Explaining Knitting Abbreviations and Terminology
Published by JoAnn on Tagged Knitting Abbreviations and Terminology
When you purchase pattern books or even single patterns, they will usually have an explanation of the abbreviations that are used to knit the item listed, at the beginning of the pattern. I have listed the most common ones here and have also included a few crochet terms. As you knit more, some of these terms will be easy for you to remember, however, I always keep my list handy, just in case there is no explanation of the abbreviations listed on the pattern I am knitting. Hope these are helpful.
alt = alternate
bc = back cable
bkc = back knit cross
bpc = back purl cross
beg = begin, beginning
bo = bind off (same meaning as cast off)
cc = contrasting color
ch = chain(s) (crochet term)
co = cast on, cast off
cont = continue
dc = double chain(s) (crochet term)
dec = decrease
dpn = double pointed needle(s)
fc = front cable
fkc = front knit cross
fpc = front purl cross
foll = following
in = inches
K or k = knit
kb = knit into the back of the stitch
k2tog = knit next two stitches together
k2togb = knit next two stitches from the back
LH = left hand (needle)
LT = left twist
LT4 = Left Twist 4
m1 = make a new stitch by picking up the loop that lies between the stitch just worked and the next stitch and knit this strand as if it were a stitch
P or p = purl
patt = pattern
psso = pass slipped stitch over
p2sso = pass two slipped stitches over
rep = repeat
rem = remaining
RH = right hand (needle)
rnd = round (in circular knitting)
RS = right side
RT = right twist
RT4 = right twist 4
sc = single crochet (crochet term)
sl = slip
skpo = slip first stitch, knit next stitch, pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch
sl 1, k1, psso = slip first stitch, knit next stitch, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch
sl 1, k2, psso = slip first stitch, knit next two stitches together and pass the slipped stitch over the two knitted stitches
ssk = slip 2 stitches as if to knit, knit them together
st(s) = stocking stitch
tbl = through back of loop(s)
*to* = repeat the stitches placed between the asterisk, i.e. (*k1,p1*)
[] = square brackets are sometimes used around instructions that are to be repeated and then state how many times they are to be repeated - i.e. [p1,k1] 3 times
** = repeat whatever is written between **
we = continue as before
ws = wrong side
yb = yarn back
yf = yarn forward
yo, yon = yarn over needle
yrn = yarn around needle
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