knit abbreviations aabhar creations

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

AbbreviationDescription
altalternate
approxapproximately
begbeginning
betbetween
BObind off
CCcontrast color
COcast on
contcontinue
decdecrease
follfollow
incincrease
kknit
k1belowknit stitch in row below
k1tblknit stitch through back loop
k2togknit 2 stitches together
kfbknit into front and back loop of stitch
kwiseknit-wise
LHleft hand
lploop
mmarker
m1 or m1kmake 1 stitch knit-wise by picking up horizontal loop lying before next stitch and knitting into back of loop
m1pmake 1 stitch purl-wise by picking up horizontal loop lying before next stitch and purling into back of loop
MCmain color
ppurl
p2togpurl 2 stitches together
patpattern
pfbpurl into front and back loop of stitch
pmplace marker
prevprevious
pssopass slipped stitch over
pwisepurl-wise
remremaining
reprepeat
rndround
RHright hand
RSright side
slslip
sl1kslip 1 stitch knit-wise
sl1pslip 1 stitch purl-wise
sl stslip stitch
smslip marker
sskslip 2 stitches knit-wise, knit these 2 stitches together through back loops
sspslip 2 stitches knit-wise, return these 2 stitches to left needle and purl them together through back loops
ststitch
tblthrough back loop
tflthrough front loop
togtogether
WSwrong side
wyibwith yarn in back
wyifwith yarn in front
ybyarn back
yf or yfwdyarn forward
yoyarn over
yonyarn over needle
yrnyarn 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.

Knit Abbreviations Aabhar Creations

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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