Double Crochet UK vs US

The double crochet in the UK is the same stitch as the single crochet in the USA terminology. The UK double crochet is therefore a smaller stitch than the US double crochet. There is no British single crochet stitch. In this article we are going to look at how to double crochet, and the difference between the UK and US versions.

When I first started crocheting I very quickly hit upon a point of confusion. Just when I thought I was following a tutorial correctly, I would find myself muddled when it came time to move on to a new one.

I am embarrassed to admit that my assumption that it was my lack of understanding at the route of the problem, meant that it was several days before I found out what was going on.

English and American terminology for stitching is different. Looking back it should have been obvious that was what was going on, but there you go! Here is a simple explanation of each.

UK Double Crochet

The smaller stitch, known in American terminology as a single crochet.

• To practice your Double Crochet UK, first chain eleven
• Insert your hook into the second chain along.
• Yarn over
• Pull the hook through the chain stitch.
• There will now be two loops on your hook
• Yarn over
• Pull the hook through the two loops.

Congratulations! You have made a Double Crochet UK-style.

Now you can go along the row practicing by putting one into each stitch of your chain.

So where is the difference between UK and USA?

USA Double Crochet

The larger of the two identically named stitches, known in UK terminology as a treble crochet. The differences is purely that when you double crochet, you yarn over the hook before it enters the loop.

This means that when you subsequently yarn over and pull through you have an additional loop on your hook on the other side.

• To practice your Double Crochet US first chain twelve.
• Yarn over and insert your hook into the third stitch along.
• Yarn over
• Pull through the chain stitch. You will now have three loops on your hook
• Yarn over
• Pull through the first two loops on your hook. You will now have two loops on your hook
• Yarn over
• Pull through the remaining loops on your hook.

And once again you have achieved a Double Crochet – but this time, it’s US-style! Once again, you can practice by going along the chain and putting on ito each chain stitch.

Summary

Single Crochet (USA) = Double Crochet (UK)

Double Crochet (USA) = Treble Crochet (UK)

And now you know!