The Ultimate Guide to Crochet Terminology for Beginners

 

Photo by Oscar Helgstrand on Unsplash

The first and most important thing to note, is that crochet terminology varies, depending on the region your pattern is from. Let me explain. All English patterns will use either US Terminology or UK Terminology.

Whether you are reading a free pattern, a paid pattern or a pattern book, there will always be a section, usually near the start of the book or at the top of the pattern, which says whether the pattern you are reading uses US or UK terminology.

Let’s look at those two sets of terms a little more closely. What is the real difference between US and UK terminology? There are so many crocheters who are unable to understand US terminology so only use patterns with UK terms, and visa versa.

Personally, I did not want to limit my pattern choices to only one half. So I learnt both variations, and I am here today to tell you about the main differences between US and UK terms, so that you too can reach your full crocheting potential.

Let’s start with the US terms as they are the most common.

The main stitches you will see as a beginner are:

Beg – Beginning

Ch – Chain Stitch

Mc – Magic Circle

Sl st – Slip Stitch

Sk – Skip

Yo – Yarn Over

Sm – Stitch Marker

Sc – Single Crochet

Hdc – Half Double Crochet

Dc – Double Crochet

Inc – Increase

Dec – Decrease

*to* - Repeat from * to *

2sc – 2 Sc in the same hole. *This can occur with any stitch and any number (2sc, 2dc, 4hdc etc)

Sc2tog – Single crochet 2 together. This will sometime be written like this and other times it will just say dec (decrease). *Again the stitch at the beginning is interchangeable (sc2tog, dc2tog etc).

Crocheting 2 stitches together is a standard decrease method.

These are the basic stitches you will come across in any beginner crochet pattern. Every now and then you will come across a slightly more complex stitch but any pattern that is written well will explain how to complete that stitch.

I know you are probably a little daunted by all the terms being thrown your way at the moment but it will be ok, I promise!

Now, let’s have a look at UK terminology and I will give you a second to see if you can see the most glaring difference. 

The main stitches you will see as a beginner are:

Beg - Beginning

Ch – Chain Stitch

Mc – Magic Circle

Sl st – Slip Stitch

Sk – Skip

Yo – Yarn Over

Sm – Stitch Marker

Dc – Double Crochet

Htc – Half Treble Crochet

Tc – Treble Crochet

Inc – Increase

Dec – Decrease

*to* - Repeat from * to *

2dc – 2 dc in the same hole. *This can occur with any stitch and any number (2dc, 2tc, 4htc etc)

Dc2tog – Double crochet 2 together. This will sometime be written like this and other times it will just say dec (decrease). *Again the stitch at the beginning is interchangeable (dc2tog, tc2tog etc).

Crocheting 2 stitches together is a standard decrease method.

Have you worked out the difference yet? 

Let me give you another chance, take a look at this visual.

That's right! A US single crochet is actually a DOUBLE CROCHET in UK terms and a US double Crochet is called a Treble Crochet in UK patterns. I know That seems super confusing but I promise there is a quick and easy way to tell what terminology your pattern uses, even if it isn't listed.

Every single pattern you read, no matter the language, SHOULD have a key, that is it should have a section right at the top tat breaks down all the stitches that are used in the pattern. If you look at that key and you see SINGLE CROCHET listed then you know straight away that your pattern uses US terminology, because we know now, from all the information above, that there is NO single crochet in UK terminology! 

How easy is that! Now if the pattern does not use any single crochet stitches it is a little harder to tell but not impossible. You can see if Treble Crochet is listed at all, if it is, the pattern is using UK terms as there is no Treble Crochet in US terminology. You can also try looking for Double Crochet but you need to remember that Double Crochet is the single most confusing term in US and UK terms as it is used in both but refers to a different stitch in each.

If it really comes down to it and there is nothing stating what your pattern terminology is, your last sure fire way to know is by crocheting a swatch. Most patterns will have a swatch with measurements listed, so that you can make sure you are using the correct tension. Pick one of the sets of terms and crochet the swatch. If you are using the wrong terminology it will either be too big or too small and this will give you your answer!

Crochet is a beautiful craft and you can create some truly amazing things. If you are beginning on your crochet journey then you are in for a fun time getting lost in the sea of wonderful creations. Hopefully now you can do that feeling confident that you will be able to read any patterns you find!

Until next time,

Mel x