When you first start crocheting, there are SO many new words, terms, sizes and intricacies to get to grips with.

It’s important to understand some of these differences from the very beginning of your crochet journey, especially when it comes to the differences with US and UK stitch terminology!

So many people have learned to crochet from videos on YouTube which is excellent but can also mean that they don’t know that the same stitches can have different names.

The Basic Crochet Stitch Conversions Chart below shows the names of the most common crochet stitches in UK and US terms with the symbol.

Here’s the good news, the symbols are shared!

Tips for knowing if a Crochet Pattern Uses US or UK terminology

• First of all, check to see if the designer has stated their preferred terminology within the pattern. I use UK terms and state this in my pattern blurb and clearly on the front page. I also provide US terms within my stitch abbreviations.
• Look to see if the pattern is charted. If it is then it should be easy to translate whether the pattern is using US or UK terminology. For instance, if the pattern is using double crochets, that could be a single crochet in US terms or a treble crochet in UK terms! If the chart has the + or X symbol then the pattern is using UK terminology. If the symbol is a tall T with one bar through it, then it is using US terminology.
• If the pattern refers to single crochet (sc) or half double crochet (hdc), then it is definitely in US terms.
• If the pattern refers to half treble crochet (htr), then is is definitely in UK terms.
• If you are still not sure, look for differences in spelling. ‘Colour’ will most likely mean the pattern uses UK terminology and ‘color’ will be US. It’s not a fail-safe option but may offer another hint.
• As you start to get to grips with crocheting the basic stitches, it is worth memorising what each stitch should look and feel like in rows and rounds. This builds up a reference in your memory that can help you easily recognise stitches and understand whether US or UK terminology has been used in the pattern. To better understand the anatomy of some basic crochet stitches I have photo and video tutorials here:
  • Double Crochet (Single Crochet US) video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
  • Half Treble Crochet (Half Double Crochet US) video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
  • Treble Crochet (Double Crochet US) video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.

Free Printable Basic Crochet Stitch Conversion Chart

A present for you. Click here or on the image below for an A4 printable PDF of my Basic Crochet Stitch Conversions Chart.

If you are a beginner crocheter, download and print this PDF and add it to your crochet journal. Being able to quickly refer to this information will speed up your crochet journey.

More Resources for Beginner Crocheters

Let me continue to help your on your wonderful crochet journey with these blog posts:

• Crochet Hook Conversions (UK, US & Canadian)
• My Best Crochet Tips I Wish I Knew 10 Years Ago
• Yarn Over or Yarn Under? Yes It Matters!

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