Knitting Abbreviations

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Knitting Abbreviations 

Why are there knitting abbreviations? To shorten the amount of time it takes to read (and write!) knitting patterns, designers use popular abbreviations to help writing easier.

They may seem cryptic when you first see them, but after a while you'll be able to glance at a full row and know exactly what the designer wants you to do.

Occasionally, designers will use their own abbreviations. Most often, the designer will include a list of abbreviations at the beginning or end of their pattern.

The following are the most popular knitting abbreviations used. If you’d like a printable version of this chart, just enter your email below.

Knitting Abbreviations Definition
alt alternate
approx approximately
beg beginning
BO bind off
CC contrast color
cn cable needle
CO cast on
cont continue
dec decrease
dpn(s) double pointed knitting needle(s)
foll follow, following
inc increase
k knit
k1b knit one below
k2tog knit 2 stitches together
kwise knitwise (as if to knit)
LH left hand
lp(s) loop(s)
M1 make 1 increase
MC main color
psso pass slipped stitch over
patt pattern
pm place marker
prev previous
p purl
pwise purlwise (as if to purl)
rem remaining
rep repeat
rev st st reverse stockinette stitch
RH right hand
RS right side of work/project
rnd(s) round(s)
selv st selvage stitch
sk skip
sl slip
sm slip marker
skp slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (1 stitch decreased)
sk2p slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitsh over knit 2 together (2 stitches decreased)
ssk slip, slip knit
st(s) stitch(es)
st st stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row)
tbl through back loop
tog together
wyib with yarn in back
wyif with yarn in front
WS wrong side of work/project
yf yarn forward
yo yarn over