When you first begin knitting, reading patterns and charts may be the most challenging aspect. After all, to a novice, “K5 yo, k2tog, ssk, knit to end” looks like utter gibberish. But don’t stress — keep this guide close and you’ll be able to decode even the trickiest line.
Common Knitting Abbreviations
- bo – bind off
- co – cast on
- dec – decrease
- inc – increase
- k2tog – knit two together
- k – knit
- kfb – knit in the front and back of the same stitch
- kwise – knitwise
- 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
- p2tog – purl two stitches together
- p – purl
- pfb – purl in the front and back of the same stitch
- pwise – purlwise
- sl st – slip stitch
- ssk – slip two stitches on the right needle and knit them together
- ssp – slip two stitches on the right needle and purl them together
- st st – stockinette stitch
- yo – yarn over
Less Common Knitting Abbreviations
- dpn – double pointed needles
- k2tog tbl – knit two together through the back loops
- ktbl – knit through the back loop
- p2tog tbl – purl two together through the back loops
- pm – place marker
- psso – pass the slip stitch over
- ptbl – purl through the back loop
- skpo – slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over the knitted one
- wyib – with yarn in back
- wyif – with yarn in front
Cable Knitting Abbreviations
- c2b – slip stitch purlwise to a cable needle and hold that needle in the back of your work, knit the next stitch, then knit the stitch off of the cable needle.
- c2f – slip stitch purlwise to a cable needle and hold that needle in front of your work, knit the next stitch, then knit the stitch off of the cable needle.
What does “k ds” mean?
Hello I'm wondering if you can help me? I have a Fair Isle pattern which instructs me to K1C1. I've not come across this abreviation before, I'd. appreciate your advice. Many thanks Gloria
What dies pl 1 mean?
How do you knit CL3 andCL5?
The Pattern used c/o do now what this means
HELP, does anyone know what this could be on a pattern for a dragon, I’m knitting the wings, it’s Purl to Last 2sts, wrap 1p, turn it’s the last bit is this wrap and turn or do I have to add another ps after I do the wrap please can some one
What is meant by “K2tog tbl”
I am new here knitting a sweater for my grand daughter, stuck want to know the meaning of ( k2tog , k1 1) I know k2tog is knit tog ,k1 is knit what is 1 please help
Hi, my name is Raymond. I would like to receive a book full of different knitting patterns, knitting instruction & knitting abbreviations books free no pay
I'm starting Mokka Tart pattern and am confused about the abbreviation ktw. It says to knit yarn overtwisted through the back loop to avoid hole. I wish I could see a video on this.