When it comes to crochet, the **United States (U.S.)** and **United Kingdom (U.K.)** use different terminology to describe the same stitches. This can be confusing when following a pattern from a different country. To help you navigate these differences, here’s a comprehensive list of crochet abbreviations and terms used in the U.S. and U.K. so you can confidently work with patterns from either region.
Comprehensive List of Crochet Abbreviations and Term Differences
Abbreviation | U.S. Term | U.K. Term |
ch | Chain | Chain |
sc | Single Crochet | Double Crochet |
hdc | Half Double Crochet | Half Treble Crochet |
dc | Double Crochet | Treble Crochet |
tr | Treble Crochet | Double Treble Crochet |
dtr | Double Treble Crochet | Triple Treble Crochet |
sl st | Slip Stitch | Slip Stitch |
ch sp | Chain Space | Chain Space |
sp | Space | Space |
rep | Repeat | Repeat |
sk | Skip | Skip |
inc | Increase | Increase |
dec | Decrease | Decrease |
beg | Beginning | Beginning |
foll | Following | Following |
yo (or yoh) | Yarn Over | Yarn Over Hook |
bp | Back Post | Back Post |
fp | Front Post | Front Post |
bpdc | Back Post Double Crochet | Back Post Treble Crochet |
fpdc | Front Post Double Crochet | Front Post Treble Crochet |
bpsc | Back Post Single Crochet | Back Post Double Crochet |
fpsc | Front Post Single Crochet | Front Post Double Crochet |
bp hdc | Back Post Half Double Crochet | Back Post Half Treble Crochet |
fp hdc | Front Post Half Double Crochet | Back Post Half Treble Crochet |
picot | Small Decorative Loop | Small Decorative Loop |
tog | Together (used for decreases | Together |
cl | Cluster | Cluster |
bl | Back Loop | Back Loop |
fl | Front Loop | Front Loop |
blo | Back Loop Only | Back Loop Only |
flo | Front Loop Only | Front Loop Only |
tch | Turning Chain | Turning Chain |
fptr | Front Post Treble Crochet | Front Post Double Treble Crochet |
bptr | Back Post Treble Crochet | Back Post Double Treble Crochet |
trtr | Triple Treble Crochet | Quadruple Treble Crochet |
dtrtr | Double Triple Treble Crochet | Quintuple Treble Crochet |
sc2tog | Single Crochet 2 Together (Decrease) | Double Crochet 2 Together |
dc2tog | Double Crochet 2 Together (Decrease) | Treble Crochet 2 Together |
tr2tog | Treble Crochet 2 Together (Decrease) | Double Treble 2 Together |
puff | Puff Stitch | Puff Stitch |
bobble | Bobble Stitch | Bobble Stitch |
Crochet terminology can be confusing, but understanding the key differences between **U.S.** and **U.K.** terms will help you navigate any pattern with ease. Keep this guide handy to avoid misinterpreting stitches and to ensure your projects come out just as you envision.
Happy crocheting!