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Knitting Pattern Abbreviations Guide
Introduction
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Why Learn Knitting Abbreviations?
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How This Guide Will Help You
What Are Knitting Abbreviations?
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The Language of Patterns
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Knitting vs. Crochet Abbreviations
Common Knitting Abbreviations (A–Z)
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A–E Abbreviations
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F–J Abbreviations
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K–O Abbreviations
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P–T Abbreviations
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U–Z Abbreviations
Abbreviation Categories Explained
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Stitch Abbreviations
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Increase/Decrease Abbreviations
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Pattern Repeat Symbols
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Yarn Instructions
Understanding Pattern Symbols
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Chart vs. Written Instructions
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How to Read a Pattern Chart
Knitting Terms and Techniques
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US vs UK Terms
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Standard Needle Sizes
Real-World Examples
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Sample Pattern with Abbreviations
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Step-by-Step Breakdown
Tips for Beginners
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Keep a Reference Sheet Handy
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Don’t Be Afraid to Google!
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Join a Knitting Community
Mistakes to Avoid
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Misinterpreting Abbreviations
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Mixing US and UK Terminology
Printable Abbreviations Cheat Sheet
Online Resources and Apps
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Best Websites for Knitters
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Top Mobile Apps for Pattern Reading
Conclusion
FAQs
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What is the most common knitting abbreviation?
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How can I memorize all the abbreviations?
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Are crochet and knitting abbreviations the same?
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Where can I find free knitting patterns?
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What does ‘YO’ mean in knitting?
Article: Knitting Pattern Abbreviations Guide
Introduction
Ever looked at a knitting pattern and felt like it was written in another language? You’re not alone. Knitting patterns are full of abbreviations that can seem like secret codes to beginners. But don’t worry—once you learn the lingo, it all starts to make sense!
This guide is here to break down those confusing abbreviations into plain English. Whether you’re just starting or need a refresher, this is your ultimate reference for decoding any knitting pattern.
What Are Knitting Abbreviations?
Knitting abbreviations are shorthand notations used in patterns to save space and time. Instead of writing “knit two together,” designers use “k2tog.” Once you get the hang of it, you’ll breeze through patterns much faster.
Knitting vs. Crochet Abbreviations
Though some terms overlap, knitting and crochet have distinct abbreviations. Always double-check which craft the pattern refers to!
Common Knitting Abbreviations (A–Z)
A–E Abbreviations
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alt – alternate
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BO – bind off
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CO – cast on
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dec – decrease
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dpn – double-pointed needles
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EOR – every other row
F–J Abbreviations
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foll – following
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g st – garter stitch
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inc – increase
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k – knit
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k2tog – knit two together
K–O Abbreviations
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M1 – make one (increase)
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p – purl
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psso – pass slipped stitch over
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pm – place marker
P–T Abbreviations
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rep – repeat
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RS – right side
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ssk – slip, slip, knit
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st(s) – stitch(es)
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tbl – through back loop
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tog – together
U–Z Abbreviations
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WS – wrong side
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w&t – wrap and turn
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yo – yarn over
Abbreviation Categories Explained
Stitch Abbreviations
These tell you what kind of stitch to use:
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k = knit
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p = purl
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kfb = knit front and back
Increase/Decrease Abbreviations
Used to shape your project:
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M1 – make one stitch
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k2tog – knit two stitches together
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ssk – slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
Pattern Repeat Symbols
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* – Repeat the instructions between asterisks
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[] – Group of stitches repeated together
Yarn Instructions
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yo – yarn over
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sl – slip stitch
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wyif/wyib – with yarn in front/back
Understanding Pattern Symbols
Chart vs. Written Instructions
Some patterns use symbols in a grid (charts), while others use plain text. Charts are great for visual learners, but written instructions are often easier for beginners.
How to Read a Pattern Chart
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Start at the bottom right.
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Odd rows = right side, even = wrong side.
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Follow the key! Each symbol = specific stitch.
Knitting Terms and Techniques
US vs UK Terms
Did you know UK and US use different knitting terms? For example, “stocking stitch” in the UK is “stockinette” in the US. Always check the origin of your pattern!
Standard Needle Sizes
US Size 8 = 5.0mm
Always match the size mentioned in your pattern. Tension matters!
Real-World Examples
Sample Pattern With Abbreviations
“CO 40 sts. Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 6 rows. Then, knit every row (g st) for 20 rows. BO all sts.”
Step-by-Step Breakdown
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CO = Cast on 40 stitches
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k2, p2 ribbing = Knit 2, purl 2 repeat
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g st = Garter stitch, knit every row
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BO = Bind off all stitches
Tips for Beginners
Keep a Reference Sheet Handy
Print out a cheat sheet (or bookmark this guide!) so you can glance at it while you knit.
Don’t Be Afraid to Google!
Still stuck? Look it up or watch a quick YouTube tutorial.
Join a Knitting Community
There’s nothing like learning from others. Ravelry, Reddit, Facebook groups—knitters are everywhere.
Mistakes to Avoid
Misinterpreting Abbreviations
Mixing up “sl” (slip) and “ssk” (slip, slip, knit) can totally throw off your row. Read carefully!
Mixing US and UK Terminology
This one’s sneaky. Check where the pattern is from to avoid confusion.
Printable Abbreviations Cheat Sheet
Create a mini reference card to stash in your knitting bag. It’s a game changer when you’re traveling or at a knit night.
Online Resources and Apps
Best Websites for Knitters
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Ravelry.com
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KnitPicks.com
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LoveCrafts.com
Top Mobile Apps for Pattern Reading
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Knit Companion
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LoveKnitting
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Row Counter
Conclusion
Learning knitting abbreviations might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s like picking up a new dialect. Once you get familiar, it becomes second nature. Think of it like learning texting slang—confusing at first, but easy once you start using it.
So grab your needles, your favorite yarn, and dive into that pattern with confidence. You’ve got this!
FAQs
Q1: What is the most common knitting abbreviation?
A: “k” for knit is probably the most used and essential abbreviation.
Q2: How can I memorize all the abbreviations?
A: Practice! Repetition, using a cheat sheet, and knitting more patterns will help.
Q3: Are crochet and knitting abbreviations the same?
A: No. While some might seem similar, they’re quite different crafts with unique codes.
Q4: Where can I find free knitting patterns?
A: Try Ravelry, LoveCrafts, and Pinterest for a treasure trove of free patterns.
Q5: What does ‘YO’ mean in knitting?
A: It stands for “yarn over,” a technique used to create a decorative hole or increase a stitch.