UK vs US Crochet Terminology: A Tale of Two Hooks

Have you been happily crocheting away making up a gorgeous pattern that you purchased to discover rows in that you are using the wrong stitches?  Has the UK vs US terminology caught you out?  Well you are definitely not alone, it happens to us all!

Crocheting is a timeless craft enjoyed by millions across the globe. Yet, for beginners—and even seasoned stitchers venturing across borders—it can come with a confusing twist: the same stitch name can mean completely different things depending on whether you’re using UK or US crochet terminology. Understanding the difference isn't just helpful—it's essential to avoid unraveling hours of hard work.

But how did this divergence happen? And why is one person's double crochet another’s single? Let's unravel the story.

A Brief History of Crochet

Crochet, as we know it today, traces its modern form back to 19th-century Europe. Although there are earlier examples of looped textiles (like nalbinding in Scandinavia or tambour embroidery in Asia), crochet emerged in the 1800s as a distinct craft in France, Ireland, and Britain. Its rise was partly fueled by Queen Victoria’s support for Irish crochet lace, which became a source of income during the Irish Potato Famine.

 

The word crochet itself comes from the French word for “hook”—croche. As the craft spread through Europe and eventually to the United States, stitch techniques evolved. However, while the stitches remained largely the same, the names didn’t.

Why the Terminology Split?

The key difference lies not in how stitches are made, but in how they are named.

When crochet crossed the Atlantic to America in the 19th century, American pattern writers began developing their own standards. British crocheters named stitches based on the number of loops or yarn-overs involved, while American crocheters often named stitches based on their height or appearance.

Over time, these regional conventions became codified into two distinct systems. So while the actual stitches are often identical, the terms used to describe them are not—which can cause major confusion if you don't realise which terminology you're working with.

Side-by-Side Comparison: UK vs US Terms

Here’s a cheat sheet for the most common crochet stitches:

A pattern written in UK terms might say "2dc into the next st", but if you're used to US terminology, you'd end up working two single crochets instead of two double crochets—resulting in a significantly shorter stitch.

 

Telling the Difference in Patterns

Many modern crochet patterns clearly state which terminology they use at the beginning. For example:

"Pattern is written in UK terms."
or
"This pattern uses US crochet terminology."

If there’s no mention, you can often tell by looking at the stitch instructions or even the designer's location. Here’s a tip: If the pattern includes a “single crochet” (sc), it’s using US terms, since UK crochet doesn’t use that term at all.

Globalisation and the Push Toward Clarity

As online communities and digital pattern sharing have grown, so has the awareness of these differences. Today, many pattern designers—especially on platforms like Ravelry or Etsy—offer both versions of a pattern or use clear conversion charts to accommodate international crafters.

Image belongs to KaperCrochet

 

There’s even a gentle movement in crochet circles to adopt more universal terminology, though tradition runs deep, and both systems remain widely used.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re following a YouTube tutorial from a UK designer or working from a vintage American pattern, understanding the difference in crochet terms can save you hours of confusion. Always check the terminology, keep a conversion chart handy, and don’t hesitate to swatch-test a new pattern before diving in.

Crochet may be divided by terminology, but it’s united by creativity, community, and the joy of stitching something by hand. No matter which side of the terminology fence you’re on—hook on!