Have you ever found a beautiful crochet pattern on Pinterest or Ravelry? Then, you realize that it’s using different terms than you are used to. Or it uses yarns youโve never heard of?
Youโre not alone. Many inspiring patterns come from around the world, and navigating them can be confusing. But with just a few tools and tips, you can enjoy international patterns with confidence and creativity.
๐ Crochet language โ US vs UK terms
Did you know that double crochet means something different depending on whether youโre reading a US or a UK pattern?
These two systems use the same abbreviations โ but they refer to different stitches.
Crochet terms comparison:
| Norwegian | US Term | UK Term |
|---|---|---|
| Luftmaske | Chain (ch) | Chain (ch) |
| Fastmaske | Single Crochet (sc) | Double Crochet (dc) |
| Halvstav | Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Half Treble Crochet (htr) |
| Stav | Double Crochet (dc) | Treble Crochet (tr) |
๐ Always check the beginning of the pattern โ it usually states whether it uses US or UK terms.
๐ฅ Youโll find a full crochet stitch dictionary with chart symbols in the download section.
๐งถ But what about the yarn?
Many patterns say things like โUse worsted weight yarnโ โ and that can feel like a mystery. Donโt worry โ hereโs what it usually means:
Yarn weight comparison:
| US Term | European Equivalent | Approx. length | Hook/needle size |
|---|---|---|---|
| DK | Light/Medium | 200โ300 m / 100 g | 3.5โ4.5 mm |
| Worsted | Medium weight | 160โ220 m / 100 g | 4.5โ5.5 mm |
| Aran | Heavier medium weight | 140โ180 m / 100 g | 5โ6 mm |
| Bulky | Thick yarn | 100โ130 m / 100 g | 6โ8 mm |
๐ก Look at yarn thickness and yardage rather than the name.
๐ฅ Iโve created a helpful yarn comparison chart โ available for free under Downloads.
๐ Can I use the yarn I already have?
Yes โ in most cases! Hereโs how:
- Check the yardage per 100 g on your yarn label.
- Make a swatch and measure your stitch count.
- Adjust the pattern if needed โ more or fewer rows, or stitch repeats.
๐ก Most of my free โhow-toโ guides are designed to be flexible with yarn types. This flexibility allows you to use what you have and love.
๐งต Summary: Trust your creativity
International patterns offer so much beauty โ and you donโt need to speak the language perfectly to use them. With the right guides and curiosity, you can crochet across borders.
โจ Use comparison charts and stitch guides
โจ Try with your favorite yarn
โจ Enjoy the process more than perfection
๐ฅ Download helpful resources
๐ These two are free for you to download and print:
Theyโre created to support calm, flexible crafting โ in your own rhythm.
Do you have a pattern you want to try but arenโt sure how to start?
Feel free to send me a message or comment โ maybe itโll become my next blog post ๐
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