Divided by a common language!

How often have we heard this expression to describe the differences between American and English - and how apt to describe the frustrations of crocheters world wide!

For some historic reason American crochet terms differ from those used in Europe, Australia and New Zealand and this can result in confusion and frustration for the unsuspecting crocheter. This is particularly relevant if you are working through antique or vintage patterns of unknown origin where the definition of the terms used is not always apparent. I love working through vintage patterns, and it can be a big frustration if I cannot tell which terms are being used and without checking some rather strange looking crochet could result!

Even some modern patterns which are posted on the internet do not always make it clear which definition of terms they are using thus making it difficult for someone wishing to make up the item. Although I assume that the majority of patterns posted on the internet use American crochet terms that could turn out to be a frustrating assumption if I get it wrong!!

If it is not always clear which terms are being used I carry out a quick visual check of the picture used to illustrate the pattern to look for clues. I will also look out for spelling differences to suggest the origin of the pattern (ie color / colour). It is normally pretty straightforward for the experienced crocheter to work it out however by simply looking through the pattern and seeing what makes sense. The novice crocheter may wish to get someone to double check the terms on a pattern where the definition of terms is not given.

It is not so bad with modern patterns as conversions are often given or a conversion chart published. If a conversion chart isn't given then it is a case of marking up the pattern accordingly. This can involve either marking up paper patterns by pen or marker, or for electronic patterns a quick way would be to copy the text into a word processor and simply 'find and replace' the offending terms!

The key difference to bear in mind is the names given to the basic stitches and this is important to note. Hopefully the table below will help when 'translating' crochet patterns from American Crochet to UK or visa versa.

UK/Europe/Australia/NZ Crochet Terms		American Crochet Terms
Slip Stitch (sl st)		Slip Stitch (sl st)
Double Crochet (dc)		Single Crochet (sc)
Treble Crochet (tr)		Double Crochet (dc)
Double Treble (dtr)		Treble (tr)
Triple Treble (ttr)		Double Treble (dtr)

I don't know the history behind the variation of terms and it would be interesting to find out more. If anyone has any ideas or knowledge on this then why not pop into the forum and let us know!