Knit Abbreviations
Just like crochet, there are some abbreviations used in knit patterns by pattern designers. Sometimes you get a key for the abbreviations along with the pattern, while most of the time the explanations are not included.
As a beginner in the world of knitting, the terms used in knit patterns might as well be an alien script!
But, once you start to grasp the knowledge about what the abbreviations mean, you’ll be reading patterns like a pro! There won’t be any need to go back and forth between the pattern and the basic instructions about knit abbreviations.
We have compiled some of the most common knit abbreviations that you’re most likely to come across in knit patterns. It’s in no way a comprehensive list of all abbreviations but it will help you navigate the world of knit patterns easily.
Knit Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|
| alt | alternate |
| approx | approximately |
| beg | beginning |
| bet | between |
| BO | bind off |
| CC | contrast color |
| CO | cast on |
| cont | continue |
| dec | decrease |
| foll | follow |
| inc | increase |
| k | knit |
| k1below | knit stitch in row below |
| k1tbl | knit stitch through back loop |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together |
| kfb | knit into front and back loop of stitch |
| kwise | knit-wise |
| LH | left hand |
| lp | loop |
| m | marker |
| m1 or m1k | make 1 stitch knit-wise by picking up horizontal loop lying before next stitch and knitting into back of loop |
| m1p | make 1 stitch purl-wise by picking up horizontal loop lying before next stitch and purling into back of loop |
| MC | main color |
| p | purl |
| p2tog | purl 2 stitches together |
| pat | pattern |
| pfb | purl into front and back loop of stitch |
| pm | place marker |
| prev | previous |
| psso | pass slipped stitch over |
| pwise | purl-wise |
| rem | remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd | round |
| RH | right hand |
| RS | right side |
| sl | slip |
| sl1k | slip 1 stitch knit-wise |
| sl1p | slip 1 stitch purl-wise |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sm | slip marker |
| ssk | slip 2 stitches knit-wise, knit these 2 stitches together through back loops |
| ssp | slip 2 stitches knit-wise, return these 2 stitches to left needle and purl them together through back loops |
| st | stitch |
| tbl | through back loop |
| tfl | through front loop |
| tog | together |
| WS | wrong side |
| wyib | with yarn in back |
| wyif | with yarn in front |
| yb | yarn back |
| yf or yfwd | yarn forward |
| yo | yarn over |
| yon | yarn over needle |
| yrn | yarn round needle |
There are many more abbreviations that are unique to some patterns. In such cases, the designer of the pattern includes an explanation of these individual patterns or abbreviations.
Here’s a downloadable PDF of these abbreviations for you!
You can also check out other crochet and knit resources from our website.
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