Abbreviations in knitting patterns. Some of the terms shown have links directly to a video tutorial to show you the skill set. Reading the patterns will get easier once you become familiar with the terms.
This list has been compiled with the help of our friends at Yarnspirations, as well as terms Mikey has run into. While we are The Crochet Crowd, Mikey does know some of the fundamentals of knitting but not to a level to give step-by-step help.
This list is alphabetical.
- Alt = Alternate(ing)
- Approx = Approximately
- Beg = Begin(ning)
- C3B = Slip next stitch onto cable needle and leave at back of work. K1, then K2 from cable needle.
- C4B = Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work. K2, then K2 from cable needle.
- C3F = Slip next stitch onto cable needle and leave at front of work. K1, then K2 from cable needle.
- C4F = Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work. K2, then K2 from cable needle.
- CL = K2tog. Keep stitches on left-hand needle. P2tog into the same stiches. Slip off left-hand needle.
- cm = Centimetre
- co = Cast On
- Cont = Continue(ity)
- Dec = Decrease(ing)
- g = Gram(s)
- Inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch.
- K = Knit
- K1, P1, K1 into same st = Knit 1, purl 1, knit 1 all into the same st.
- K1below = Knit into next stitch 1 row below.
- K1tbl = Knit next stitch through back of loop
- K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together
- K2togtbl = Knit 2 stitches together through back loops
- K3(4,n)tog = Knit next 3(4, n)stitches together
- Kfb = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
- M1 = Make 1 stitch by picking up horizontal loop lying before next stitch and knitting into back of loop.
- M1P = Make 1 stitch by picking up horizontal loop lying before next stitch and purling into back of loop.
- MB = Make bobble: [(K1. yfwd) 3 times. K1] all in next st. Turn. P7. Turn. Sl1. K1. psso. K3. K2tog. Turn. P2tog. P1. P2togtbl. Turn. Sl1. K2tog. psso - bobble made
- mm = millimeter(s)
- oz = ounce(s)
- p = Purl
- P2tog = Purl two stitches together
- P3(4,n)tog = Purl next 3(4,n) stitches together
- P2togtbl = Purl 2 stitches together through back loops
- Pat = Pattern
- Psso = Pass slipped stitch over
- Rem = Remain(ing)
- Rep = Repeat
- Rnd(s) = Round(s)
- RS = Right side
- St st = Slip stitch
- Sl1 = Slip next stitch knitwise
- Sl1K = Slip next stitch knitwise
- Sl1P = Slip next stitch purlwise
- Sl1Pwyib = Slip next stitch purlwise with yarn in back
- Sl1Pwyif = Slip next stitch purlwise with yarn in front
- ssk = Slip next 2 stitches knitwise one at a time. Pass them back onto left-hand needle, then knit through back loops together
- sssk = slip, slip, slip & knit 1
- st st = Stockinette stitch
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- Tog = Together
- WS = Wrong side
- Yb = bring yarn into back of work
- Yf = Bring yarn into front of work
- Yfwd = Yarn forward (makes 1 extra stitch)
- Yo = Yarn over the needle (makes 1 extra stitch)
- Yon = Yarn over needle (same as yo - makes 1 extra stitch)
- Yrn = Yarn round needle (makes 1 extra stitch)
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