US ↔ UK stitch terms
Same stitches, different names—sc vs dc, tr vs dtr, post stitches, and common decreases.
Before you convert: check whether the pattern states US or UK terms (often on the first page). A lone "dc" is US double or UK treble depending on the system—this table maps the stitch motion, not the abbreviation in isolation.
US
Chain
ch
UK
Chain
ch
US
Slip stitch
sl st
UK
Slip stitch
sl st
US
Yarn over
yo
UK
Yarn over
yoh / yo
UK patterns often write “yoh” (yarn over hook).
US
Single crochet
sc
UK
Double crochet
dc
Most common mix-up: US sc = UK dc.
US
Half double crochet
hdc
UK
Half treble
htr
US
Double crochet
dc
UK
Treble
tr
US
Treble crochet
tr
UK
Double treble
dtr
US “triple” is often abbreviated tr.
US
Double treble crochet
dtr
UK
Triple treble
trtr
Naming varies; also seen as ttr.
US
Single crochet 2 together
sc2tog
UK
Double crochet 2 together
dc2tog
US
Double crochet 2 together
dc2tog
UK
Treble 2 together
tr2tog
US
Half double crochet 2 together
hdc2tog
UK
Half treble 2 together
htr2tog
US
Front post double crochet
fpdc
UK
Front post treble
fptr
US
Back post double crochet
bpdc
UK
Back post treble
bptr
| US term | Abbr. | UK term | Abbr. | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain | ch | Chain | ch | — |
| Slip stitch | sl st | Slip stitch | sl st | — |
| Yarn over | yo | Yarn over | yoh / yo | UK patterns often write “yoh” (yarn over hook). |
| Single crochet | sc | Double crochet | dc | Most common mix-up: US sc = UK dc. |
| Half double crochet | hdc | Half treble | htr | — |
| Double crochet | dc | Treble | tr | — |
| Treble crochet | tr | Double treble | dtr | US “triple” is often abbreviated tr. |
| Double treble crochet | dtr | Triple treble | trtr | Naming varies; also seen as ttr. |
| Single crochet 2 together | sc2tog | Double crochet 2 together | dc2tog | — |
| Double crochet 2 together | dc2tog | Treble 2 together | tr2tog | — |
| Half double crochet 2 together | hdc2tog | Half treble 2 together | htr2tog | — |
| Front post double crochet | fpdc | Front post treble | fptr | — |
| Back post double crochet | bpdc | Back post treble | bptr | — |
For sizing math, use pattern grading or the gauge calculator. Looking for a project? Browse free tutorials.
US and UK crochet terms use the same fabric language with different names. A US single crochet (sc) is a UK double crochet (dc); a US double crochet (dc) is a UK treble (tr). Mixing systems is one of the most common reasons a pattern “doesn’t look right.”
This free converter lists common stitches, post stitches, and decreases so you can search either side of the table and keep abbreviations consistent while you work—or while you rewrite a pattern for another audience.
How to convert US and UK crochet terms
- Identify which system your pattern uses (often stated in the intro, or implied by “dc” meaning a taller stitch in UK patterns).
- Search or scan the table for the abbreviation you see, then read the equivalent on the other side.
- Update your notes or annotated pattern so every stitch uses one system only.
- For mystery fabric photos, try the stitch identifier tool after you know which naming system you prefer.
Avoiding US/UK mix-ups
- If a “dc” fabric looks like dense single crochet, the pattern is probably UK terms.
- Charts and symbol diagrams are often clearer than text when terms conflict—pair this converter with a stitch key.
- When publishing patterns, state “US terms” or “UK terms” near the materials list.
Frequently asked questions
- Is UK double crochet the same as US double crochet?
- No. UK double crochet (dc) equals US single crochet (sc). US double crochet (dc) equals UK treble (tr).
- Does this cover every regional term?
- It focuses on the most common US/UK stitch names and decreases. Specialty or brand-specific shorthand may still need the pattern’s own glossary.
- Is the converter free?
- Yes—free, no account required. It lives alongside other OpenCrochet calculators and tutorials.
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