Knitting Abbreviations
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 |
