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Crochet · Stitch reference

Crochet stitches guide

Step-by-step instructions for every essential crochet stitch, all in UK terms — plus the full UK/US name conversion table so patterns never confuse you again.

J Jo King

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UK vs US stitch names — full conversion table

UK name	UK abbr.	US name	US abbr.	Height
Chain stitch	ch	Chain stitch	ch	Foundation
Slip stitch	sl st	Slip stitch	sl st	No height
Double crochet	dc	Single crochet	sc	Short (1 chain turning)
Half treble crochet	htr	Half double crochet	hdc	Medium-short (2 chain turning)
Treble crochet	tr	Double crochet	dc	Tall (3 chain turning)
Double treble crochet	dtr	Treble crochet	tr	Very tall (4 chain turning)

All instructions on this page use UK terms. If your pattern uses US terms, use this table to translate before you start.

Chain stitch

ch Beginner

US equivalent: Chain stitch

1
Make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
2
Yarn over (wrap yarn over hook from back to front).
3
Pull the yarn through the loop on your hook.
4
One chain stitch made. Repeat from step 2.

Tip: Keep consistent tension — not too tight (hard to work into) or too loose (floppy chain). Your chains should all look the same size when held up to the light.

Used for: Foundation chains, turning chains, decorative elements

Slip stitch

sl st Beginner

US equivalent: Slip stitch

1
Insert hook into the stitch.
2
Yarn over.
3
Pull through both the stitch AND the loop on the hook in one motion.

Tip: Slip stitches can be worked very loosely — they tend to tighten up. If your joining round puckers, try going up a hook size for slip stitches only.

Used for: Joining rounds, moving yarn position, seaming pieces

Double crochet

dc Beginner

US equivalent: Single crochet

1
Insert hook into the stitch.
2
Yarn over and pull up a loop — 2 loops on hook.
3
Yarn over again.
4
Pull through both loops on hook.

Tip: This is the most important beginner stitch. Practise until it feels automatic. The turning chain for dc is 1 chain — but many patterns don't count this as a stitch, so check.

Used for: Dishcloths, amigurumi, dense fabric, most beginner patterns

Half treble crochet

htr Beginner

US equivalent: Half double crochet

1
Yarn over once before inserting the hook.
2
Insert hook into the stitch.
3
Yarn over and pull up a loop — 3 loops on hook.
4
Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops at once.

Tip: The htr creates a distinctive third loop on the back of the stitch — this can be used as a design element (the "third loop htr") to create a ribbed texture in hats and cuffs.

Used for: Hats, cowls, garments — drapier than dc, firmer than tr

Treble crochet

tr Beginner

US equivalent: Double crochet

1
Yarn over twice before inserting the hook.
2
Insert hook into the stitch.
3
Yarn over and pull up a loop — 4 loops on hook.
4
Yarn over and pull through 2 loops — 3 loops remain.
5
Yarn over and pull through 2 loops — 2 loops remain.
6
Yarn over and pull through last 2 loops.

Tip: The most common source of beginner confusion is the UK/US name swap: UK treble = US double crochet. If a US pattern calls for "dc" and the stitch count seems off, you may be working dc (UK) instead of tr (UK).

Used for: Granny squares, lacy patterns, shawls, open-weave fabric

Double treble crochet

dtr Intermediate

US equivalent: Treble crochet

1
Yarn over three times before inserting hook.
2
Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop — 5 loops on hook.
3
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops — 4 loops remain.
4
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops — 3 loops remain.
5
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops — 2 loops remain.
6
Yarn over, pull through last 2 loops.

Tip: Mainly used in lacy patterns, fans, and shells. The long stitch is very visible — uneven tension shows clearly here. Worth practising on a swatch before using in a project.

Used for: Lace patterns, fans and shells, open fabric

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FAQs

Everything you need to know before you book.

Why do UK and US crochet patterns use different stitch names?

UK and US crochet terminology developed independently — the same hook movements got different names on either side of the Atlantic. A UK double crochet (dc) is a US single crochet (sc). A UK treble (tr) is a US double crochet (dc). Most patterns state which convention they use; if not, check the stitch height descriptions or the website origin.

What is the difference between double crochet and treble crochet?

In UK terms: double crochet (dc) is the shorter, denser stitch — yarn over once, insert hook, pull through, two loops on hook, pull through both. Treble crochet (tr) is taller — yarn over twice, insert hook, pull through, then work off loops in two steps. The extra yarn-over creates the extra height.

What does "yarn over" mean in crochet?

Yarn over (YO or yo) means wrapping the yarn over the hook from back to front before the next step. It's the fundamental action in almost every crochet stitch — how many times you yarn over before inserting the hook determines the stitch height (once = double crochet, twice = treble, three times = double treble).

What is a magic ring in crochet?

A magic ring (also called magic loop or magic circle) is an adjustable starting loop used when crocheting in the round — for hats, toys, granny squares. It lets you pull the centre closed tightly after working the first round, eliminating the hole that a chain ring leaves. Essential for any round-started project.