Knitting abbreviations and terms help keep pattern text concise while still showing the full instructions.
Not sure what the abbreviations, terms in knitting patterns mean? Check out the list below to find the answers to your questions.
Basic Information: A Guide for Beginners
Once you know knit and purl, you can knit almost anything. You can find hundreds of simple and free patterns on the internet. Of course, when something is free, it usually doesn’t come with designer support.
Have abbreviations like CO, Beg, Rep, Patt... ever confused you?
Have Kwise or Pwise ever made you hesitate when reading a pattern?
Skill and dexterity in the hands are important for creating a beautiful knitted piece. However, understanding the terms and abbreviations used in written instructions is even more important, because it helps you follow the instructions accurately during the process. After all, how can a knitted piece look beautiful if there are mistakes?
Here is a list of TERMS AND MEASUREMENTS and 25 COMMON ABBREVIATIONS to help knitters better understand pattern instructions.
Terms and Measurements
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| * | repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed |
| * * | repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed or repeat at specified locations |
| {}, [] | repeat instructions within brackets as directed |
| ( ) | work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed or work a group of stitches all in the same stitch or space |
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| " or in | inch |
| cm | centimeter |
| g | gram |
| m | met |
| mm | millimeter |
| oz | ounce |
| yd | yard |
25 Common Knitting Abbreviations
| Abb | Description |
|---|---|
| CO | Cast on |
| BO | Bind off |
| Beg | Beginning |
| BOR | Beginning of round |
| Cont | Continue |
| Patt | Pattern |
| St/sts | Stitch/Stitches |
| Rep | Repeat |
| Dec | Decrease |
| Inc | Increase |
| K | Knit |
| Kwise | knitwise |
| P | Purl |
| Pwise | Purlwise |
| Kfb | Knit in the front and back of the same stitch |
| Pfb | Purl in the front and back of the same stitch |
| Yo | Yarn over |
| K2tog | Knit two stitches together |
| P2tog | Purl two stitches together |
| Ssk | Slip two stitches on the right needle and knit them together |
| Ssp | Slip two stitches on the right needle and purl them together |
| Sl or sl st | Slip stitch |
| Psso | Pass the slip stitch over |
| M1L | Make a new stitch by lifting the yarn in the space between the stitches and knitting into the back loop |
| M1R | Make a new stitch by lifting the yarn in the space between the stitches and knitting into the front loop |
A
alternate/alternating
alt
alternate/alternating usually used to instruct to alternate between different stitch patterns or colors
afterthought heel
a sock heel technique where the heel is added after the rest of the sock is completed, usually by picking up stitches and knitting a separate heel
applied i-cord
applied i-cord; a technique for creating a knitted cord that is attached to the edge of a project as it is worked
applied ribbing
applied ribbing; a technique for adding ribbing to an existing piece of knitting, usually by picking up stitches along an edge
approximately
approx
often used to describe measurements or gauge
a style of knitting characterized by intricate cables and textured stitch patterns
aran weight
a heavier weight yarn category that is often used for warm, cozy sweaters and accessories
argyle
a geometric knitting pattern that features diamond shapes and diagonal lines, often used in sock and sweater designs
at the same time
a pattern instruction that indicates two or more shaping or stitch pattern elements should be worked simultaneously within the same row or round
B
backward loop cast on
a simple method of casting on stitches, where loops of yarn are added to the needle one at a time
ball winder
a tool used to wind skeins or hanks of yarn into neat, center-pull balls or cakes, making them easier to use while knitting
begin/beginning
beg
typically used to indicate the start of a row, round, or pattern
between
bet
used to indicate the position of a stitch or action in relation to other stitches or actions
blocking
the process of shaping and setting a knitted item by wetting it and laying it out to dry in the desired shape and size
blocking mats
interlocking foam mats used for blocking and shaping knitted pieces
bind off
BO
beginning of round
bor
the point at which the first stitch of a round or row is located
bottom-up
a method of sweater construction where the garment is worked from the hem up to the neck
break the yarn
cut the yarn, leaving a tail to weave in later
stitch pattern that creates a reversible, squishy fabric with a lot of elasticity using a combination of slipped stitches and yarn overs
brk
a brioche stitch that is worked by knitting the stitch together with its accompanying yarn over
brp
a brioche stitch that is worked by purling the stitch together with its accompanying yarn over
backward yarn over
byo
a technique that involves wrapping the yarn around the needle in the opposite direction of a standard yarn over, creating a twist in the loop and a smaller hole in the fabric
C
C2B
a cable stitch involving two stitches held to the back of the work to create a right-leaning 2-stitch cable
C2F
a cable stitch involving two stitches held to the front of the work to create a left-leaning 2-stitch cable
a technique that creates twisted or braided patterns by rearranging the order of stitches
contrasting color
CC
a secondary color used in a pattern, often for stripes or colorwork designs
cable cast on
a method of casting on stitches that creates a firm, neat edge, often used for edges that need to be sturdy or resist stretching
cable back
CB
a cable stitch that involves holding stitches to the back of the work to create a right-leaning cable
centered double decrease (2 stitches decreased)
cdd
a decrease that involves slipping two stitches, knitting one, and then passing the slipped stitches over the knit stitch, creating a decrease of two stitches with the center stitch on top
cable front
CF
a cable stitch that involves holding stitches to the front of the work to create a left-leaning cable
chart
a visual representation of a knitting pattern using symbols and colors
chain
ch
a crochet term referring to a series of loops made by pulling yarn through previous loops, used in some knit and crochet combination techniques
circular
circ
refers to knitting projects or techniques that are worked in the round, using circular needles or double-pointed needles
circular needles
knitting needles that are connected by a flexible cord, allowing for knitting in the round and for knitting larger projects without the weight of the project resting on straight needles
cable left
CL
a term used in cable knitting patterns to indicate that stitches should be held in the front of the work while knitting the next stitches
centimeters
cm
cable needle
CN
a short, double-pointed needle used to hold stitches temporarily when working cable patterns
cast on
CO
a method to create the initial stitches on the needle before starting to knit
colorwork
a knitting technique in which multiple colors of yarn are used to create patterns or designs in the fabric; common colorwork techniques include stranded knitting (e.g., Fair Isle), intarsia, and mosaic knitting
continue
cont
a term used to indicate that the knitter should keep working in the established pattern
continental knitting
a method of knitting where the working yarn is held in the left hand and stitches are picked or scooped with the right-hand needle. also known as “picking” or “European knitting”
corrugated ribbing
a type of ribbing pattern that is worked with two colors, typically one for the knit stitches and another for the purl stitches
course
a horizontal row of stitches in knitting, similar to a row in flat knitting or a round in circular knitting
cable right
CR
a term used in cable knitting patterns to indicate that stitches should be held in the back of the work while knitting the next stitches
cable twist
CT
a technique used to create texture and interest in knitted fabric by crossing groups of stitches over one another
cuff down
a sock knitting method that starts at the cuff and works down towards the toe
D
decrease/decreasing
dec
a technique used to reduce the number of stitches in a row or round, shaping the fabric
double knitting
DK
a technique where two layers of fabric are knit simultaneously on the same needles, creating a reversible, double-thickness fabric
double knitting yarn
dk yarn
a medium weight yarn, slightly lighter than worsted weight, used for a wide range of projects
do not turn
an instruction in a pattern indicating that the work should not be turned at the end of a row, often used in short rows or circular knitting
double-pointed needles
DPN
knitting needles with points on both ends, used for small circumference knitting like socks and sleeves
drop stitch
a technique that involves dropping a stitch off the needle and allowing it to unravel, creating an elongated stitch or a ladder effect
duplicate stitch
a method of adding embroidery or duplicate stitches over an existing knit fabric, often used for adding decorative elements or fixing mistakes
dye lot
a number assigned to a batch of yarn that has been dyed together, indicating a consistent color throughout the batch
E
ease
the difference between the body measurements and the finished garment measurements, affecting the fit of the garment (negative ease for a tighter fit, positive ease for a looser fit)
edge stitch
a stitch used to create a clean and stable edge on the knitted piece
entrelac
a knitting technique that creates a textured, woven appearance by knitting small squares and triangles in a modular fashion
end of needle
EON
end of row/round
EOR
the point at which the last stitch of a round or row is located
established
EST
used in knitting patterns to indicate that the stitch pattern or sequence has been set and should be continued as previously described
Estonian Braid
a decorative stitch pattern used in knitting, originating from Estonia, that creates a raised, braided texture on the surface of the fabric; often used as a border or embellishment in traditional Estonian knitting patterns such as mittens, hats, and shawls
Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Sewn Bind Off
EZ’s Sewn BO
a stretchy bind-off method using a tapestry needle to sew the stitches together
F
front and back
FB
fair isle
a colorwork technique using two or more colors per row, carrying the unused yarn across the back of the work
felting
sometimes known as fulling. a process that involves washing, agitating, and sometimes applying heat to wool, causing the fibers to shrink and mat together. creates a denser, more stable material
fish lips kiss heel
a sock heel technique that uses short rows and unique shaping to create a well-fitting heel
fleegle heel
a sock heel technique that uses a combination of gusset increases and short rows for a seamless and well-fitting heel
finished object
FO
a completed knitting project
follow
FOLL
indicates that the knitter should continue working as directed in the previous instructions or continue with the established stitch pattern
frog(ging)
to “rip it, rip it”; the act of ripping out stitches, usually several rows or entire projects, to correct a mistake or start over
G
grams
G
garter stitch
GARTER ST
a basic knitting stitch pattern where all rows are knit stitches
garter tab
a small rectangular piece worked in garter stitch, often used as the starting point for top-down, triangular shawls to create a smooth edge
gauge sometimes known as tension
the number of stitches and rows per inch or centimeter in a knitted piece, determined by the size of needles and the tension of the knitter
gauge swatch
a small sample of knitting worked in the stitch pattern and yarn weight of the project to determine gauge or tension
German short rows
a short-row technique that uses a special double stitch to prevent holes in the fabric
grafting
a technique used to join two pieces of knitting, creating a seamless join
gusset
triangular-shaped sections used to shape a sock, usually found at the sides of the heel and created through increases
H
hank
a skein of yarn wound into a loose, coiled shape, often used for hand-dyed or specialty yarns
heel flap
a rectangular section of knitting on the back of a sock that is worked separately from the rest of the sock, often using slipped stitches and garter stitch edges for reinforcement
heel turn
the process of shaping the bottom of the heel on a sock, using short rows or other techniques to create a cup-like shape that wraps around the heel of the foot
helix knitting
a technique for knitting stripes in the round without a visible “jog” at the color change, by using multiple strands of yarn
half finished object
HFO
describes a project that is partially completed, often set aside temporarily in favor of starting a new project or due to a lack of motivation or time to complete it
hibernating
describes a project that has been put on hold or paused, often due to a lack of interest, time, or motivation to continue; hibernating projects may be stored away for a period of time before being resumed or eventually abandoned
holding sts
stitches held on a stitch holder or waste yarn to be worked later
hot off the needles
HOTN
used to describe a finished knitting project that has just been completed
I
idiot cord
I-CORD
a narrow, tubular cord of knitted fabric created by working a small number of stitches, typically 3 to 5, and sliding them back to the beginning of the needle after each row, often used for edgings, handles, or decorative elements
i-cord bind off
I-CORD BO
a method of binding off that creates an i-cord along the edge, providing a finished, decorative look
Icelandic bind off
a stretchy bind-off method that creates a decorative, slightly elastic edge
illusion knitting
also known as shadow knitting, a technique that creates a hidden pattern visible only from certain angles using knit and purl stitches
inches
IN
in the round
knitting in a continuous spiral to create a seamless fabric, often using circular or double-pointed needles
increase(d)/increasing
INC
a knitting technique used to add stitches to the fabric, can be achieved with various methods like yarn over, knit front and back, or make one
including
INCL
a term used in knitting patterns to indicate that certain elements or instructions are part of the overall stitch count or process
intarsia
a colorwork knitting technique that involves working separate sections of a pattern in different colors, without carrying the unused yarn across the back of the work, creating a single layer of fabric with no floats
intarsia twist
a technique used in intarsia knitting to prevent holes at color changes by twisting the two yarn strands around each other before continuing with the new color
invisible cast on
INVISIBLE CO
a provisional cast-on method that allows stitches to be easily picked up and worked in the opposite direction later, used in seamless or top-down construction
J
Japanese short rows
a short row technique that uses a small loop of contrasting yarn or a removable stitch marker to keep track of the wrapped stitch, which is later lifted and worked together with the adjacent stitch to close the gap
jog
the point where the beginning and end of a round meet in circular knitting, often resulting in a visible step or disruption in the pattern, especially in stripes
jogless stripes
a technique used in circular knitting to minimize the appearance of a jog or step when changing colors, by adjusting the beginning of the round or slipping stitches
join
the act of connecting stitches or pieces of knitting, either by knitting them together, sewing, or using other techniques
joining in the round
the process of connecting the first and last stitches on a circular needle or double-pointed needles to create a continuous loop for circular knitting
Judy’s magic cast-on
JMCO
a cast-on method developed by Judy Becker, used for toe-up socks and other seamless projects, that creates a seamless, invisible join on both sides of the fabric
Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off
JSSBO
a bind-off method developed by Jeny Staiman that creates a very stretchy edge, making it suitable for projects that require elasticity, such as socks, shawls, and cuffs
K
knit
K
a basic stitch that forms stockinette fabric when knit on the right side and purled on the wrong side
knit one below
K1B
to knit into the stitch below the one on the needle
knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
K2TOG
a basic knitting decrease that involves working two stitches together as one knit stitch, reducing the stitch count by one
knit 3 stitches together (2 stitches decreased)
K3TOG
a knitting decrease that involves working three stitches together as one knit stitch, reducing the stitch count by two
knit-along
KAL
a community event in which knitters work on the same project or pattern together, often sharing progress and tips along the way
kitchener stitch
KITCH ST
a grafting technique that joins two sets of live stitches together seamlessly, often used for closing the toes of socks or joining the edges of a project
knit into the front and back of a stitch (1 stitch increased)
KFB
an increase that involves working a knit stitch through the front and then the back loop of the same stitch, creating two stitches from one
knit into the front, back and front of a stitch (2 stitches increased)
KFBF
an increase that involves knitting into the front, back, and front of the same stitch, creating three stitches from one
knit in public
KIP
an activity of knitting in public places such as cafés, parks.
knit through the back loop
KTBL
a twisted knit stitch that involves working the knit stitch through the back loop of the stitch, creating a tighter, twisted stitch
knitwise
KWISE
inserting the needle into a stitch as if to knit, often used when slipping stitches or working other techniques
L
lace weight
a very fine weight of yarn, typically used for delicate, lacy patterns
Latvian braid
a decorative horizontal element often used in colorwork, created by using a specific method of purling and twisting yarns
left cross
LC
a knitting technique that involves crossing stitches in such a way that the left stitch appears to be on top of the right stitch, typically used in cable patterns
leading leg
LLEG
the part of a stitch that is closer to the needle tip when the stitch is mounted correctly on the needle
left hand
LH
in knitting, this term often refers to the needle held in the left hand or the way stitches are worked when the left hand is the dominant hand
lifeline
LLN
a length of yarn threaded through a row of stitches, used as a safety net to easily rip back to that row without losing any stitches
left-leaning decrease
LLD
a decrease that slants to the left on the right side of the fabric
a left-leaning increase made by knitting into the stitch below the one on the left needle
long-tail cast on
LONG-TAIL CO
a cast-on method that creates a stretchy, durable edge by using both the working yarn and a long tail
loop(s)
LP(S)
refers to the loops of yarn that form the stitches on the knitting needles
left purl twist
LPT
a technique that creates a small twist or cable by crossing two purl stitches to the left; usually achieved by purling the second stitch on the left needle through the back loop without dropping it off, then purling the first stitch and dropping both stitches
left twist
LT
a knitting technique that creates a mock cable stitch by crossing one stitch over the stitch to its left, without the use of a cable needle
local yarn store
LYS
M
marker
M
a small tool or piece of yarn used to mark a specific point or location in a knitting project, such as the beginning of a round or a specific pattern repeat
metres
M
magic knot
a technique used to securely join two strands of yarn together without adding bulk, often used to change colors or to join new yarn in knitting and crochet projects
magic loop
a method of knitting small-diameter projects in the round using a long circular needle, especially useful for small-diameter projects such as socks or sleeves. the cable is pulled through the stitches to form two loops, allowing the knitter to work around the circumference without needing double-pointed needles
make-along
MAL
a community event in which crafters work on projects together. similar to knit-along but can include multiple different crafts like knitting, crocheting, spinning
make 1 stitch
M1
make 1 left (left leaning increase)
M1L
insert left needle from front to back under the strand of yarn which runs between the next st on the left needle and the st just worked on the right needle and ktbl (1 stitch increased)
make 1 purl left (left leaning increase)
M1LP
insert left needle from front to back under the strand of yarn which runs between the next st on the left needle and the st just worked on the right needle and ptbl (1 stitch increased)
make 1 purl stitch (left leaning increase)
M1P
insert left needle from front to back under the strand of yarn which runs between the next st on the left needle and the st just worked on the right needle and ptbl (1 stitch increased)
make 1 purl left (left leaning increase)
M1PL
insert left needle from front to back under the strand of yarn which runs between the next st on the left needle and the st just worked on the right needle and ptbl (1 stitch increased)
make 1 purl right (right leaning increase)
M1PR
insert left needle from back to front under the strand of yarn which runs between the next st on the left needle and the st just worked on the right needle and purl into the front of the lifted strand (1 stitch increased)
make 1 right (right leaning increase)
M1R
insert left needle from back to front under the strand of yarn which runs between the next st on the left needle and the st just worked on the right needle and knit into the front of the lifted strand (1 stitch increased)
make 1 purl right (right leaning increase)
M1RP
insert left needle from back to front under the strand of yarn which runs between the next st on the left needle and the st just worked on the right needle and purl into the front of the lifted strand (1 stitch increased)
mattress stitch
a sewing technique used in knitting to join two pieces of fabric together edge-to-edge with an invisible seam, often used for seaming garment pieces or for joining blocks in an afghan
make bobble
MB
a knitting technique used to create a small, textured, raised element on the surface of the fabric. typically achieved by increasing multiple stitches into one stitch, working a few rows or rounds, and then decreasing back to the original stitch count before continuing with the pattern
main color
MC
the primary color used in a knitting project, often in contrast to one or more contrasting colors (CC) in a multicolored pattern
make double stitch
MDS
a technique used in short row knitting, specifically in German short rows, that involves slipping a stitch purlwise with the yarn in front, pulling the working yarn up and over the needle to create a “double stitch” that helps prevent gaps in the fabric
mitered square
a square knitting technique that begins with a certain number of stitches and uses centered decreases to create a diagonal line or pattern, often used for modular knitting projects like blankets or garments
millimetres
MM
mobius
a type of knitting project that features a continuous, twisted loop, often achieved by casting on stitches onto a long circular needle and twisting the stitches once before joining them to work in the round, creating a seamless, twisted fabric
a colorwork technique that uses slipped stitches and only one color per row to create patterns
N
Navajo ply
a technique used in yarn spinning to create a three-ply yarn from a single strand by creating loops and chaining the yarn
needle
NDLE
an alternative abbreviation for needle, a tool used in knitting to hold and manipulate stitches
Norwegian purl
an alternative purling technique for continental knitting, in which the working yarn is held at the back of the work which allows the knitter to switch between knitting and purling without moving the yarn
no stitch
a symbol or placeholder used in knitting charts to indicate that no stitch is to be worked in a particular spot, often used to maintain the shape of the chart or to represent decreases that have been worked in previous rows or rounds
a decorative element in Estonian lace knitting, created by increasing multiple stitches in one stitch and then purling them together on the following row, resulting in a small, rounded bump on the fabric’s surface
O
Old Norwegian cast on
OLD NORWEGIAN CO
also known as Twisted German Cast On, a stretchy cast-on method that creates a decorative edge
ounce
OZ
P
purl
P
a basic knitting stitch that forms a bump on the fabric, typically worked by inserting the right needle into the front of the next stitch on the left needle from right to left, with the working yarn at the front of the work
purl 1 below
P1B
to purl into the stitch below the one on the needle
pass two slipped stitches over
P2SSO
a knitting decrease that involves passing two slipped stitches over another stitch
purl 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
P2TOG
a decrease where you purl two stitches at the same time
purl 2 stitches together through the back loops (1 stitch decreased)
P2TOGTBL
a decrease where you purl two stitches together through their back loops, creating a left-leaning decrease
purl 3 stitches together (2 stitches decreased)
P3TOG
a decrease in knitting that involves purling three stitches together as if they were one, reducing the stitch count by two
pattern
PAT, PATT
indicates a specific stitch sequence, design, or texture created by working a combination of stitches
place cable marker
PCM
an instruction to place a marker at a specific point in the knitting to indicate the beginning or end of a cable pattern
purl into the front and back of a stitch (1 stitch increased)
PFB
an increase where you purl into the front and then the back of the same stitch, making two stitches from one
ply
the number of individual strands twisted together to make the yarn
place marker
PM
putting a stitch marker at a specific point in your knitting to mark important places, like the start of a round or pattern repeat
provisional cast-on
a temporary cast-on method in knitting that uses a waste yarn, allowing you to remove it later and have live stitches to work in the opposite direction
pass stitch
PS
a knitting technique where you move a stitch from one needle to another without knitting or purling it
pass slipped stitch over
PSSO
a decrease where a slipped stitch is passed over one or more stitches to create a slanted stitch
purl through the back loop
PTBL
a knitting technique where you purl a stitch through its back loop, twisting the stitch
pick up
PU
a technique where you pick up stitches along an edge or from a finished piece of knitting to start a new section
pick up and knit
PU & K
a technique where you pick up stitches from an edge or finished piece and knit them, starting a new section
purlwise
PWISE
inserting the needle into a stitch as if to purl, often used when slipping stitches or working other techniques
QR
qiviut
a type of luxury fiber made from the soft undercoat of the musk ox, known for its warmth and softness
right cross
RC
a knitting technique that involves crossing stitches in such a way that the right stitch appears to be on top of the left stitch, typically used in cable patterns
remaining/remains
REM
often used in knitting patterns to indicate the number of stitches or rows left to work
repeat(s)
REP(S)
an instruction in knitting patterns to work a specific set of stitches or rows multiple times
reverse stockinette stitch
REV ST ST
a fabric created by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side, resulting in a texture with the purl side facing out
right hand
RH
in knitting, this term often refers to the needle held in the right hand or the way stitches are worked when the right hand is the dominant hand
round(s)
RND(S)
used in knitting patterns to indicate working in the round, forming a circular or tubular fabric
right side
RS
the side of a knitted fabric that faces out or is intended to be visible
right purl twist
RPT
a technique that creates a small twist or cable by crossing two purl stitches to the right
right twist
RT
a knitting technique that creates a small cable or twist by crossing two stitches to the right
Russian join
a technique used to join two strands of yarn together without knots, by threading the ends through their own plies, resulting in a secure and almost invisible join
S
s-twist
a type of twist in spun yarn or thread, characterized by the fibers twisting in a direction that resembles the diagonal of the letter “S” when viewed from the top; the opposite of a z-twist
slip 2 stitches together knitwise, knit the next stitch, pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch (2 stitches decreased)
S2KP
a centered double decrease
slip 3 stitches together knitwise, knit the next stitch, pass the 3 slipped stitches over the knit stitch (3 stitches decreased)
S3KP
a centered triple decrease
stash acquisition beyond life expectancy
SABLE
used humorously to describe an excessive amount of yarn in a knitter’s collection
second sock/sleeve syndrome
SSS
when a knitter loses motivation to complete the second sock or sleeve after finishing the first
seaming
joining two pieces of fabric together using a needle and yarn
seed stitch
a textured stitch pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches on both sides of the fabric
selvedge
the edge stitches of a piece of knitting, often worked in a specific pattern to create a neat edge
shadow knitting
also known as illusion knitting, a technique that creates a hidden pattern visible only from certain angles using knit and purl stitches
short rows
a technique that involves working partial rows to shape the fabric
short row heel
a sock heel technique that uses short rows to shape the heel
slip the next stitch knitwise, k2tog, pass the slipped stitch over the worked stitch (2 stitches decreased)
SK
a double decrease that slants to the left
skein
a length of yarn that is loosely wound and often twisted into a bundle
slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 1 stitch, pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch (1 stitch decreased)
SKP
a left-slanting single decrease
slip the next stitch purlwise
SL
move the stitch from the left needle to the right needle without working it
slip 1 stitch knitwise
SL1K
slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over
SL1, K2TOG, PSSO
a double decrease that slants to the left
slip 1 stitch purlwise
SL1P
slip stitch
SL ST
slip the next stitch purlwise (unless otherwise specified)
slip marker
SLM
move the stitch marker from the left needle to the right needle while knitting
slip marker
SM
move the stitch marker from the left needle to the right needle while knitting
sock weight yarn
a thin, lightweight yarn often used for knitting socks or delicate garments
spit splice
a technique for joining two strands of non-superwash wool yarn by wetting and felting the ends together
slip, slip, knit
SSK
slip 2 stitches knitwise one at a time, then knit the slipped stitches together through the back loop (1 stitch decreased)
slip, slip, slip, knit
SSSK
slip 3 stitches knitwise one at a time, then knit the slipped stitches together through the back loop (2 stitches decreased)
slip, slip, purl
SSP
slip 2 stitches knitwise one at a time, then purl the slipped stitches together through the back loop (1 stitch decreased)
stitch(es)
ST(S)
stockinette stitch
ST ST
a basic knitting stitch pattern created by alternating knit rows and purl rows in flat knitting
stash
a knitter’s collection of yarn
stitch holder
a tool used to hold live stitches temporarily when they are not being worked
stitch markers
small tools used to mark a specific stitch or location in the knitting
steek(ing)
a technique used in knitting to create an opening in a fabric by cutting through the stitches
stockinette
also known as stocking stitch; a basic knitting fabric created by knitting one row and purling the next row when working flat
stranded knitting
a colorwork technique in which two or more colors of yarn are used in a single row or round
super bulky weight
a very thick weight of yarn, typically used for creating warm, cozy accessories and blankets
superwash
a treatment for wool yarn that makes it machine washable and resistant to felting
swatch
a small sample of knitting, usually made to check gauge or test a stitch pattern
sweater curse
an urban legend that claims knitting a sweater for a romantic partner will end the relationship
swift
a tool used to hold a skein or hank of yarn while it is being wound into a ball
T
through the back loop
TBL
a technique in which a stitch is worked through the back loop instead of the front loop, resulting in a twisted stitch
tension
also known as gauge. the tightness or looseness of the yarn while knitting
throwing
also known as English knitting or right-hand knitting; a method of knitting where the yarn is held in the right hand and “thrown” over the right-hand needle to form a new stitch
tinking
un-knitting or working backward stitch by stitch to undo work; often used to correct mistakes in knitting without ripping out multiple rows; (tink = knit backwards)
toe-up
a sock knitting method that starts at the toe and works up towards the cuff
together
TOG
to work two or more stitches together, as in a decrease
top-down
a method of sweater construction where the garment is worked from the neckline down to the hem
tubular cast-on
TUBULAR CO
creates a stretchy and nearly invisible edge often used for ribbing in socks, hats, and other garments; it creates a seamless transition between the cast-on edge and the ribbed fabric
tuck stitch
a textured stitch created by knitting into a stitch several rows below the current row, creating a small “tuck” or fold in the fabric
twisted German cast on
TWISTED GERMAN CO
a stretchy, elastic cast-on method, also known as the Old Norwegian cast on, that is particularly suitable for projects requiring flexibility, such as socks, hats, and cuffs; it creates a neat, decorative edge
twisted stitches
stitches that are worked through the back loop, creating a twisted appearance
two-at-a-time
a technique for knitting two identical pieces simultaneously on one set of needles, often used for socks or sleeves
UV
unfinished object
UFO
a knitting project that has been started but not yet finished, often in favor of starting a new project
unknit
another term for “tinking”; the process of undoing stitches one by one to fix mistakes without ripping out multiple rows
unspun yarn
a type of yarn that has not been twisted or plied, making it less durable but often softer and fluffier than traditional spun yarns
United States
US
typically used as a prefix for needle sizes in the United States system, which uses a different numbering system than other countries
vanilla socks
a basic, simple sock pattern, often knit in stockinette stitch with minimal or no intricate stitch patterns, colorwork, or cables; usually considered an ideal starting point for beginners learning to knit socks. can be easily customized to the individual knitter’s preferred stitch count and method
variegated
a type of yarn that has multiple colors or shades blended together, creating a unique and often random pattern when knitted
Vikkel braid
also known as Estonian braid, a decorative horizontal element often used in colorwork, created by using a specific method of knitting and twisting yarns
W
wrap and turn
W&T
a technique used in short row shaping to prevent holes in the fabric by wrapping the working yarn around the next unworked stitch and turning the work
wale
a vertical column of stitches in a knitted fabric, formed by a single stitch being worked up through successive row
waste yarn
a temporary yarn used to hold stitches, often for provisional cast-ons or as a stitch holder
whipstitch
a sewing stitch used to join two pieces of fabric, such as knitted or crocheted items, by passing the needle and thread through the edge loops of each piece in a spiral or diagonal pattern
winding
the process of transferring yarn from a skein, hank, or other form into a ball, cake, or another shape that is easier to work with while knitting or crocheting
work in progress
WIP
a knitting project that is not yet finished
wool over needle
WON
another term for yarn over, which involves bringing the yarn over the needle to create a new stitch and an intentional hole in the fabric
woolen spun
a method of spinning yarn where the fibers are carded, rather than combed, creating a yarn that is lighter, loftier, and warmer
work even
to continue knitting or crocheting without increasing, decreasing, or changing stitch patterns
working yarn
the strand of yarn that is being actively used to create stitches in knitting or crochet
worsted spun
a method of spinning yarn where the fibers are combed to align them parallel to each other
worsted weight
a medium thickness yarn, commonly used for a wide variety of projects
wraps per inch
WPI
a measurement of yarn thickness by wrapping yarn around a ruler or tool and counting the number of wraps in one inch
wool round needle
WRN
another term for yarn over, which involves wrapping the yarn around the needle to create a new stitch and an intentional hole in the fabric
wrong side
WS
the side of the fabric that faces inward or is not meant to be visible in a finished piece
waste yarn
WY
a temporary yarn used to hold stitches, often for provisional cast-ons or as a stitch holder
with yarn in back
WYIB
a direction to hold the working yarn at the back of the work while performing the next stitch or action
with yarn in front
WYIF
a direction to hold the working yarn at the front of the work while performing the next stitch or action
XYZ
xoxo
a common stitch pattern abbreviation for a cable pattern that alternates right-leaning and left-leaning cables, resembling the appearance of X’s and O’s
yarn barf
the tangled mess of yarn that appears when the end of a skein or ball becomes tangled while pulling from the center
yarn bowl
a bowl or container designed to hold a ball or skein of yarn while knitting, preventing it from rolling or tangling
yarn cake
a cylindrical, flat-sided shape of yarn usually created with a ball winder, allowing yarn to be pulled easily from the center
yarn over
YO
a technique where the working yarn is brought over the needle to create an extra stitch and a decorative hole in the knitting
yarn weight
the thickness of yarn, ranging from lace weight to super bulky
yarn back
YB
a direction to move the working yarn to the back of the work while knitting
yards
YDS
yarn front
YF
a direction to move the working yarn to the front of the work while knitting
yarn forward
YFWD
a technique where the working yarn is brought to the front of the work before working the next stitch, creating a yarn over
yarn over (1 stitch increased)
YO
a technique to create a new stitch and an intentional hole in the fabric by wrapping the working yarn around the needle
yarn round needle
YRN
a technique similar to a yarn over, created by wrapping the yarn around the needle between two purl stitches
z-twist
a type of twist in spun yarn or thread, where fibers twist in a direction resembling the diagonal of the letter Z
