Once you memorize a few of the frequently used abbreviations, pattern reading will become second nature to you.
Below I have included a chart of knitting abbreviations. Want a list for your knitting bag? Just click the download link below the chart.
Knitting Abbreviations
Abbreviation | Meaning |
* | repeat the instructions following the * as directed |
(), {} | work the instructions within parentheses or brackets as directed |
alt | alternate, alternating |
beg | begin, beginning |
bel | below |
bet | between |
BO | bind (cast) off |
C4B | cable 4 back |
C4F | cable 4 front |
ch | chain |
CC | contrast color |
circ | circular |
cn | cable needle |
CO | cast on |
foll | follow, following |
inc, incr | increase, increasing |
k2tog | knit 2 stitches together |
k3tog | knit 3 stitches together |
k, K | knit |
kfb | knit into the front and back of the stitch |
krb | knit in the row below |
kwise | knitwise-insert the needle from the front to the back as if to knit |
LH | left hand |
M1 | make 1 stitch |
m1L | make 1 left-leaning stitch |
m1R | make 1 right-leaning stitch |
MC | main color |
Abbreviation | Meaning |
p2tog | purl 2 stitches together |
p3tog | purl 3 stitches together |
p, P | purl |
pat, patt | pattern |
pkup | pick up stitches |
pm | place marker |
psso | pass slipped stitch over |
pwsie | purlwise-insert the needle from the back to the front as if to purl |
rem | remain, remaining |
rep | repeat, repeating |
rev | reverse |
rnd | round |
RS | right side |
SKP | slip, knit, pass over |
sl1k | slip one knitwise |
sl1p | slip one purlwise |
sl1-k2tog-psso | slip 1 stitch, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over |
s12-k1-pss2o | slip 2 as if to k2tog, k1, pass 2 slipped stitches over |
sl | slip |
sm | slip marker |
ssk | slip, slip, knit 2 stitches together |
st(s) | stitches |
st st | stockinette (stocking) stitch |
tbl | through back loop |
tog | together |
turn | turn the work to the reverse side |
WS | wrong side |
wyib, wyb | with yarn in back |
wyif, wyf | with yarn in front |
yo | yarn over |
Knitting Books
I don’t know about you, but I love to read knitting books. Below is a link to some great knitting books. Best Knitting Reference Books – My List
But I’m also en route to Lola Pink for patterns and notions!!
Thank you and I am not on Facebook but I do appreciate it. I’m in the process of multi tasking right now but I have a random blog post I’m writing about Indians from down here so be on the lookout for it!
I have shared your blog on 2 FB pages I manage, our FB group (The Fiber Closet Club), and on my own timeline.
Yes, I’ll share your site.
Yes this is the market bag you taught me to make. I made one in a pinkish and grey yarn but have yet to finish the one in blues and greens yarn I got from your store. Lol I may need you to help me remember how to knit it! I blogged about you as well. Please share my blog site with all your followers: http://www.southernprairiegirl.com as I shared your site yesterday on my blog post.
I am so glad you left a comment. The Knitting Answer Book is one of my favorites. I bet I know what market bag you mentioned. It is knit with Plymouth Yarn cotton Fantasy Naturale.
But I’m also en route to Lola Pink for patterns and notions!!
Thank you and I am not on Facebook but I do appreciate it. I’m in the process of multi tasking right now but I have a random blog post I’m writing about Indians from down here so be on the lookout for it!
I have shared your blog on 2 FB pages I manage, our FB group (The Fiber Closet Club), and on my own timeline.
Yes, I’ll share your site.
Yes this is the market bag you taught me to make. I made one in a pinkish and grey yarn but have yet to finish the one in blues and greens yarn I got from your store. Lol I may need you to help me remember how to knit it! I blogged about you as well. Please share my blog site with all your followers: http://www.southernprairiegirl.com as I shared your site yesterday on my blog post.
I am so glad you left a comment. The Knitting Answer Book is one of my favorites. I bet I know what market bag you mentioned. It is knit with Plymouth Yarn cotton Fantasy Naturale.
Cheryl, I still have the book I bought from your store The Fiber Closet, years ago. It’s called “The Knitting Answer Book.” And it was always so helpful for me. And a side note, I still haven’t finished the market bag from all those years ago.
Cheryl, I still have the book I bought from your store The Fiber Closet, years ago. It’s called “The Knitting Answer Book.” And it was always so helpful for me. And a side note, I still haven’t finished the market bag from all those years ago.