Knitting is a popular pastime that requires a certain level of skill and knowledge to create beautiful and intricate designs. One important aspect of knitting is understanding the abbreviations and terms used in knitting patterns. These abbreviations and terms are used to convey instructions more efficiently and shortly.
Understanding these knitting abbreviations and terms is essential for anyone who wants to become a skilled knitter. Here are some common knitting abbreviations, terms and their meanings
🔺 GENERAL
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alt |
alternate |
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approx |
approximatel
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beg |
begin[ning] |
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bet |
bettween
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cont |
continue[ing] |
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rem |
remaining
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rep |
repeat |
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rnd[s] |
round[s]
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tbl |
through the back loop of the stitch |
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RS |
right side
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WS |
Wrong side |
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wyib |
With yarn in back
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wyif |
with yarn in front |
🔺 TOOLS
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alt |
alternate |
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approx |
approximatel
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cc |
contrasting color
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cn |
cable needle
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dpn |
double pointed needles[s] |
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MC |
main color
|
🔺 MEASUREMENTS
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in |
inch |
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mm |
millimeter
|
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cm |
centimeter |
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m |
meter
|
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g |
gram |
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oz |
ounces
|
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yd |
yard |
🔺 DIRECTIONS
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bo |
bind off |
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co |
cast on
|
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dec |
decrease[ing] |
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inc |
increase[ing]
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pm |
place marker |
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sm |
slip marker
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st/sts |
stitch/stitches |
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psso |
pass slipped stitch over
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w-t |
wrap and turn |
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yb |
yarn back
|
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yf |
yarn forward |
Knitting symbols are graphic representations used in knitting patterns to indicate specific stitches or actions that need to be taken. These symbols are a standardized way of communicating instructions across different languages and regions, making it easier for knitters to follow patterns from all over the world.
Here are some common knitting symbols and their meanings:
| Symbol |
Abb |
Explanation |
|
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Co |
Cast on |
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Bo |
Bind off |
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K
|
Knit |
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P |
Purl |
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K tbl
|
Knit through the back loop |
|
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P tbl |
Purl through the back loop |
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Sl wyib |
Slip stitch with yarn in back |
|
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Sl wyif |
Slip stitch with yarn in front |
|
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K1b
|
Knit 1 below |
|
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Yo |
Yarn over |
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Yo x2 |
Yarn over twice |
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Yo x3 |
Yarn over three times |
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Kyok |
(Knit 1, yarn over, knit 1) in the same stitch |
|
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Pyop |
(Purl 1, yarn over, purl 1) in the same stitch |
|
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M1 |
Make one stitch |
|
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M1p |
Make one purlwise |
|
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LLI |
Left lifted-increases
Step-by-step instructions with pictures
|
|
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RLI |
Right lifted-increases
Step-by-step instructions with pictures
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|
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LLIp |
Left lifted-increases purl-wise
Step-by-step instructions with pictures
|
|
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RLIp |
Right lifted-increases purl-wive
Step-by-step instructions with pictures
|
|
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inc to 2 |
- (Knit 1, purl 1) in one stitch
- (Purl 1, knit 1) in one stitch |
|
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inc to 3 |
- (Knit 1, purl 1, knit 1) in one stitch
- (Purl 1, knit 1, purl 1) in one stitch |
|
|
inc to 5 |
- (Knit 1, purl 1, knit 1, purl 1, knit 1) in one stitch
- (Purl 1, knit 1, purl 1, knit 1, purl 1) in one stitch |
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2-2 |
2 into 2 gathered |
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3-3 |
3 into 3 gathered |
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5-5 |
5 into 5 gathered |
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2-2 tbl |
2 into 2 gathered through the back loop |
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3-3 tbl |
3 into 3 gathered through the back loop |
🌀 Cable symbols |
Explanation |
|
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1/1 Left cross |
|
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1/1 Right cross |
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2/2 Left cross |
|
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2/2 Right cross |
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3/3 Left cross |
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3/3 Right cross |
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3/3 Left purl cross |
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|
3/3 Right purl cross |
Knitting patterns often use a variety of symbols to indicate different stitches and techniques, and it can be easy to get confused or make a mistake if you don't take the time to read the key carefully. So, before you begin your next knitting project, be sure to review the pattern key thoroughly to avoid any potential errors or frustrations along the way.
Happy knitting!
