Reference
Knitting Abbreviations Glossary
Every knitting pattern leans on a shorthand of abbreviations. Below is a reference for the common terms you'll run into, followed by a full index of every stitch in the library — abbreviation and all.
Common Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | Knit |
| p | Purl |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| co | Cast on |
| bo | Bind off |
| rs | Right side |
| ws | Wrong side |
| rep | Repeat |
| rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| yo | Yarn over |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| psso | Pass slipped stitch over |
| m1 | Make 1 (increase) |
| kfb | Knit into the front and back of a stitch (increase) |
| sl | Slip a stitch purlwise unless stated otherwise |
| tbl | Through the back loop |
| tog | Together |
| cn | Cable needle |
| w&t | Wrap and turn (short rows) |
| MC / CC | Main color / Contrast color |
Stitch Library Index
Every stitch page in the knitting library, with its abbreviation where one applies.
- Garter Stitchg st
- Stockinette StitchSt st
- Rib Stitch (1x1, 2x2)k1p1 / k2p2
- Seed Stitch (Moss Stitch)seed st
- Moss Stitch (UK term)mss st
- Basketweave Stitch
- Cable StitchC4F / C4B
- Honeycomb Cable
- Brioche Stitchbrk / brp
- Bobble StitchMB
- Lace Eyelet Stitchyo, k2tog
- Feather and Fan Stitch
- Chevron / Zigzag Stitch
- Fair Isle (Stranded Colorwork)
- Intarsia
- Slip Stitch Patternsl st
- Linen Stitch
- Herringbone Stitch
- I-Cord
- Provisional Cast-On
- Kitchener Stitch (Grafting)
- Short Rows (Wrap and Turn)w&t
- Entrelac
- Waffle Stitch
- Bee Stitch (Trinity Stitch)