We knitters tend to speak our own language. Now, I’m not talking about stitch abbreviations like K2TOG (knit 2 stitches together) or SSK (slip slip knit). I’m saying that we have our own vocabulary - or knitcabulary - rather. By this I mean being hip to the knit lingo.
Take the below sentences for example:
Spent last night working on a UFO but was KUI. That was a really bad idea. Had to frog back to where I started.
Or…
I’ve been suffering from Knit Trauma and had to go to the LYS. I had amazing SEX! Now I’ve got to find more room for my stash. I think I’m going to need a bigger house!
Maybe you’re thinking…UFO?…SEX?…Wha?! Are we still talking about knitting?
Yes, we are.
If you’ve had some exposure to the knitterverse, or even if you haven’t, we’ve got a fix for that.
Knitter's Knitcabulary
Introducing the knitter’s knitcabulary! A compendium of commonly used acronyms, words, and interesting phrases that will make you laugh, smile. You’re sure to learn something new and be in the know.
Now, we can’t say that knowing these will make you a better knitter but you will certainly have a good time using them. Enjoy!
All-knitter
A knitting marathon that results in sleep lost or knitting all night.
Amigurumi (Ami)
The Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals.
Bistitchual
The ability to create stitches in two styles, i.e., knit and crochet.
Body Bag
Where UFOs are stored. Also see PIGS.
Craftivism
Activism centered around a craft.
Craftivist
One who is active in craftivism.
DS
Destash. To destash is to sell or trade unwanted yarn.
FART
Fiber Acquisition Road Trip. Can you say yarn crawl?!
Flashing
Similar to pooling (see below). When variegated yarn creates stripes around like lightning.
FO
Finished Object
Frog
Ripping out your stitches when you’ve made a mistake.
Hiberknitting
Retreating into your own world of knitting.
HOTN
Hot off the needles
Iknitterate
Someone who doesn't knit or craft and/or doesn't understand the lingo. (Courtesy of Joan V-E.)
KAL
Knit Along
KIP
Knitting In Public
Did you know there is an annual world-wide knit (and crochet) in public day? The event in 2019 will be in its 14th year! Want to find out where there’s a KIP in your area? Check out the WWKIP Day site for more details.
Can’t find one being hosted in your area? Why not start your own? This is a great opportunity to get out there and meet some of your fellow fiber friends and knit!
Knitflix/ Knitflixing
The act of knitting while streaming bingeworthy shows on Amazon, Netflix, or Hulu.
Knitpicking
The dreaded & time consuming weaving in the ends of yarn when a project is finished.
Gollum sums this up perfectly:
Knit Trauma
When you have several UFOs started but feel the need to buy more patterns, yarn, etc.
Knitty Litter
The knitting related detritus that collects all over the home when one knits (or crochets).
KUI
Knitting under the influence, often resulting in having to frog what you’ve worked.
We get it. Sometimes wine is important. If you must wine and knit, see the next listing and don’t say we didn’t offer to help.
Lifeline
A line of thread, yarn, floss, etc. that is run through the active stitches and used as a backup point.
TIP: Word to the wise... remember this before you KUI.
LYS
Local Yarn Store
LYSO
Local Yarn Store Owner
OKD
Obsessive Knitting Disorder
OTN
On the Needles
PHD
Projects Half Done. Also known as UFOs.
PIGS
Project in Grocery Sack. Also see Body Bag.
Pooling
When colors in variegated yarn clump together creating big splotches or pools of color.
Procrastiknitting
Knitting when you should be doing something else but all you want to do is knit.
Puddling
Similar to pooling but more like blotches of color in variegated yarn.
SABLE
Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy
SEX
Stash Enhancement Experience. Buying (more) yarn.
SIP
Socks in progress
Squishy Mail
Yarn delivery
Stash
A knitter’s collection of yarn, often bordering on addiction.
Tink
Tink is knit spelled backwards. Undoing your knitting one stitch at a time to correct a mistake.
TOAD
Trashed Object Abandoned in Disgust
UFO
Unfinished Object (usually an abandoned or neglected WIP).
UFO Syndrome
The urge to start a new knitting project despite many UFOs already started.
Vanilla
A simple, easy knitting pattern.
WIP
Work In Progress
Yarn Barf
A big lump of yarn that comes out of the center of a new ball or skein of yarn.
Yarn Bomb
Yarn bombing is knitted (or crocheted) street art. Also known as Yarn Storming, Guerrilla Knitting, Knitffiti, Urban Knitting, or Graffiti Knitting.
Yarnie
Lover of all that is yarn.
We hope you've enjoyed this list of Knitcabulary as much as we have! Are there any knitting terms you've seen or used that aren’t on this list? If so, please share it in the comments below. We'd love to hear them!
Also, don't forget to follow us on social!
Instagram
Pinterest
Facebook
*Editor's Note: First published in April 2017, this post has been completely updated. - December 11, 2018
https://www.facebook.com/spinningramma/photos/a.10150407846520331/10160823257080331/?type=3&permPage=1
FYI
Thank you so much for sharing my infographic! I really appreciate it!
I knew some of these terms but also learned new ones! Will be linking to this on my blog.
That's great! Thanks so much for dropping me a note and for sharing it to your site! Cheers!
Love the knitabulary. Have many PIGS, mostly sewing & quilting these days. Several UFOs in knitting. 1 TOAD from 2011 (jumper for grandson) my cats peed on it! The yarn was smelly & discoloured beyond recognition. Love knitting & crocheting in the winter, sewing & quilting in summer. PIGs, TOADs, & UFOs seem to be good terms for all stitchery activities.
Would love to have your knitcabulary graphic as a print I could frame and put on the wall in my craft room!
what does MODS mean?
Hi there! Hard to say without some context but it's possible they're talking about modifications to the pattern, etc. and using MODS to shorten it. That's my best guess.
Anyone know how to make a loop abbreviation ml
Hi Barbara! I did a search and the closest I could find was Loop, abbreviated as (LP). This was from the Craft Yarn Council's standardized abbreviations. I hope this helps you.
I know about “hookers,” and you’ve introduced me to “bistitchual.”
But is there a nickname for knitters?
Hi Rick! Thanks for the note. You're right, I've heard of crocheters being called "hookers" but I've not heard of a nickname for knitters. I'm sure there are some floating around in the ether but perhaps they haven't stuck yet. Any suggestions? 🙂
Knitters - I refer to us as Needlers.
Thanks for sharing your slang, Emely!
In a cabled pattern: Row 13: K2, p4, 6/6 RC, p4, k2.
What does 6/6 RC mean?
I don't find this addressed in any of your definitions.
Thank you
Hi! Thanks for sharing your question. You are correct, this description is not on my slang post, but it is on my knitting abbreviations post.
Basically, RC stands for right cross, which is a right leaning cable. You'll first slip 6 stitches purlwise to a cable needle and hold them in back. Knit the next 6 stitches, then knit the 6 cabled stitches.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Now I understand. I've never knitted a cable pattern before.
Thank you so much.
No problem. You're welcome. Good luck!
Working from a new pattern and instructions read to knit flat. What does knit flat mean?
Hi Lois! To knit flat is to knit back and forth, not in the round. I hope this helps!
I don't knit or craft or anything....early knitting traumas, I believe I've invented a word for myself regarding being a non-knitter. I say I'm Iknitterate.
Hi Joan! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your word invention with me. It's brilliant! I absolutely love it! I'm going to add it to the list right now.
Sorry to hear about your early knitting traumas. Hopefully you've found something else that speaks to you and, more importantly, makes you happy. You do you.
Cheers! ~ Christina