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🧶 Crochet Data Dictionary: US vs. UK Terms & Abbreviations
Crochet patterns often use abbreviations to make instructions easier to follow. However, it’s important to note that US and UK terms differ, even when the abbreviations look the same. Below is a complete reference:
🧡 Why This Matters?
Many patterns online or in books might use either US or UK terms. Always check the terminology at the start of the pattern—or refer to this page! Understanding both versions empowers you to follow any pattern worldwide.
📌 Stitch Abbreviations & Definitions
| Full Term | US Abbreviation | UK Abbreviation | US Term Equivalent | UK Term Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain | ch | ch | Same | Same |
| Slip Stitch | sl st | ss | Slip Stitch | Slip Stitch |
| Single Crochet | sc | dc | Single Crochet | Double Crochet |
| Half Double Crochet | hdc | htr | Half Double Crochet | Half Treble Crochet |
| Double Crochet | dc | tr | Double Crochet | Treble Crochet |
| Treble Crochet | tr | dtr | Treble Crochet | Double Treble Crochet |
| Double Treble Crochet | dtr | ttr | Double Treble | Triple Treble |
| Triple Treble Crochet | trtr | qtr | Triple Treble | Quadruple Treble |
| Half Treble Crochet | N/A | htr | N/A | Half Treble Crochet |
| Yarn Over | yo | yrn | Yarn Over | Yarn Round Needle |
| Stitch | st | st | Same | Same |
| Skip | sk | miss | Skip | Miss |
| Repeat | rep | rep | Same | Same |
| Round | rnd | rnd | Same | Same |
| Fasten Off | FO | FO | Same | Same |
| Finish Off | N/A | N/A | Fasten Off | Fasten Off |
🧵 Crochet Techniques Abbreviations
| Technique/Instruction | US/UK Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Right Side | RS | The front of the work |
| Wrong Side | WS | The back of the work |
| Work Even | None | Continue pattern without increasing or decreasing |
| Together | tog | Combine two or more stitches into one |
| Increase | inc | Add stitches by working more than one stitch in the same space |
| Decrease | dec | Reduce the number of stitches |
| Front Post (Double) | fpdc | Stitch worked around the front post of the previous row |
| Back Post (Double) | bpdc | Stitch worked around the back post of the previous row |
| Cluster | cl | Group of stitches worked together in one stitch |
| Puff Stitch | puff | Several yarn overs drawn together |
| Bobble Stitch | bobble | Cluster-like stitch that forms a raised bump |
| Picot | picot | Small decorative loop |
| Magic Ring / Circle | MR / MC | Adjustable ring to start in the round |
| Turn | turn | Change direction of work |
| Work in Back Loop Only | BLO | Work only in the back loop of the stitch |
| Work in Front Loop Only | FLO | Work only in the front loop of the stitch |
📐 Common Measurement & Tools Abbreviations
| Term | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Centimeter | cm | Metric measurement |
| Inch | in | Imperial measurement |
| Gauge | none | Number of stitches/rows per inch or cm |
| Hook Size (US) | B–Q | Letter-based sizing |
| Hook Size (Metric) | mm | Millimeter sizing |
| Yarn Weight | varies | Lace, Fingering, DK, Worsted, Bulky, etc. |
🌎 Bonus: Quick US–UK Stitch Conversion Table
| US Term | UK Equivalent |
|---|---|
| sc (single crochet) | dc (double crochet) |
| hdc | htr |
| dc (double crochet) | tr (treble crochet) |
| tr | dtr |
| dtr | ttr |
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DB Crafting
I’ve found a wonderful inspiration ideas here. The ideas are fantastic! Thank you!
Craft with Emma