Here’s a complete list of knitting abbreviations and terms that are useful to know when reading knitting patterns.
Most knitting designers will include knitting abbreviations in their pattern. What they may not do is explain what the knitting instructions mean. As a knitter, it’s important to be familiar with this style of shorthand writing in case you have to make your own interpretation.
This isn’t the only reason why you should be aware of knitting abbreviations and terms though. Let's take a minute to discuss why knitting terms and abbreviations are used in the first place and why you should know them.
Why Knitting Abbreviations and Terms Are Used
The more you knit, the more you’ll realize that knitting abbreviations are used in knitting patterns for a lot of different reasons. For one, designers will sometimes use them to condense the knitting pattern instructions in order to save space. Using knitting abbreviations can sometimes make a five page pattern fit onto a single sheet of paper. Personally, this is a pet peeve of mine, but that's neither here nor there. Back to the task at hand.
Another reason knitting abbreviations are used is to make the knitting pattern easier to read. The more you read and use this style of shorthand, the quicker and easier the pattern instructions are to read.
In other words, by using knitting abbreviations, you can do a quick scan instead of a close read. This means you can reduce your focus on reading and focus more on your knitting. Inevitably, this always leads to faster knitting. All good things, really.
Finally, if you aspire to become a knitting designer, it certainly helps to know the correct knitting terminology, especially the standardized version.
Let's talk a little about knitting industry standards before jumping into the knitting terms and abbreviations.
Knitting Industry Standards
This list includes commonly used knitting abbreviations and terms that are considered the knitting industry standard according to The Craft Yarn Council (CYC).
You will find this list includes the knitting terminology U.S. knitters use. However, to make this a more complete list, I’ve also included some regional variations as well.
Additionally, some knitting abbreviations and terms included here which are not mentioned in the CYC’s industry standard list. In most cases, these knitting abbreviations are compound terms that are worth mentioning for clarity.
Finally, I’ve separated the knitting abbreviations and knitting terms into their respective sections. You’ll find knitting tutorials for most and/or additional links to reference materials for expanding your knowledge further.
Alright, let’s jump right in.
Knitting Abbreviations and Terms
alt
Alternate.
approx
Approximately.
beg
Beginning.
bet
Between.
BO
Bind off. This knitting tutorial shows you how to bind off your knitting.
* Also known as Cast Off in Canada and the UK.
BOR
Beginning of round.
* This knitting term is not a standard abbreviation but is used frequently in circular knitting patterns.
Learn more about circular knitting needles and how to knit in the round.
byo
Backward yarn over; single knit increase.
* Also known as a reverse yarn over.
C2L
Cable two (2) left. Left cross cables hold the stitches in front of the work. To make a C2L, slip 1 stitch purlwise to your cable needle and move it to the front of your knitting. Work the next stitch, then knit or purl the stitch on your cable needle.
* Also written as Cross 2 Left, 1/1 LC, and Cable 2 Front (C2F).
This video tutorial shows you how to C2L.
C4L
Cable four left is a 2x2 cable knit. With left cross cables, hold the stitches in front of the work. To make the C4L, slip 2 stitches purlwise to your cable needle and hold them in front of your knitting. Knit or purl the next 2 sts, then work the stitches on the cable needle.
* Also written as Cross 4 Left, 2/2 LC, and Cable 4 Front (C4F).
C2R
Cable two (2) right. Right cross cables hold the stitches to the back of the knitting. To make a C2R, slip 1 stitch onto your cable needle purlwise and move it behind your knitting. Work the next stitch, then knit or purl the stitch on your cable needle.
* Also written as Cross 2 Right, 1/1 RC, and Cable 2 Back (C2B).
Learn how to C2R with this video tutorial.
C4R
Cable four right is a 2x2 cable knit. With right cross cables, you’ll hold the stitches in back of the work. To make the C4R, slip 2 stitches purlwise to your cable needle and hold them behind your knitting. Knit or purl the next 2 sts, then work the stitches on the cable needle.
* Also written as Cross 4 Left, 2/2 LC, and Cable 4 Front (C4F).
Learn more about Cable Knitting Patterns with this book.
Cables Untangled: An Exploration of Cable Knitting.
CC
Contrasting color/colour. You’ll find this knitting term used in patterns with stranded colorwork, mosaic knitting, slipped stitches, and others.
cn
Cable needle. Learn about the different types of knitting needles.
CO
Cast on. Most knitting patterns will indicate which type of cast on to use. If a pattern does not, you may choose your favorite method.
Two of the most common cast on types are the long tail cast on and the knitted cast on. These knitting tutorials will show you how to cast on your knitting stitches to get started.
Check out these books on different Cast Ons and Bind Offs.
cont
Continue.
dec(s)
Decrease or decreases. Some patterns simply instruct to decrease but leave it up to the discretion of the knitter to choose which knitting decrease they’d like to use.
dpn/dpns
Double pointed needle(s).
These are used for knitting small circumferences in the round. They're usually found in sets of 5 needles per size.
These are two of my favorite DPNs:
ChiaoGoo Double Pointed Needle Set (Stainless Steel).
Knitter's Pride Zing Double Pointed Needles Set.
EON
End of needle.
EOR
End of row.
foll
Follow.
G
Garter stitch.
Learn how to knit garter stitch here.
inc(s)
Increase or increases. Some patterns simply indicate that an increase is needed but leave it up to the discretion of the knitter to choose which knitting increase they’d prefer to use.
This book showcases different knitting increases and decreases.
K
Knit or knit stitch.
Sometimes used in written instructions intended for the entire row. For example, Row 1: K to end.
Learn how to knit here.
K1B
Knit one stitch below.
This book teaches K1B and includes knitting patterns.
KBF
Knit into the back, then the front of one stitch; single knit increase.
* More commonly found in Eastern (e.g. Russian) knitting patterns.
Here's a tutorial on how to knit the KBF.
KFB / K1 F&B
Knit into front and back of one stitch; single knit increase.
* Also known as a Bar Increase because it leaves a noticeable bar.
Here's how to knit front and back (KFB).
KSP
Knit one, slip this stitch back to left needle, pass the 2nd stitch on left needle over the first stitch, then move this stitch back to right needle; single, right leaning knitting decrease (R/).
* Also known as KSPO and KSPSSO.
KTBL
Knit through back loop.
Some knitting abbreviations or terms are compounds of other abbreviations but are not mentioned in the standard list. The KTBL is one such example: K (knit) and TBL (through back loop).
K2TOG
Knit two stitches together; single, right leaning decrease (R/).
Here's how to knit two together.
K2TOG TBL
Knit two stitches together through the back loop; single, left leaning decrease (L\).
K3TOG
Knit three stitches together; right leaning double decrease (R/).
* Also written as k3tog centered or as center double decrease.
** This knitting term is not a standard abbreviation but it's used frequently in lace knitting patterns.
K3TOG TBL
Knit three stitches together through the back loops; left leaning double decrease (L\).
Kwise
Knitwise.
* Also written as kw in some patterns. Kwise is the standard, though.
LC
Left cross; left leaning cable, stitches held in front.
LLI
Left lifted increase.
* This knitting term is not a standard abbreviation but is used occasionally in knitting patterns. This type of increase is not as frequently used as other increases.
lp
Loop.
LTCO
Long tail cast on. This cast on method is one of the most commonly used as it creates a stretchy cast on.
Here's how to long tail cast on.
m
(Stitch) marker. Here's what you need to know about stitch markers.
M1 or M1K
Make one stitch knitwise.
Sometimes you will find a knitting pattern which doesn't state the type of knitting increase to make. The knitting instructions may simply say: M1.
In this case, you may choose to work either the M1L or the M1R as mentioned below.
M1L
Make one left; single, left leaning increase (L\).
M1LP
Make one left purlwise; single, left leaning purl increase (L\).
M1P
Make one purlwise. The same rules apply to knitting the M1P as mentioned in the M1K above.
M1R
Make one right; single, right leaning increase (R/). This knitting tutorial video shows you how to M1L and M1R.
M1RP
Make one right purlwise; single, right leaning purl increase (R/).
MB
Make bobble.
MC
Main color/colour. You’ll find this knitting term used in patterns that use colorwork knitting which may or may not involve stranded knitting.
P
Purl or purl stitch.
Sometimes used in written instructions intended for the entire row (or round). For example, Row 1: P across.
Here's how to purl stitch.
pat or patt
Pattern.
PFB
Purl into front and back of same stitch; single purl increase.
* Also known as a purled bar increase because it leaves a small bar in your knitting.
pm
Place (stitch) marker.
PTBL
Purl through back loop.
* This knitting term is not a standard abbreviation and is used occasionally in knitting patterns.
P2TOG
Purl two together; single, right leaning decrease (R/).
P2TOG TBL
Purl two stitches together through the back loop; single, left leaning decrease (L\).
P3TOG
Purl three stitches together; right leaning double decrease (R/).
* This knitting term is not a standard abbreviation but is used often in knitting patterns.
P3TOG TBL
Purl three stitches together through the back loops; left leaning double decrease (L\).
prev
Previous.
PSSO
Pass slipped stitch over.
P2SSO
Pass two slipped stitches over.
PU
Pick up stitches.
* Also written as P/U. Not to be confused with “pick up and knit”. See below.
PUK or PU/K
Pick up and knit stitches.
Learn the difference between "picking up stitches" and "picking up stitches and knitting".
pwise
Purlwise.
* Also written as pw in some patterns. Pwise is the standard, though.
R
Row or round.
* This is not a standard knitting abbreviation but it is used frequently in knitting patterns.
RC
Right cross; right leaning cable, stitches held in back.
rem
Remaining.
rep
Repeat.
Rev St st
Reverse stockinette stitch.
RLI
Right lifted increase.
* This knitting term is not a standard abbreviation but is used occasionally in knitting patterns. This type of increase is not as frequently used as other increases.
Rnd
Round. Used in circular knitting to indicate each line of instructions. For example, R1: K1, P1, etc.
Learn how to cast on in the round.
SK
Skip.
SKP
Slip one stitch knitwise, knit one, pass slipped stitch over knit stitch; single, left leaning decrease (L\). This knitting tutorial shows you how to knit the SKP.
* Also known as SKPO and SKPSSO.
SK2P
Slip one stitch knitwise, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over k2tog decrease; left leaning double decrease (L\).
Sl
Slip.
Sl1K
Slip one stitch knitwise.
Learn how to slip a stitch here.
Sl1P
Slip one stitch purlwise.
Sl St
Slip one stitch without working it. Commonly used in cables, knitting decreases, mosaic knitting, and more. If the pattern doesn't give instructions on how to slip the stitch, slip it purlwise. Slipping a stitch knitwise will twist the stitch. See what you can knit with slipped stitches here.
* Also known as ss (slip stitch) in Canada.
sm
Slip marker.
SSK
Slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, knit these two stitches together through back loops; single, left leaning decrease (L\).
Here's a knitting tutorial to show you how to knit the SSK decrease.
SSP
Slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, return both stitches to left needle, purl them together through back loops; single, left leaning decrease (L\).
SSSK
Slip three stitches knitwise, move them back to left needle, knit all three stitches together through back loops; left leaning double decrease (L\).
SSSP
Slip three stitches knitwise, move them back to left needle, purl all three stitches together through back loops; left leaning double decrease (L\).
S2KP2
Slip two stitches together as if to knit, knit one, pass two slipped stitches over knit stitch; center double decrease. Here's how to knit this decrease.
* Also seen written as center double decrease (CDD) and S2KPSSO.
SSPP2
Slip 2 stitches knitwise, one at a time, move them back to left needle, then slip them as if to p2tog through back loops, purl 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over purl stitch; centered double decrease (CDD).
st(s)
Stitch or stitches.
St st
Stockinette stitch. Learn how to knit stockinette stitch.
* Also known as stocking stitch in the UK.
tbl
Through back loop.
tfl
Through front loop.
tog
Together.
w&t
Wrap and turn (short rows).
Learn more about knitting wrap and turn short rows here.
wyib
With yarn in back.
wyif
With yarn in front.
yb
Yarn back. Sometimes written as YBK, but this may be regional.
yfwd or yf
Yarn forward.
YO
Yarn over; single increase. The yarn over creates an intentional hole in your knitting. It's used most often in lace knitting patterns.
YO2
Yarn over twice; creates an even larger hole in your knitting.
* This abbreviation is sometimes seen written as DYO, though it's less common.
yon
Yarn over needle.
yrn
Yarn round needle.
Knitting Terms
Bavarian Twisted Stitches
A style of knitting that originated in Germany. This technique features intricate, intentionally twisted stitches which travel across the knitting fabric. The knitter may choose to use a cable needle, but Bavarian twisted stitches are NOT considered cable knits.
* Also known as Austrian Traveling Stitch and Bavarian Traveling Stitch.
You can learn more about these Twisted Stitches here.
These books include twisted stitch knitting patterns.
Twisted-Stitch Knitting by Maria Erlbacher.
Norah Gaughan’s Twisted Stitch Sourcebook.
Break (the) Yarn
This means to sever the yarn from the project and leave a yarn tail. It can be done two ways. The first way uses scissors to cut the yarn. The second way requires you to physically snap the yarn ply/plies with your hands. This works better with natural fibers, but can be done with most yarn fibers.
Cable
A method of holding stitches to the front or back of your work, knitting them out sequence, to create raised designs that look like cables, twists, or plaits.
Also used as knitting instruction. For example, Cable 2 Right (C2R) or Cable 2 Left (C2L).
Check out these reference books on different knitted cables.
LH
Left hand.
RH
Right hand.
RS
Right side.
WPI
Wraps per inch. Learn more about WPI here.
WS
Wrong side.
Hi there. I need help. I have this pattern that say's 1st. row K2. *P1. K1. Repeat from * to the last st. K2. It is probably some thing very easy but I forgot it's been awhile since I picked up my knitting needles.
Hi Dot! Happy to help...and welcome back to knitting!
First, knit 2 stitches.
Next, purl 1, knit 1 over and over until last 2 stitches.
Then, knit the last 2 stitches. That's it!
You might also find this tutorial on How to a Read a Knitting Stitch Pattern helpful.
That's it!!!! Thank you for the help.
You're welcome! Happy knitting!
I have a knitting pattern from England and don’t understand a direction. K2 tog, K1, w1 fwd, K2tog, w1 fed, K 2.
What is w1 fwd? Pls help
Thanks
Liz
Hi Liz! I suspect it's their version of a yarn forward, meaning to bring the yarn to the front, either to make a yarn over or possibly to slip a stitch. I hope this helps! Good luck!
I'm knitting a pattern with k5,k2tog,*yo,k5,yo**,SK2P; rep from *across to last 7sts, ending last rep at **,ssk,k5
Please break this down for me. The double asterisks are confusing.
Thanks.
Essy
Hi Esther! It certainly is confusing. I've not seen a single and a double asterisk in the same row so I suspect something is incorrect.
Have you checked on Ravelry to see if there's any errata associated with this pattern? If not, I'd check there first. If nothing's there, I'd reach out to the designer to ask for clarification.
You should also check the comments and projects on Ravelry to see if someone else had the same question or other pattern concerns.
I don't want to guess, give you the wrong information, and cause you endless tinking.
Hi there. I have a pattern that says K1, P1, pattern to last 2 sts, P1, K1. What do they mean my pattern to
Hi Shelley! Based on the info you gave me, you'll repeat K1, P1 across the row/round until the last 2 stitches, then P1, K1.
Please help with this ..
*K3tog,P1,(K1,P1) x 3*
I feel I should know this but it really looks funny
You're right, Susan, it does look funny.
So, instructions between 2 asterisks are to be repeated, which you probably know. I think what's throwing it off is the parentheses and the "X 3".
I may be wrong but I would read this line of instruction as:
knit 3 together, p1, then knit 1 purl 1 three times, then repeat the segment until end or as instructed.
Try it, see if it works. Good luck!
Hi, after many years of not knitting my two grandchildren want me to knit them a jersey. I’m confused about the following:-
(C/off 1st at each end of fol alt row and 2 sts on next 2rows] 7 times, then dec 1 st on every alt row 8 times AT THE SAME TIME when 60 sts rem on N
It’s “At the same time” that’s most confusing”
These instructions are for shaping raglan and again for the ribbed inset.
How lovely that your grandchildren want you to knit for them! Now, let’s see if we can make sense of this pattern. Here’s my take on it:
Cast off 1st stitch at each end of the next row (usually the right side row). Work the next row (usually the wrong side row) without decreasing. Then on the next right side row, decrease 2 stitches. You’ll repeat these steps 7 times.
The “at the same time” often indicates that two steps are taking place at the same time. Like on a raglan, you might be working the neck and armhole at the same time. So the next part would be:
Then, decrease 1 stitch on every alternate row 8 times when 60 sts remain on the needle.
Now, that’s my immediate take on it and without a visual or more info, I might have missed something. I’m a very visual learner so it’s quite possible I did. Hopefully these directions help though.
Speaking of visual learning, it often helps to chart or graph out the instructions. I found these two posts that talk (and show!) more of this, in case it might be helpful. Links are here and here.
One last thing I’d recommend is looking on Ravelry to see if others have made this pattern. Check under “projects” for useful info, any pattern errata, and review the comments as well. I sincerely hope this helps!
I have a knitting pattern that lists the abbreviation "skk". Not sure what that means.
I've never seen this knitting abbreviation. My first inclination is to say that it's a typo. The closest abbreviation would be the SSK (slip-slip-knit). Does the pattern give any explanation as to its abbreviations? How is it used in the pattern itself? If you can't find the answers in the instructions, you may need to ask the designer as it might've been one they made up but forgot to explain. I hope this helps!
I am working a pattern which has a term I am not familiar with. The term is "Twk" Do you know what this is and if it is supposed to decrease stitches. Please advise. This is frustrating.
Hi Joan! The only thing I can think of is that it's an abbreviation for a twisted knit stitch (TwK). Could this possibly be it? The pattern doesn't include any explanation for it?
Hopefully this helps. Don't give up!
Christina:
Thanks for the prompt response. Much appreciated. It was the Twisted knit stitch, but the pattern I am working described the method incorrectly. Again, Thanks.
You're welcome. Glad you figured out the error. Hopefully there are no others! Good luck!
Hi Christina, I am knitting a hat on circular needles and have just gotten to shaping the crown.
It says: 1st round *Patt 4, patt 2tog rep from * to end
The pattern has been knit 5,P1 from end to end, knit 5 rounds
Then round 7 *K2,P1, K3 rep from *to end
I am totally clueless as to what this means and hope you can help.
Thank you Teresa
Hi Teresa! Great question. Here's what you do.
Pattern 4 stitches as usual. The pattern 2 together is where things get confusing.
Since the pattern has been K5, p1, the next stitch after the 4th would still be a knit stitch. So you'd work the decrease as a k2tog. Continue in this fashion across the round.
The second part you mentioned, Round 7, is telling you to knit 2, purl 1, knit 3 to the end of the round.
I hope this clears things up. Let me know if you have additional questions.
Hi Christina! Merry Christmas! I am knitting a hat and in the same row of instructions the following abbreviations appear: k2tog and 2ktog tbl. I know k2tog means knit 2 together and I know tbl means knit through the back loop, but I don’t know what 2ktog means. Does it mean knit 2 together through the back loop??
Hi Kathy! Merry Christmas!
I've not seen that abbreviation before so perhaps it is a typo. My guess would be to knit 2 together through the back loop. Give it a try. Compare it to pictures (assuming there are some) and see if it looks correct. If not, I'd reach out to the designer for more clarity. Good luck!
You are absolutely right Christina!! 2ktog tbl means knit 2 together through the back loop!! It worked out perfectly when I did that! The first time I did it I knitted 2 tog PLUS knitted through the back loop. Nope. That didn’t work. When I combined the whole thing into one stitch it worked!! Thank you so much!! 😊
You're so welcome! I'm glad you were able to figure it out so you could continue knitting your hat. I'm sure it'll be adorable. Best of luck! ~ Christina
Hi Christina.. I have picked up an old pattern to incorporate into a new one and it has the direction RLI-p which I think from your definitions above is Right Lift Increase purlwise. Can you explain to me what a 'lifted' increase is? Thanks.. cheryhl
Hi there! Great question! A lifted increase is a type of increase that's worked in either the front leg or back leg of the stitch below. Here's a video tutorial from one of the Master Knitters I follow who shows knit side and purl side lifted increases. I hope this helps you.
Yes it did! Thank you!
What does [_,_,_,][_,_,] in a knitting pattern mean ? I have never run into this before and I've been knitting for 50 years. There are no numbers or letters . It is just blank. I hope you can help me. It's very frustrating! Thank you
Hi Kathy! How odd that there's no info provided. I'd be frustrated too.
Your visual suggests that it's a pattern with multiple sizes where there should be stitch counts between the commas. Did they maybe list the sizes only once and then suggest that you fill in the blanks later?
If no information is provided anywhere, I'd contact the designer. It sounds like they've made an error. Hopefully they can correct it for you so you don't lose momentum.
Thank you for answering. The designer did not. I found a friend who could explain it to me. Each space represented a size. so if it was blank, you did nothing. Some spaces had a M1 in it and most had nothing. She said a lot of patterns are that way now. Since there are 8 sizes to this pattern, I'm getting out my high line marker!!
Thank you again
Kathy
Of course! Glad you could figure it out and happy to have learned something new today. Everyone does pattern writing differently, unfortunately.
Good luck on your project! ~ Christina
Please can you explain .
The flowing I know MC is main colour and the LC is my lace colour ,but I don’t know how to complete twist MC into back of work each 2nd stitch
It telling me K14 MC ,6LC 14MC (twist MC into the back of work each 2ND Stitch .
I don’t understand how todo this
Hi Elizabeth! Without more info, it's hard to say. I will say this though: if it's confusing to you, it's probably confusing to others. So, I suggest you reach out to the designer to clarify the instructions. You might also try searching Ravelry for your pattern to see if others left comments/questions like yours. You may find your answer there. Good luck!