Reading a knitting pattern and not sure what an abbreviation means? Here is our helpful list!
" inch(es)
alt alternate
approx approximately
beg begin/beginning
BO bind off
CO cast on
CC contrasting color
circ(s) circular
cont continue
cn cable needle
cs center stitch
dec decreas(e)(ed)(ing)
dpn(s) double pointed needle(s)
inc increas(e)(ed)(es)(ing)
k or K knit(ting)(s)(ted)
K2tog knit two together
Kfb knit into front and back of stitch (increase)
LH left hand
mkr marker
M1 Make one (increase)
MC main color
mm millimeter(s)
p or P purl(ed)(ing)(s)
patt pattern(s)
p2tog purl two together
pm place marker
psso pass slipped stitch over
rem remaining
rnd(s) round(s)
RS right side
sl slip(ed)(ping)
slm slip marker
skp slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (one stitch decrease)
ssk WYIB, slip two stitches one at a time as if to knit, place back onto LH needle, knit tbl (one stitch
decrease)
ssp WYIF, slip two stitches one at a time as if to knit, place back onto LH needle, purl these 2 sts
together (one stitch decrease)
sk2p slip one as if to knit, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over the knit 2 together (2 stitch decrease)
st(s) stitch(es)
St st stockinette stitch
tfl through front of loop(s)
tbl through back of loop(s)
tog together
w&t (wrap and turn) Bring yarn to front as if you are about to purl, slip one stitch purl-wise. Turn work
to other side. Strand of yarn is now in back of work. Bring yarn to the front, slip one stitch back to
right needle. Continue to knit or purl the next stitch as instructed.
WS wrong side
WYIB with yarn in back
WYIF with yarn in front
yfwd yarn forward
yo yarn over
A special thanks to Kyle Kunnecke of Kyle William for providing us with these helpful abbreviations.