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Klara Nilsson | Updated on June 17, 2023
Home » Knitting Guides » The Ultimate Guide to Knitting Abbreviations: Decode Patterns and Craft Your Perfect Pullover
Knitting Abbreviations Chart: 125 Common Terms
Knitting abbreviations are shorthand for stitches and techniques, making patterns like pullover knitting patterns concise. Below is an alphabetically ordered chart of 125 common abbreviations, reflecting US, UK, and European terminology. Keep this chart or The Knitter’s Companion handy for quick reference.
Introduction to Knitting Abbreviations
Knitting abbreviations are the backbone of knitting patterns, allowing designers to pack complex instructions into concise, readable formats. For knitters tackling knitting abbreviations in patterns like pullover sweaters, understanding these shorthand terms is essential to creating beautiful, well-fitting garments. Whether you’re a beginner knitting your first pullover or an advanced crafter exploring intricate cables or lace, mastering knitting abbreviations will make patterns accessible and enjoyable. In this 3000-word guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive chart of 125 common knitting abbreviations, practical advice for decoding them in pullover knitting patterns, and recommendations for top tools and yarns available through affiliate links on Amazon. Let’s dive in and demystify knitting abbreviations to help you craft your perfect sweater!
Why Learn Knitting Abbreviations?
Knitting abbreviations are crucial for several reasons:
- Efficiency: Abbreviations like K (knit) and P (purl) condense instructions, making patterns shorter and easier to follow.
- Versatility: They’re used universally across patterns, from simple pullovers to complex shawls, enabling knitters to tackle diverse projects.
- Skill-Building: Understanding terms like ssk or C4F unlocks advanced techniques like decreases or cables, essential for pullover knitting patterns.
- Confidence: Decoding abbreviations empowers knitters to follow patterns with ease, boosting creativity and project success.
- Community Connection: Familiarity with knitting abbreviations lets you engage with knitting communities on platforms like Ravelry or the X Platform.
This guide will equip you with a detailed abbreviations chart, practical tips for applying them to pullover patterns, and affiliate links to essential tools to streamline your knitting journey.
Materials Needed for Knitting Pullovers with Abbreviations
To apply knitting abbreviations effectively in pullover knitting patterns, gather these essentials, with affiliate links to recommended products:
Yarn
- Weight: Worsted or aran weight yarns are ideal for pullover sweaters due to their balance of warmth and stitch definition. DK yarn suits lightweight designs, while bulky yarn creates cozy, oversized pullovers.
- Fiber: Wool blends (e.g., merino, alpaca) offer elasticity and warmth. Cotton blends are breathable, and acrylic is durable and budget-friendly.
- Yardage: A medium-sized pullover requires 1000–1500 yards of worsted yarn or 1200–1800 yards of DK yarn.
- Recommendations:
- Cascade 220 Worsted Yarn – A versatile wool yarn with excellent stitch definition.
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease – A wool-acrylic blend, perfect for durable, washable sweaters.
- Malabrigo Rios – A soft, hand-dyed merino wool for luxurious pullovers.
Needles
- Circular Needles: Used for the body and sleeves, typically US 6–8 (4–5 mm) with a 24–40-inch cable. Circulars accommodate large stitch counts and are used for knitting in the round or flat.
- Recommendation: ChiaoGoo Red Lace Circular Needles – Durable and smooth for seamless knitting.
- Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs): For small circumferences like sleeve cuffs or neckbands.
- Recommendation: Knit Picks DPNs – Lightweight and versatile.
- Straight Needles: Optional for flat knitting, though circulars are preferred.
Additional Tools
- Stitch Markers: To mark pattern repeats, shaping points, or the start of rounds.
- Recommendation: Clover Locking Stitch Markers – Secure and easy to use.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.
- Recommendation: Clover Darning Needle Set – Ideal for finishing.
- Measuring Tape: To check gauge and body measurements.
- Recommendation: Singer Measuring Tape – Flexible and accurate.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Recommendation: Fiskars Craft Scissors – Sharp and reliable.
- Stitch Holders or Waste Yarn: To hold sleeve or neckband stitches.
- Blocking Tools: Blocking mats, pins, and wires to shape the finished pullover.
- Recommendation: Knit Picks Blocking Mats – Perfect for shaping sweaters.
- Abbreviation Guide: A reference for decoding knitting abbreviations.
Recommendation: The Knitter’s Companion by Vicki Square.
Understanding Gauge in Pullover Knitting
Gauge ensures your pullover fits as intended. Most pullover knitting patterns include a gauge, e.g., “20 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches in st st” (stockinette stitch). To check gauge:
- Knit a 4×4-inch swatch using your yarn and ChiaoGoo Circular Needles.
- Measure stitches (sts) and rows in a 4-inch square.
- Adjust needle size: larger for fewer stitches, smaller for more.
Matching gauge is vital for size accuracy, typically with 2–4 inches positive ease. Measure your bust, waist, and arm length to customize fit.
🧶 Recommended Knitting Tools
Knitting Abbreviation Guide Book
A complete pocket reference for decoding common and uncommon knitting abbreviations — perfect for beginners and experienced knitters.
View on Amazon
Beginner Knitting Kit (Needles + Yarn)
This all-in-one kit includes soft yarn and high-quality needles — ideal for practicing patterns from your abbreviation list.
View on Amazon
Knitting Pattern Notebook
Stay organized and document your projects. This notebook offers sections for yarn details, abbreviations, pattern notes, and more.
View on AmazonDisclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the site at no extra cost to you.
Knitting Abbreviations Chart: 125 Common Terms
In the charts below, you’ll find an alphabetically-ordered list of the most common knitting abbreviations, terms, and definitions from contemporary knitting patterns all over the world.
Knitting Abbreviations A-C
| Explanation | |
|---|---|
| Alternate/Alternating | |
| Approximately | |
| Beginning | |
| Between | |
| Bind Off (Cast Off) | |
| Backward Yarn Over | |
| Slip the next 2 stitches onto the cable needle and leave them at the back. K2, then K2 from the cable needle. | |
| Slip the next 2 stitches onto the cable needle and leave them at the front. K2, then K2 from the cable needle | |
| Colour A | |
| Colour B | |
| Contrasting Colour | |
| Centred Double Decrease | |
| Cross Left | |
| Centimeter | |
| Cable Needed | |
| Cast On/Cast Off | |
| Continue | |
| Cross 2 stitches to the left | |
| Cross 2 stitches to the right |
Knitting Abbreviations D-K
| Explanation | |
|---|---|
| Decrease. Eliminate one or more stitches. Usually the pattern will tell you exactly how to do this. | |
| Double-Pointed Needles | |
| Double Treble | |
| End of Needle | |
| End of Row | |
| Front Cross | |
| Front Loop | |
| Follow | |
| Grams | |
| Garter Stitch | |
| Increase. Add one or more stitches. | |
| Knit Stitch | |
| Knit into the stitch 1 row below. | |
| Knit the next stitch through the back of the loop. | |
| Knit two together. | |
| Knit two together through back loops. | |
| Knit the next 3(4, n) stitches together. | |
| Knit into the front and back of a stitch. | |
| Knit through right loop. | |
| Knit 1, then slip back to the left hand needle. Lift the second stitch on the left hand needle back over the original stitch and replace the returned stitch on the righthand needle. | |
| Knit-wise |
Knitting Abbreviations L-M
| Explanation | |
|---|---|
| Left Cross | |
| Left Hand | |
| Loop | |
| Left Twist | |
| Meter | |
| Make 1 stitch | |
| Make one stitch knitwise (single knit increase) | |
| Make one left-leaning stitch | |
| Make one left-leaning stitch purlwise | |
| Make one stitch purlwise (single purl increase) | |
| Make one right-leaning stitch | |
| Make one right-leaning stitch purlwise | |
| Maintain the center block of the pattern. Add or remove stitches at each end of the center without disturbing the pattern. | |
| Make Bobble | |
| Main colour | |
| Millimeter |
Knitting Abbreviations N-P
| Explanation | |
|---|---|
| Number | |
| Ounce | |
| Purl Stitch | |
| Purl through the back loop | |
| Pass 2 slipped stitches over | |
| Purl 2 stitches together | |
| Purl 2 stitches together through back loops | |
| Pattern | |
| Purl 1 into the front and back of stitch | |
| Place Market | |
| Pass the next stitch over | |
| Previous | |
| Pass slipped stitches over | |
| Purlwise |
Knitting Abbreviations R-S
| Explanation | |
|---|---|
| Remaining | |
| Repeat | |
| Reverse Stockinette Stitch | |
| Right Hand | |
| Round(s) | |
| Right Side | |
| Slip 2 stitches as if to knit them together, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over knit stitch | |
| Skip | |
| Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (a double decrease) | |
| Slip 1 knitwise, knit 1, pass slip stitch over knit stitch | |
| Slip | |
| Slip Stitch | |
| Slip next stitch knitwise | |
| Slip 1 Knitwise | |
| Slip 1 Purlwise | |
| Slip Marker | |
| Slip next 2 stitches knitwise one at a time, then knit them through back loops together | |
| Slip, Slip, Purl | |
| Slip 2 stitches knitwise then slip them as if to p2tog through back loops. Purl 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over purl stitch | |
| Slip 3 stitches knitwise, knit these 3 stitches together through back loops | |
| Slip 3 stitches knitwise, return these 3 stitches to left needle and purl these 3 stitches together through back loops | |
| Stitch | |
| Stockinette Stitch |
Knitting Abbreviations T-Y
| Explanation | |
|---|---|
| Through back loop | |
| Through front loop | |
| Together | |
| Wrap and Turn | |
| Continue with no increases or decreases. | |
| Wrong Side | |
| With yarn in back | |
| With yarn in front | |
| Yarn Back | |
| Yard | |
| Yarn Front | |
| Yarn Forward | |
| Yarn Over | |
| Yarn Over Twice | |
| Yarn Over Needle | |
| Yarn Round Needle |
Knitting Chart Symbols
Some knitting patterns now use stitch charts in the place of written instructions. These charts typically use a standardized set of symbols curated by the Craft Yarn Council, as well as cable symbols and occasionally unique symbols in certain projects.
If you’re knitting a pattern with unique symbols, always check the pattern key to make sure there are no variations in the standardized definitions. For the most part, each symbol represents a stitch as it looks on the right side of the knitted fabric.
You can find a full list of standardized knitting chart symbols on the Craft Yarn Council website, as well as in the images below:
Knitting Chart Symbols
Some pullover knitting patterns use charts for complex patterns like cables (C4F, C4B) or lace (yo, ssk). The Craft Yarn Council provides standardized symbols, but always check the pattern’s key for variations. Common symbols:
- Blank square = K (knit)
- Circle = yo (yarn over)
- Slash (/) = k2tog (knit 2 together)
- Backslash () = ssk (slip, slip, knit)
See the full list at Craft Yarn Council.
Brackets and Asterisks
- Brackets: Repeat instructions within brackets as specified, e.g., [K2, P2] 5 times.
- Asterisks: Repeat stitches between asterisks, e.g., K1, P1 for ribbing.
What Does SSK Mean?
SSK (slip, slip, knit) is a left-leaning decrease, mirroring k2tog. Slip 2 stitches knitwise, insert the left needle into their fronts, and knit together.
Printable Chart
Download a printable version of this chart from Handy Little Me or use The Knitter’s Companion for a portable guide.
Beginner-Friendly Pullover Knitting Pattern with Abbreviations
This top-down raglan pullover uses common abbreviations (K, P, M1, ssk, pm) to create a simple, textured sweater. It’s knit in the round for minimal seaming, perfect for practicing knitting abbreviations.
Materials
- 1200–1400 yards Cascade 220
- US 7 (4.5 mm) ChiaoGoo Circular Needles
- US 7 Knit Picks DPNs
- Clover Stitch Markers
- Clover Darning Needle
- Knit Picks Blocking Mats
- Clever Fox Knitting Journal
Gauge
- 20 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches in st st (stockinette stitch)
Size
- Adult medium (bust 36–38 inches, length 24 inches, sleeve length 18 inches)
Instructions
- CO (Cast On): CO 80 sts.
- Neckband: Work K2, P2 rib for 1.5 inches (8 rnds).
- Yoke (Raglan Shaping):
- Setup: K12 (front), pm, K16 (sleeve), pm, K24 (back), pm, K16 (sleeve), pm, K12 (front).
- Increase Rnd: K to 1 st before marker, M1R, K1, sm, K1, M1L; rep 3 times, K to end (8 sts inc).
- K all sts next rnd.
- Rep until 160 sts.
- Separate Body/Sleeves: K front, place sleeve sts on holder, CO 6 underarm sts, K back, CO 6 underarm sts, K to end (88 body sts).
- Body: K in st st until 14 inches from underarm.
- Hem: Work K2, P2 rib for 2 inches, BO in pattern.
- Sleeves: Transfer sleeve sts to DPNs, pick up 6 underarm sts (44 sts). K, dec with ssk and k2tog every 8th rnd 5 times (34 sts). Work K2, P2 rib for 2 inches, BO.
- Finishing: Weave ends with Clover Darning Needle. Block on Knit Picks Mats.
Notes
- Adjust size by altering CO sts in multiples of 4.
- Track progress in a Clever Fox Knitting Journal.
Applying Knitting Abbreviations to Pullover Patterns
Understanding knitting abbreviations is key to mastering pullover knitting patterns. Here’s how common abbreviations apply:
- K and P: Basic stitches for stockinette (st st) or ribbing (K2, P2).
- M1, kfb: Increases for raglan shaping or bust darts.
- ssk, k2tog: Decreases for sleeve shaping or necklines.
- C4F, C4B: Cable patterns for textured pullovers, using a Clover Cable Needle.
- yo: Yarn overs for lace designs in lightweight pullovers.
- pm, sm: Place and slip markers to track raglan seams or pattern repeats.
For example, a pattern might read: K12, pm, K16, M1R, K1, sm, K1, M1L, rep. This uses abbreviations to instruct shaping while keeping the pattern concise.
Top Pullover Knitting Patterns Using Abbreviations
Explore these patterns, leveraging the abbreviations chart:
- Flax by Tin Can Knits (Free, Ravelry): Uses K, P, pm, and g st for a simple raglan. Pair with Cascade 220.
- Lace Pullover by Knit Picks (Free): Features yo and ssk for lace. Use Knit Picks Stroll.
- Aran Sweater by LoveCrafts (Paid): Uses C4F/C4B for cables. Try Malabrigo Rios.
Find more on Ravelry, Purl Soho, or Yarnspirations. Search #KnittingAbbreviations on the X Platform for community tips.
Advanced Techniques Using Knitting Abbreviations
- Cables (C4F, C4B): Create texture with a Clover Cable Needle.
- Lace (yo, ssk, k2tog): Add delicate patterns for lightweight pullovers.
- Colorwork (CA, CB, CC): Use for Fair Isle with Knit Picks Palette.
- Short Rows (w&t): Shape necklines or bust darts.
Troubleshooting with Knitting Abbreviations
- Misread Abbreviations: Cross-reference with The Knitter’s Companion.
- Tight Fit: Adjust gauge with larger ChiaoGoo Needles.
- Pattern Errors: Use Clover Stitch Markers to track rep sections.
Caring for Your Knitted Pullover
- Washing: Hand wash wool with Eucalan Wool Wash. Machine-wash acrylic in a mesh bag.
- Drying: Lay flat to dry.
- Storage: Store folded with cedar blocks.
What Do Brackets and Asterisks Mean in Knitting Patterns?
If you’re reading a pattern that contains instructions written in brackets, the designer is instructing you to complete the directions within the brackets as many times as specified.
When instructions are in asterisks, the designer is instructing you to knit the stitches in between the asterisk symbols as many times as specified.
What Does SSK Mean in Knitting?
The abbreviation “ssk” stands for “slip, slip, knit”. This results in a symmetrical left-slanting decrease that is the exact mirror of k2tog, which stands for “knit 2 stitches together”.
To work an “ssk” on the knit side (not the purl side), slip the top stitch on the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle twice.
Put your left-hand knitting needle into the front of those two slipped stitches and simply knit them both together.
Knitting Terms & Abbreviations: Printable Chart
In the printable chart below, you can find the most common knitting terms and abbreviations used in knitting patterns today. We hope it’s useful!
Related Guides
Knitting Needle Sizes Explained (With Size Conversion Chart)
This knitting needle size guide contains everything you need to know on needle sizes, lengths, and measurements.
Beginner Knitting Stitch Guide
Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you choose to buy a product through links on our...