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Crochet · All levelsCrochet abbreviations, US and UK terms side by side
US and UK crochet patterns use the same stitches under different names: a US single crochet (sc) is a UK double crochet (dc), a US half double (hdc) is a UK half treble (htr), and a US double (dc) is a UK treble (tr). Check which terms a pattern uses before you start; a pattern that mentions "sc" is US.
Stitch names: US and UK
| US term | US abbr. | UK term | UK abbr. |
|---|---|---|---|
| chain | ch | chain | ch |
| slip stitch | sl st | slip stitch | ss |
| single crochet | sc | double crochet | dc |
| half double crochet | hdc | half treble crochet | htr |
| double crochet | dc | treble crochet | tr |
| treble crochet | tr | double treble crochet | dtr |
| double treble crochet | dtr | triple treble crochet | trtr |
| skip | sk | miss | — |
| yarn over | yo | yarn round hook | yrh |
| gauge | — | tension | — |
The stitch heights are the same; only the names move up one step in UK terms.
Other abbreviations you will meet
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| beg | beginning |
| blo / flo | back loop only / front loop only |
| ch-sp | chain space: the gap under a chain |
| dec | decrease (work two stitches together into one) |
| inc | increase (work two stitches into the same stitch) |
| invdec | invisible decrease, worked in front loops only |
| MR | magic ring (adjustable ring) |
| pm | place marker |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| RS / WS | right side / wrong side |
| sc2tog | single crochet two together (a US decrease) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| tch | turning chain |
| ( ) or [ ] | work everything inside as a group, or repeat it the number of times given |
| * | repeat from here |
Reading a line of pattern
Rnd 2: [2 sc in next st] 6 times. (12 sts) means: in round 2, work two single crochets into each of the
next six stitches. The number at the end is how many stitches you should have, which is the easiest way to
catch a mistake early.
Common questions
How do I tell if a crochet pattern uses US or UK terms?
Look for "sc" (single crochet): it exists only in US terms. UK patterns have no single crochet, so a pattern that starts with dc and never mentions sc is usually UK. Many designers also say which terms they use at the top of the pattern.
What does "rep from * to end" mean?
Repeat the instructions that come after the asterisk until you reach the end of the row or round.
What is the difference between "sk" and "miss"?
Nothing: both mean skip the next stitch. "Sk" is the US abbreviation and "miss" is the UK word.
Updated 5 November 2026.