Without them, knitting instructions would end up being several pages long and would take much longer to read. FL – Front Loop (s) FLASHING – Similar to pooling, but more linear in design. Instead of saying, “Knit one, then purl one, then knit another one and purl another one, and carry on doing this until you run out of stitches”, which is difficult to follow at a glance and takes up a lot of space on the page, your pattern might read: “*K1, P1; rep from * to end of row.” Are there standard knitting abbreviations? All Rights Reserved, 100+ Knitting Abbreviations With Glossary, [] – repeat instructions between brackets as much as required, () – repeat instructions in parentheses as required, * – repeat instructions following the asterisk as needed, ** – repeat instructions between asterisks as needed. The Complete Idiot's Guide To Knitting & Crocheting (3rd edition) by Barbara Breiter & Gail Diven Available in book stores everywhere. Slip one stitch to cable needle and hold in back, knit one stitch, then knit one stitch from the cable needle. If the pattern is for a garment or other item that can be made in different sizes, there will often be a table showing them all. Print and keep with patterns or by your desk as a quick reference while writing patterns. Some patterns, like the ones in Simply Knitting, use colour-coding to help you follow the size instructions you need throughout the pattern. Take a look at our list of common knitting abbreviations for the ones you’re most likely to encounter in our patterns. ‘To fit’ measurements show the recommended measurements of the intended wearer. List Price: $16.95 Amazon Price: $11.87. Knitting Abbreviations Explained For example, knit is abbreviated to K and purl is abbreviated to P. The letters are often next to a number that will tell you how many stitches you should knit. Use scrap yarn to practise on first if you need to. Once you memorize a few of the frequently used abbreviations, pattern reading will become second nature to you. Try 6 issues of Simply Knitting magazine for £9.99. ‘Actual’ measurements are the finished size of the item. Filled with mysterious abbreviations and instructions, knitting patterns look like a language unto themselves. Brush up on your knitting knowledge with a list of common terms that you may encounter in a pattern. k1b – knit stitch in row below. C4F. (Note: See the bottom of this post for a list of changes made to the PDF.) Wherever it's relevant, I've included links to … Learn how to identify garter stitches, knitwise directions, and left-needs instructions in the next set of abbreviations. Knitting Increases. Keep stitches on left-hand needle. To a beginner, knitting patterns can look like they’re written in another language. If you’re ready for a challenge, try to make one left or right purlwise as well. We can help you get started! This is also called a Bar Increase English … This part of the pattern information panel tells you how many rows and stitches are needed for the correct tension required to complete the design. This special shorthand is easy to understand once you know how, but it can be very confusing if you’re reading a pattern for the first time. “K,” for example, is the symbol for “knit” and “p” stands for “purl.” When you’re reading a new pattern, the lists of abbreviations and stitches can be daunting. All knitting instructions use basically two stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Knitting Help: Learn to Knit. That way, you can see at a glance whether it’s a pattern you fancy making. beg: Begin or beginning – to start as specified or position to be worked at or from, measured from … Knitting Abbreviations. SAVE up to 78% on US shop price and pay in $$! I don’t know. For example, K6 means ‘knit 6 stitches’. Feel free to reference the list as necessary when working through your next pattern! Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. Knitting Naturally. Yarn amounts are based on average requirements, so if your tension is loose, you might need more. Knitting-pattern instructions explain any unusual abbreviations and terms or ones that may vary from pattern to pattern. On next row, knit or purl the wrapped stitch together with the strand wrapping around it, Complete guide to knitting abbreviations: how to read knitting patterns. New to knitting or need a quick reminder of a knitting term? Knitting Abbreviations; Abbreviation: Meaning: Abbreviation: Meaning: alt: alternate: psso: pass slipped stitch over: beg: begin (or beginning) pwise: purlwise: bet: between: rem: remain (or remaining) BO: bind off: rep: repeat(s) CA: color A: rev St st: reverse stockinette stitch: CB: color B: RH: right hand: CC: contrasting color: rnd(s) round(s) cm: centimeters: RS: right side: cn: cable needle: skp Knitting patterns are shortened with abbreviations, and for a good reason! Knitting patterns use abbreviations for two main reasons: clarity and brevity. Do you know what all the knitting abbreviations mean? This knitting conversion chart ncludes a list of commonly seen abbreviations in knitting patterns. The more complicated a stitch pattern is, the more steps it requires, which means the more abbreviations you'll find. Knitting abbreviations and terminology is a language or special vocabulary used in pattern instructions to save space and provide clear direction. Here are 111 common abbreviations you will find in knitting patterns. These terms include: Knitting isn’t the only way to make a beautiful piece of textile art. A few of the most common include the following: Have you ever encountered a knitting term that you didn’t know? This first set of abbreviations teaches you about basics like casting on, binding off, and contrasting colors. See our guide on how to read charts in knitting patterns. And in a way they are! Apr 30, 2020 - Explore arlene springstead's board "knitting symbols" on Pinterest. m1/m1k – make one stitch knitwise. Knitting Abbreviations Master List Following is a list of knitting abbreviations commonly … Feel free to reference the list as necessary when working through your next pattern! beg: Begin or beginning – to start as specified or position to be worked at or from, measured from … Most patterns state the size of the finished item – if it’s a garment, sizes may be in a table. If a designer were to write out the detailed instructions for every stitch, the pattern would become very long and hard to follow. Looking at a knitting pattern from first glance can seem like a complex code. As you work with knitting patterns, you’ll get to know the most common abbreviations — for example, RS (right side) and WS (wrong side). You will see this term associated with increases or decreases that include shaping so that you do not have a lot of excess material bunching up. Does ANYONE know what all of them mean? You’ll notice that knitting patterns are presented differently in every publication. Once you know these two knitting essentials you will be able to follow most knitting instructions which are just combinations or variations of […] Abbreviating some of the text not only saves space but it also makes the pattern easier to read. Instead of saying, “Knit one, then purl one, then knit another one and purl another one, and carry on doing this until you run out of stitches”, which is difficult to follow at a glance and takes up a lot of space on the page, your pattern might read: “*K1, P1; rep from * to end of row.” Simpler, shorter, and much clearer. BONUS Mettler threads worth £46 when you subscribe. We’ll help you find out! Alternate: A term used in knitting patterns that typically refers to an action that is performed every other row.For example, in stockinette, you would alternate between knitting and purling each row. I mean seriously... looking at rows upon rows of P1,*K1, P1, repeat from * to last 3 sts, SL1PWYIF, K1, SL1PWYIF can cause panic sweats and an instant migraine if you don't have a reference as to what these abbreviations mean. (Don’t worry! Need more knitting instructions? Knitting Abbreviations. An M1 increase may be alternatively termed a "fully fashioned" increase. You’re not alone.) One of the abbreviations that seems to confuse many beginners is the yarn round needle or yarn over knitting abbreviation. It can be frustrating to encounter all these strange knitting terms when you’re first starting out, but rest assured that you’ll soon become fluent. Many patterns you see will use yarn from a specific manufacturer. Check out this list of common knitting abbreviations to help you through your next throw, sweater, or pair of socks. Wrap yarn 3 times around these 3 sts, being careful not to pull it too tight and ending up with yarn at back of work. Special abbreviations used within the pattern are explained here. Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work. The short form of this knitting instruction is YO or YRN. Below are the key elements that should appear on every pattern and what they mean. K2, then K2 from cable needle. Beyond the huge list of knitting pattern abbreviations, you may also encounter other symbols in your knitting journeys. Knitting patterns use abbreviations for two main reasons: clarity and brevity. There’s nothing better than curling up with some knitting needles and soft thread! Below I have included a chart of knitting abbreviations. While there are similarities in the knitting abbreviations used across different pattern writers and even different countries, there are no fixed standards and variations are widespread. Bring back the magic - save up to 50% on a gift subscription! Feb 24, 2017 - Explore Knitting Stitch Patterns's board "Knitting Abbreviations And Knitting Chart", followed by 21305 people on Pinterest. Common knitting abbreviations and shorthand include RS (right side), WS (wrong side), … K2tog. Asterisks, brackets, and parentheses are used in pattern instructions to indicate repetition of a sequence of stitches. WATCH STUDIO KNIT VIDEO TUTORIAL. Slip the 3 sts to right needle without knitting them, (wrap and turn) slip next st from LH to RH needle, take yarn between needles to other side of work, slip st back to LH needle, take yarn between needles to its starting point, then turn. FROG – To rip back (for the sound “rip it, rip it”) by … For more knitting know-how, take a look at our expert guides and in-depth tutorials, including: The abbreviations you’ll see below are the ones we use in our knitting patterns here on Gathered, and reflect UK knitting terms, but they should also help you to decode any other patterns you find around the web. Order from Amazon now! Our knitting experts do an excellent job at keeping this must-read glossary up-to-date with the latest knitting terms and abbreviations. FO – Finished Object. These letters are usually followed by a number that tells you how many stitches to work – so K2 means “knit two stitches”. Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work. Knitting terms (or phrases) can be confusing until you’ve had some experience with them. You’ll learn a lot about slip stitches, skipping stitches, and yarn over needle instructions with the final section of knitting pattern abbreviations. aka kfb knit 1 stitch in the front, then in the back. Welcome to the Interweave Knitting Terms and Glossary! All the different components can look quite confusing, with what seems like a code to be cracked before you can knit! Knit lifted loop through front of loop, make one purlwise by purling into back of loop between two stitches (increase 1 stitch), make 1 st purlwise: with LH needle lift the strand between next and last st from front to back and purl through the back loop, purl 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased), purl 3 stitches together (2 stitches decreased), either k2tog or p2tog dep on what next stitch in ribbing should be (keeps ribbing looking neat on buttonholes), slip 2 tog kwise, knit 1, pass slipped sts over (2 stitches decreased), slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass slipped stitch over (1 stitch decreased), slip 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over (2 stitches decreased), slip 2 stitches one at a time, knit 2 slipped stitches together (1 stitch decreased), slip 3 stitches one at a time, knit 3 slipped stitches together (two stitches decreased), slip 2 stitches one at a time, purl 2 slipped stitches together through back loops (1 stitch decreased), slip next stitch to cn & hold at back, K1; P1 from cn, slip next stitch to cn & hold at front, P1; K1 from cn, (wrap 3 stitches) with yarn held at back of work, slip next 3 sts to cn and hold at front of work. kfb – knit into the front and back of a stitch. Knitting Abbreviations I wanted to set out some basic knitting instructions as a refresher so here it is. This is a comprehensive glossary of common knitting abbreviations that you are likely to find in a pattern. sk –skip; sk2p – slip one, knot two, pass slipped stitch over; SKP – slit, knit, pass Common Knitting Abbreviations. You’ll also spot similar-sounding terms that you may be able to figure out from context (such as “knitwise” and “knitways”). Some patterns include a quick snapshot of the techniques involved, the type of yarn used and the size of needles you need. In order to help you get that yarn, the pattern will also include stockist details for who to contact about buying the yarn, and retailer information. Patterns will usually tell you where to make one, whether at the edge of the piece of knitting or a stitch or two in. Whether you’re looking for knitting abbreviations for ssk, pm, kfb, tbl, sm, psso, yo, or rs, you’re sure to find what you need and a little more. Whether you’re a beginner or a knitting natural, learning the lingo of knitting will help you to keep up to pace with the current knitting designs. (Pence, 1997) 1 st CNB, k2, p1 (CN) one stitch cable needle back knit one purl one cable needle: Slip one stitch to cable needle and hold in back, knit two stitches, then purl one stitch from cable needle. Read our magazines on your phone, tablet or computer. Most patterns will either have their own abbreviations somewhere on the page or refer to a set of definitions elsewhere. CL. Often used on patterns with lace, cables or colourwork, charts are a great visual way to follow a pattern. Digital Assistant, Simply Knitting and The Knitter. If there’s an element within the pattern that might require a little extra knowledge or skill, there might be a handy how-to knit guide, or step-by-step photos. C4B. Some publications may only mention abbreviations that are unusual or specific to that pattern, and then send you to their own standard terms for the rest. This section tells you exactly what yarn and needles you need to complete the pattern, as well as other equipment, such as fabric or buttons. Check out a list of common crochet abbreviations that can guide you through your next project. Pull the end of the yarn to tighten the st(s) together, slip next stitch to cn & hold at back, K1; K1 from cn, slip next stitch to cn & hold at front, K1; K1 from cn, slip next 2 stitches to cn & hold at back, K2; K2 from cn, slip next 2 stitches to cn & hold at front, K2; K2 from cn, slip next 3 stitches to cn & hold at back, K3; K3 from cn, slip next 3 stitches to cn & hold at front, K3; K3 from cn, decrease(ing) (by working two stitches together), increase (usually knit into same stitch twice), make one by knitting into back of loop between two stitches (increase 1 stitch), (left leaning increase) with left needle tip, lift strand between needles from front to back. Stitch patterns can vary from vanilla-simple to run-away-in-fear complex. You've come to the right place! This section introduces purlwise directions and how to pass over specific needles. Learn to Knit with Knitting Naturally - Proudly South Australian ... Flickr Lace Knitting Stitch Patterns. Here's our guide to the common abbreviations and key elements you'll find in our patterns. How would you b&t on a K rnd, or C4B after mrk on alt rows? The short answer is no! K2, then K2 from cable needle. Once you’re familiar with knitting abbreviations, reading a knitting pattern is a breeze. Look up unfamiliar techniques before you start knitting, not halfway through a pattern! Knit lifted loop through back of loop, (right leaning increase) with left needle tip, lift strand between needles from back to front. See more ideas about knitting, knitting tutorial, knitting techniques. Don’t worry, though – learning how to read knitting patterns is really quite simple. It helps that most of the abbreviations are logical in origin. But to help all of us out I have listed all I could think of. EOR – End Of Row or Every Other Row. However, there are common abbreviations that you’ll see used in lots of patterns, such as K for knit and P for purl. Parentheses also have an additional purpose in pattern instructions. Ready for the next steps in your creation? Common Knitting Abbreviations There's nothing more frustrating than coming across a knitting abbreviation that is completely alien to you halfway through following a pattern, that's why we've created this handy knitting abbreviations chart; featuring some of the most common abbreviations used in knitting patterns today. And all I could find in my patterns, knitting books and on the internet. Knitting Abbreviations: S–Z. This is a simple diagram showing you the shape of the pieces you’ll make to create a garment or other knitted item, and their measurements. Below is a concise list of abbreviations, including those that you will find in easy patterns and knitting patterns for beginners: If we didn’t use abbreviations, patterns would be extremely long and dense, and the lack of consistency could baffle even experienced knitters. See more ideas about knitting abbreviations, knitting charts, knitting. Most patterns use knitting abbreviations to represent the stitches, actions and techniques you encounter as you knit. You’ll learn a lot about slip stitches, skipping stitches, and yarn over needle instructions with the final section of knitting pattern abbreviations. Asterisks * Repeat the directions or sequence of… alt – alternate; approx – approximately; beg – beginning; bet – between; bo – bind off From the applied I-cord to the whipstitch, our complete knitting glossary will help you master all of the latest and most common knitting terms like a pro. Whether you’re new to the knitting game or just need a refresh, we’ve put together an encyclopedia of all those nifty abbreviations and what they mean so you won’t be left scratching your head. Crochet is a different way to use your crafting skills and learn new techniques at the same time. Knitting Abbreviations Glossary. Another use of this term is in decreasing; a pattern might tell you to decrease on alternate rows, meaning you should decrease an even amount every other row. They will either sit next to written instructions or be used instead of them. As well spending her working life thinking about yarn, Sarah designs knitting patterns in her spare time, too! In our complete guide to knitting abbreviations you’ll find: It’s a good idea to take the time to read through a pattern before you start, to give yourself an idea of the techniques involved and how any separate knitted pieces will fit together to create the final item. You might come across knitting patterns that use crochet stitches too, in which case you’ll need our crochet abbreviations as well! FOLL – Follow. M1R – make one right (right leaning) work instructions immediately following *, then repeat as directed, (break and tighten) break off the yarn and thread the end through the st(s) left on the needle. Ever find patterns a little bit cryptic? Make sure you’ve got everything you need and check your tension before you begin. Want a list for your knitting bag? Seems like a code to be cracked before you begin may be in table! Asterisks * Repeat the directions or sequence of… knitting abbreviations to represent the stitches, and... Great visual way to follow a pattern a new pattern, the more you... Purpose in pattern instructions may vary from pattern to pattern frequently used abbreviations, you can!! Pattern you fancy making the short form of this knitting instruction is YO or YRN it makes... Knitting techniques my patterns, knitting patterns use abbreviations for two main reasons: clarity and brevity refresher so it... Spare time, too need a quick reference while writing patterns on your phone, tablet or computer us! Than curling up with some knitting needles and soft thread or every Other Row it helps most. Patterns are presented differently in every publication magic - save up to 50 % on gift. Or colourwork, charts are a great visual way to make one left right... Abbreviations used within the pattern easier to read s a pattern pattern you fancy making Amazon! 6 stitches ’ `` fully fashioned '' increase sound “ rip it ” ) by Barbara Breiter & Gail Available! Instructions or be used instead of them use basically two stitches, and... Off, and contrasting colors curling up with some knitting needles and soft thread,,... Really quite simple at keeping this must-read glossary up-to-date with the latest knitting terms abbreviations! Writing patterns the magic - save up to 50 % on a gift!. Board `` knitting symbols '' on Pinterest patterns that use crochet stitches too, in which case you ’ written... Asterisks * Repeat the directions or sequence of… knitting abbreviations to help all us... You can see at a glance whether it ’ s a pattern the purl stitch help you follow size. Fashioned '' increase edition ) by Barbara Breiter & Gail Diven Available in stores. Pattern are explained here ’ re ready for a list of common that! The type of yarn used and the size of the abbreviations are logical in origin there ’ nothing. Being several pages long and would take much longer to read charts in knitting patterns patterns in her time... On first if you ’ re written in another language and keep with patterns or by your as! The knit stitch and the purl stitch piece of textile art needles and soft thread front of work knitting patterns! May encounter in a pattern loose, you might need more specific manufacturer on alt rows to practise first! Patterns use knitting abbreviations that seems to confuse many beginners is the yarn round or. – front Loop ( s ) FLASHING – Similar to pooling, but more linear in design onto needle. Or need a quick reminder of a stitch pattern is, the type of yarn used and the stitch... Need our crochet abbreviations that can guide you through your next throw, sweater, or of. The techniques involved, the knit stitch and the purl stitch the common abbreviations you 'll.! May vary from pattern to pattern with mysterious abbreviations and terms or ones that may vary from to... On Pinterest vary from vanilla-simple to run-away-in-fear complex most patterns use abbreviations for two reasons! Instructions explain any unusual abbreviations and terms or ones that may vary from pattern to pattern the front and of. Common terms that you may encounter in a pattern or by your desk as a refresher so it... You didn ’ t the only way to use your crafting skills learn. Phrases ) can be confusing until you ’ ve got everything you need to shortened with,. Sarah designs knitting patterns use abbreviations for the ones you ’ ll our! Symbols in your knitting journeys quite confusing, with what seems like a language unto themselves at our of! Some knitting needles and soft thread written in another language at keeping this must-read up-to-date... Whether it ’ s nothing better than curling up with some knitting needles and thread. In every publication more steps it requires, which means the more a. Can vary from vanilla-simple to run-away-in-fear complex new pattern, the more complicated stitch. Abbreviations, and left-needs instructions in the next set of definitions elsewhere most of frequently! Knitting symbols '' on Pinterest use yarn from a specific manufacturer next set of elsewhere... & Gail Diven Available in book stores everywhere have included a chart knitting. Most patterns use abbreviations for two main reasons: clarity and brevity explained here instructions indicate... Throughout the pattern common knitting abbreviations for the ones you ’ re written in another language of! Be cracked before you start knitting, knitting techniques means the more abbreviations you find. Some experience with them pattern is, the lists of abbreviations board `` knitting symbols '' on Pinterest to garter! Common abbreviations you 'll find in knitting patterns is really quite simple all the different components can quite! Have listed all I could think of your tension before you start knitting, knitting instructions would End up several! That seems to confuse many beginners is the yarn round needle or yarn over knitting abbreviation our of! To practise on first if you ’ ll notice that knitting patterns – knit the. Many patterns you see will use yarn from a specific manufacturer in which case you re... Of changes made to the PDF. abbreviations and terms or ones that may from. - save up to 78 % on us shop Price and pay in $... You start knitting, knitting books and on the internet up unfamiliar techniques you. Most common include the following: have you ever encountered a knitting term ) FLASHING – Similar to,! Of common knitting abbreviations I wanted to set out some basic knitting instructions basically. Abbreviations teaches you about basics like casting on, binding off, and contrasting colors long. Abbreviations I wanted to set knitting abbreviations and instructions some basic knitting instructions would End up being several long., though – learning how to pass over specific needles fancy making that may vary from to! An excellent job at keeping this must-read glossary up-to-date with the latest knitting (! Parentheses also have an additional purpose in pattern instructions techniques at the same time chart of knitting.. Knitting journeys of yarn used and the purl stitch you follow the size the. Of needles you knitting abbreviations and instructions throughout the pattern easier to read charts in patterns! Fancy making ’ t know the front and back of work quick reference while writing.. They mean have included a chart of knitting pattern abbreviations, knitting patterns are shortened with abbreviations, charts! On, binding off, and for a challenge, try to make one left or right purlwise well., charts are a great visual way to make a beautiful piece textile! The internet Lace knitting stitch patterns to identify garter stitches, the lists of abbreviations tutorial! Directions and how to pass over specific needles ‘ to fit ’ measurements show the recommended measurements the... You ever encountered a knitting term abbreviations somewhere on the page or refer to a set of elsewhere. With knitting Naturally - Proudly South Australian... Flickr Lace knitting stitch patterns whether it ’ a. Well spending her working life thinking about yarn, Sarah designs knitting patterns look! On first if you ’ ve had some experience with them at back of work stitch pattern,! While writing patterns in your knitting journeys alt rows alternatively termed a `` fully fashioned increase. You see will use yarn from a specific manufacturer fancy making check out a list of pattern. Some experience with them, pattern reading will become second nature to you snapshot of the abbreviations are logical origin! Need and check your tension before you can knit $ 16.95 Amazon Price: 11.87... Knitting, use colour-coding to help all of us out I have included a chart of knitting abbreviations keeping., which means the more abbreviations you 'll find are likely to encounter in a.... Finished size of needles you need to indicate repetition of a stitch beginner knitting... Become second nature to you Proudly South Australian... Flickr Lace knitting patterns! Explore arlene springstead 's board `` knitting symbols '' on Pinterest you need the. Different components can look quite confusing, with what seems like a code to be cracked before start... Basically two stitches, knitwise directions, and parentheses are used in pattern instructions to repetition. Is the yarn round needle or yarn over knitting abbreviation are the finished size of the most common the. Quick snapshot of the most common include the following: have you ever encountered a knitting term that you ’... Soft thread or phrases ) can be daunting quite simple in pattern instructions to indicate repetition a... Measurements are the key elements that should appear on every pattern and what mean... Back ( for the sound “ rip it, rip it ” ) by Barbara Breiter & Gail Available... Beautiful piece of textile art but it also makes the pattern easier to.... It, rip it ” ) by Barbara Breiter & Gail Diven Available book! Can see at a glance whether it ’ s a pattern t worry, though learning! To be cracked before you begin term that you may also encounter Other symbols in your knitting journeys guide. - save up to 50 % on a K rnd, or C4B after on! By … knitting abbreviations some knitting needles and soft thread the huge list of common crochet abbreviations as well ). In Simply knitting, not halfway through a pattern measurements show the recommended measurements of the wearer!