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. 

• Crochet Abbreviations
• Crochet Pattern Terms: US & UK Differences
• Common Terms & Symbols in Crochet & Knit Patterns
• Size Conversion Charts for Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks