Crochet Terminology Cheat Sheet

Hello! I've created another super useful printable for you; a UK/ US terminology cheat sheet. If you've been crocheting for a while, you'll be very used to the concept of UK vs US terms and the pitfalls to avoid when following a crochet pattern! However, if you're newer to crochet this might take a little bit of explaining!

You'd think, with something as universal as yarn and a hook, we'd all be speaking the same language? But oh no! Enter: the glorious and utterly baffling differences between UK and US crochet terminology. Personally, I suspect this was a deliberate ploy by some mischievous imp, designed specifically to drive crocheters the world over to the brink of sanity.

In UK terminology the number of loops on your hook gives the stitch its name, and in US terminology it's the number of yarn overs when pulling up your first loop.

Good crochet patterns should state clearly at the top which terminogy they use, but sadly there are many badly written patterns out there which have not been tech edited. 

Always check which set of terms your pattern is written in before starting. Some may be written in both (most of mine are), some may be written in UK terms with an abbreviations table for US terms (or vice versa). 

Pro tip: If you're unsure which set of terms you're dealing with, look for a htr (UK) or a hdc (US); these two are unique to each system. Finding one of these abbreviations will quickly tell you which set of terms your pattern is written in.

The cheat sheet above has been added to my website for just 99p where you can download it to keep on your phone or print it out for your project bag - whichever is best for you! 

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx