Understanding US vs UK Crochet: Stitches, Hooks & Terms

Crocheting is already a craft full of symbols, abbreviations, and regional quirks. When you add in differences between US and UK crochet terminology and hook sizing, things can get confusing fast.

This guide helps you navigate those naming differences, convert your hook sizes, and feel confident when following any pattern — whether it uses US or UK terminology.

Hook Sizes: US, UK & Metric

One of the first things you’ll run into is hook size confusion. US patterns typically use numbered hooks (like H-8, I-9), while UK or European patterns generally use metric sizes (measured in millimeters).

Having a hook conversion chart handy can save you from starting a project with the “wrong” tool. Always double-check that your hook choice matches the pattern’s intended size — especially when converting between US and UK standards.

A good rule of thumb is that the UK or European patterns use metric hook sizes (in mm) and US patterns use numbered sizes.

Here are some of the most-used crochet hook sizes in the US and UK sizes.

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Stitch Names: Same Stitch, Different Names

Here’s a key thing: the stitches themselves don’t change — just their names. For example, the stitch called double crochet in US terms is called treble in UK terms.

Once you know which convention a pattern follows, you can either keep a quick “translation chart” at hand or mark up your printed pattern so you don’t forget which stitch is which mid-project.

Here is a list of the most common crochet stitches and their UK and US names 

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Turning Chains: What to Watch For

Turning chains are the extra chains at the start of a new row to bring your yarn up to the proper height before continuing.

Because US and UK stitches have different relative heights, the number of chain stitches you’ll use for turning also changes. For example:

• In US, a row of double crochet typically uses 3 turning chains.

• In UK, that same stitch (called treble) also uses 3 chains.

Make sure to check whether your pattern states “turning chain counts as a stitch” — that detail can affect your stitch count later on.

Here’s a table to make it much easier!

Turning Chain Conversion (US ↔ UK)

Typical starting chains for common stitches. Always check whether the turning chain counts as a stitch in your pattern.

US Stitch (abbr)	UK Stitch (abbr)	Typical Turning Chain	Counts as Stitch?
Slip stitch (sl st)	Slip stitch (sl st)	— (sometimes ch 1 to step up)	No
Single crochet (sc)	Double crochet (dc)	ch 1	Usually no (varies)
Half double crochet (hdc)	Half treble (htr)	ch 2	Usually yes (varies)
Double crochet (dc)	Treble (tr)	ch 3	Usually yes
Treble (tr)	Double treble (dtr)	ch 4	Usually yes
Double treble (dtr)	Triple treble (trtr)	ch 5	Usually yes

✨ Tip: If your edges pull or flare, adjust the turning chain or whether it counts as the first stitch and swatch again.

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These “turning chains” are the stitches at the end or beginning of the row that ensures that your first stitches are the same height as the other stitches in the row.

For example, if you’re working a filet crochet piece, you will need to add three chain stitches after working the last stitch of the row. These stitches will count as the first double crochet/treble stitch of the following row.

A pattern will also tell you when turning chains count as a stitch and when they do not.

Reading Crochet Charts Across Terminology

The great thing about crochet charts is that you don’t necessarily need to understand the language that the written pattern is in to be able to follow the chart! If a pattern includes a chart (symbol chart or graph), the symbols often stay consistent across US/UK patterns. That means even if the written terms are different, you can follow the chart visually — and then match symbol to stitch name based on which convention the pattern uses.

Charts give you a visual map of stitch placement, which is especially helpful when working patterns with repeating motifs or complicated shaping.

Charts can also help you to double-check where you are in a pattern, as the stitch symbols in the graph or drawn pattern show exactly where each stitch must be placed.

Take a look at this table with its symbols and the corresponding stitch that should be made for each of the symbols on the charted pattern:

Crochet Symbols on Charts and What They Mean

Symbols with US and UK stitch names (correct orientation and bar counts).

Symbol	US Crochet Stitch	UK Crochet Stitch
	Slip stitch	Slip stitch
	Chain stitch	Chain stitch
	Single crochet	Double crochet
	Half double crochet	Half treble
	Double crochet	Treble
	Treble	Double treble

✨ Note: Some designers vary symbol styles. Always check your pattern’s legend.

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Once you understand how charts work, they’re easy to follow. Each symbol represents a stitch—for example, four chain stitch symbols in a row mean you’ll make four chains.

The pattern will show the direction and order of each row, so just start at Row 1 and follow the symbols as you go, working either back and forth or in the round.

For large or repetitive patterns, mark your place with a pencil or highlighter so you don’t lose track if you take a break.

Tips for reading and understanding US and UK crochet patterns

• Before you start, make sure which type of pattern it is — a US pattern or a UK pattern. Most of the world uses UK crochet terms, or will state on the pattern which ones they use.
• Double check that you’re using the correct size hook for the project and for the yarn that you’re working with.
• Read through the whole pattern before you start to make sure that you know which stitches will be used. You can then make your own US/UK chart to keep with the pattern. This will help even the most experienced crocheter to remember when to work a treble as a double crochet, for example.

FAQs (for AEO)

Q: Is US “single crochet” the same as UK “double crochet”?
No — US single crochet (sc) is usually the same term in UK. But when you see “double crochet (US),” the equivalent in UK is called treble (tr).

Q: Do hook sizes differ between US and UK terms?
Yes. US uses letter/number naming, while UK/European systems use metric (mm) measurements. Always refer to a conversion chart when working between systems.

Q: Can I mix US-term stitches with UK charts?
Yes — charts are mostly universal in symbols. Just use the correct stitch names (US or UK) as indicated by your pattern’s convention.

Q: Will using the wrong turning chain ruin my work?
It can alter your stitch count or edge alignment. Always check whether the pattern expects turning chains to count as a stitch or not.

Final Thoughts

Once you internalize the differences between US and UK crochet terms, reading any pattern becomes much less intimidating. Keep a conversion chart handy, annotate your patterns, and don’t hesitate to preview a few rows before diving in.