Just learning how to knit? Then, this article with all the knitting terms is for you, the beginning knitter. It’s a handy overview that contains all knitting abbreviations.
Handy to have. Even for those of us who have forgotten certain knitting terms or who are getting more advanced and new terms pop up. So, bookmark this knitting page for future reference. (I just did).
Knitting Abbreviations – What Do They Mean
It’s nice to get some free knitting patterns, particularly when you are a beginner. However, some of these knitting patterns seem to be written in another language.
It seems that there’s no way around it: if you want to learn how to knit, then you must know at least the basic knitting terms to use that lovely knitting pattern that you’ve just found.
That point is now a few years back for me, however, I sympathise and in all honestly, at times, still find myself in the same boat.
So, I thought to give you all a hand and share my little craft tool with you: a knitting abbreviations – table so you can start knitting away.
And, whenever I’ll find myself in a ‘what does that mean?’- knitting situation again, I’ll add those new-to-me terms to this knitting vocabulary list. Promise.
Knitting Abbreviations
Now, study the terms in the abbreviations table and, before you know it, you’ll knit like a pro!
| “ | inch(es) |
| [ ] | repeat instructions inside brackets as indicated. |
| * or ** | repeat instructions following or between asterisk as indicated. |
| alt | alternate |
| approx | approximately |
| beg | begin or beginning |
| BO | bind off |
| CC | contrasting color |
| CO | cast on, cast off |
| cm | centimeter |
| cn | cable needle |
| cont | continue. |
| dec | decrease |
| dpn | double pointed needles. |
| eor | every other row |
| est | established |
| inc | increase |
| k or K | knit. |
| k1, s1, psso | knit one, slip one, pass slipped stitch over |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together |
| k2tog tbl | knit 2 stitches together through back loop |
| MC | main color |
| M1 | make one |
| mm | millimeter |
| no stitch | no stitch, just miss the stitch. |
| p or P | purl. |
| p2tog | purl 2 together. |
| p2tog tbl | Purl 2 together through back loop. |
| pat | pattern |
| pm | place marker |
| psso | pass slip stitch over. |
| rem | remaining. |
| rep | repeat |
| Rev St st | reverse stockinette stitch |
| RS | right side |
| rnd | round |
| sm | slip marker |
| SSK | slip 1, slip 1, knit two together |
| sl | slip. |
| sl 1, k1, psso or SKP | slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped st over |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| St st | stockinette stitch, stocking stitch |
| tbl | knit through the back loop |
| tog | together. |
| WS | wrong side |
| wyib | with yarn in back. |
| wyif | with yarn in front |
| yfon | yarn forward over needle |
| yfrn | yarn forward and round needle |
| yo | yarn over |
| yon | yarn over needle |
| yrn | yarn round needle. |
When you start reading patterns, or sharing your ideas with other knitters, you now know what to write. As this is a knitting glossary w basic as well as advanced knitting abbreviations, perhaps this chart will help you get started with knitting.
In addition, it may even help you dare tackle a tat more complicated knitting patterns over time.
Pin this page for future reference, or simply to share your wealth with others.
Learn More
Look for this knitting book, Stitches n Bitches, or the Vogue Knitting reference book
