy as the designer's photo, you experienced the classic US vs. UK terminology trap.

In British (UK) terminology, stitch names describe how many loops are pulled through when creating the stitch. Because inserting your hook and pulling up a loop creates two loops on your hook, British crafters called this first step a "double crochet".

In American (US) terminology, stitch names describe the physical height and the number of yarn-overs required. The shortest stitch is named the "single crochet". When you wrap the yarn over once before pulling through, you create a "double crochet" (double the height).

The Golden Rule to Remember: A UK stitch is always one step higher in name than its US counterpart. For example, UK Double Crochet = US Single Crochet; UK Treble Crochet = US Double Crochet.

Frequently Asked Questions: US vs. UK Crochet

What is the main difference between US and UK crochet terms? +
The fundamental difference is that UK terms count the loops on your hook before pulling through, whereas US terms describe the physical stitch height (or yarn-overs). As a result, a UK "Double Crochet" (dc) is identical to a US "Single Crochet" (sc), and a UK "Treble" (tr) is identical to a US "Double Crochet" (dc).
Does single crochet exist in UK terminology? +
No, there is no "Single Crochet" stitch in British (UK) crochet terminology. If you see "sc" in a pattern, it is guaranteed to be written in US terms. The shortest standard stitch in UK terminology is the double crochet (dc).
How does this converter prevent double-replacement errors? +
Our converter uses a two-phase tokenization system. In naive search-and-replace, converting UK dc to US sc, and then UK tr to US dc would accidentally turn your original trebles into single crochets. Our engine swaps terms into distinct intermediate tokens first, ensuring 100% mathematical accuracy across your entire pattern.
How do I know whether a crochet pattern is written in US or UK terms? +
Check the stitch list or notes: if the pattern mentions "Single Crochet" (sc), it is in US terms. If it mentions "Double Crochet" (dc) but never mentions single crochet, or uses "yarn round hook" (yrh), it is in UK terms.