Important Information when using Crochet Patterns - Be sure to check where the pattern is from so you know what the abbreviations really mean.
The different crochet stitch names
In the English-speaking crochet world, the basic stitches have different names. The differences are usually referred to as UK/US or British/American. Examples of these differences and their usual abbreviations are:
* UK double crochet (DC) = US single crochet (SC)
* UK treble crochet (TR) = US double crochet (DC)
* UK double treble crochet (DTR) = US treble crochet (TR)
* And so on.
The differences between the US and UK crochet terms
UK - Chain Stitch (ch)
US - Chain Stitch (Ch)
How to do it - Hook through, wrap the yarn over the hook and draw the yarn through to form a new loop.
UK - Slip Stitch (sl st)
US - Slip Stitch (Sl st)
How to do it - Insert the hook into the work as indicated, wrap the yarn over the hook, and draw the yarn through the work plus the loop on the hook in one movement.
UK - Double Crochet (dc)
US - Single Crochet (Sc)
How to do it - Insert the hook into the work, yarn over the hook and draw the yarn through the work only, yarn over hook draw the yarn through both loops on the hook.
UK - Half Treble (htr)
US - Half Double Crochet (Hdc)
How to do it - Wrap yarn over hook and insert the hook into the work, yarn over the hook draw through work. Wrap yarn over hook and draw through all 3 loops in the hook.
UK - Treble (tr)
US - Double Crochet (Dc)
How to do it - Wrap yarn over hook and insert the hook into the work, yarn over the hook draw through work. Wrap yarn over hook draw through first 2 loops, then yarn over hook, draw through last two loops.
UK - Double Treble (dtr)
US - Treble (Tr)
How to do it - Wrap the yarn over the hook twice and insert the hook into the work, yarn over hook draw through work. Wrap the yarn over hook, draw through first two loops, yarn over hook draw through next two loops, yarn over hook draw through last two loops.
UK - Miss
US - Skip
How to do it - Do not work the particular stitch.
UK - Tension
US - Gauge
This refers to how lose or tight you crochet your stitches. Some patterns list measurements for a certain number of stitches and/or rows. Crochet a sample and adjust your hook size if required.
Catherine Calder has a range of crochet information at the Learn-to-Crochet website. Whether you want to learn to crochet or just get some lovely vintage crochet patterns.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
