How to Read Crochet Patterns Pt4 | US vs UK terms
Learn the difference – US vs UK crochet terms – to be able to read patterns written in both.
Over the last few years, I’ve grown to adore the British crochet design style – the colors they use, the inspiration for the designs, the yarns they use. I subscribe to a number of crochet magazines and two of my faves are Inside Crochet and Simply Crochet.
What you may not know is that, although the construction of the stitches remains the same, the names for some of them are different between US and UK crochet terminology. And, if you’re not careful, you could end up with a FO that’s completely wonky.
Never fear, my crochet friends! In this installment of “How to Read Crochet Patterns”, you’ll learn the differences, why they exist, and some quick tips to get you to your happy pattern reading place! 😎☀️
Why the difference
The short answer…no one really knows. I know, right?! However, it is surmised that US stitch terms refer to the number of times you move the hook to make the stitch. And, the UK terms refer to the number of loops you have on your hook after you draw a loop through the next stitch.
For example, the single crochet (sc) doesn’t exist in UK terms. That’s because, after you yarn over and draw a loop through the next stitch, you have “2” loops (or a double loop) on your hook, making this stitch a double crochet (dc) in UK terms. It’s a single crochet in US terms because, to complete the stitch, you only need to draw the yarn through both loops on the hook once (a single movement).
Confused? That’s OK. That information was just for fun. Here’s the important stuff.
Terms + Abbreviations that are the same…
ch = chain
sl st or ss (used mostly in the UK) = slip stitch
Terms + Abbreviations that are different…
Other terms you’ll need to know…
Some final tips…
- If single crochet and/or half double crochet stitches are included in the pattern, you should assume that the pattern is in US terms. Or, if you can’t find any reference to single crochet in the pattern but the picture looks like there are some in the finished project, you may very well be looking at a pattern that uses UK terms.
- Don’t forget to check the nationality of the pattern designer. If they reside in the UK or Australia, most likely they will be using UK terms.
- On Ravelry, most pattern descriptions will identify whether it’s US or UK.
- By checking in the back of a book or magazine in the section that shows how stitches are made, you’ll be able to determine whether the double crochet is the US or the UK version.
Have no fear!
If you’ve chosen a pattern that uses terms you aren’t used to working with, take the time to find the terms that are different and change them to the ones you know. For instance, change all of the double crochet to single crochet when converting from UK to US. Don’t try to rely on your memory because you’ll likely forget and start working the wrong stitches. You’ll save yourself a lot of heartache and distress if you change all of the abbreviations to the system that you know. That way the guesswork is gone.
Once you know what to look for, though, you will begin to more easily tell which terms are being used. But be sure to do your homework and research before you get started with a new pattern. You’ll thank me later!!!
Stay tuned for the next installment where I’ll give you all the 411 on gauge and how to get it 😇❤️🌈. And don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook!!!
