Guide
Crochet Abbreviations: US vs UK Terms Chart
By Notion Creative Art · Updated
Crochet patterns are written in abbreviations, and the same word can mean a different stitch depending on where the pattern was written. The most common mix-up is "double crochet": in US terms it is one stitch, in UK terms it is a smaller, shorter one. Check which terms your pattern uses before you start, and this chart will help you translate.
The one thing to check first
Most patterns say near the top whether they use US or UK terms. If yours does not, look at the stitches used in the first rounds. A pattern with "sc" (single crochet) is almost certainly US. A pattern that starts with "dc" and works a flat round of tight stitches, such as for a toy, may be UK. When in doubt, make a small swatch of the first round and compare it with the picture.
US and UK stitch names
| US term | US abbreviation | UK term | UK abbreviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Skip | skip | Miss | miss |
| Yarn over | yo | Yarn round hook | yrh |
| Gauge | gauge | Tension | tension |
Common abbreviations in any pattern
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| st / sts | stitch / stitches |
| rnd / rnds | round / rounds |
| rep | repeat |
| inc | increase (two stitches in the same stitch) |
| dec | decrease (two stitches worked together) |
| sc2tog | single crochet two stitches together (a decrease) |
| BLO / FLO | back loop only / front loop only |
| MR | magic ring (also called a magic circle) |
| FO | fasten off |
| ( ) | a group of stitches worked into one stitch, or the stitch count at the end of a round |
| * * | repeat the part between the asterisks as many times as the pattern says |
Amigurumi: a few terms worth knowing
- Amigurumi is usually worked in a continuous spiral, so rounds are not joined and you mark the first stitch of each round with a stitch marker.
- An invisible decrease works through the front loops only, which closes shaping without leaving a gap. Many patterns abbreviate it as "inv dec".
- The number in brackets at the end of a round, for example (18), is the total stitches you should have. Count it each round to catch mistakes early.
How our patterns are written
Each pattern states its terms and skill level on its page. If you are new to reading patterns, start with our guide to reading a crochet pattern, then pick a beginner-friendly project from the free crochet patterns or browse amigurumi patterns.
Quick answers
- Is a UK double crochet the same as a US single crochet?
- Yes. The UK double crochet (dc) is the stitch called single crochet (sc) in the US. The UK treble (tr) is the US double crochet (dc).
- What happens if I work a US pattern with UK terms?
- You will work taller stitches than intended and the piece will come out bigger and looser. For amigurumi the stuffing can show through, so confirm the terms before you start.
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