Knitting Abbreviations Explained: A Complete Beginner-to-Advanced Guide
Knitting patterns often use abbreviations to keep instructions clear and compact. While this saves space, it can feel overwhelming—especially for beginners.
This guide breaks down common knitting abbreviations from basic to advanced, so you can confidently read any pattern. Click here if you’re ready to jump straight to the guide!
If you’d like a printed reference, this beginner-friendly knitting dictionary is a great companion to this chart and includes over 800 stitch patterns too!
Why Knitting Patterns Use Abbreviations
Knitting abbreviations:
- Keep patterns concise
- Make instructions easier to repeat
- Allow patterns to fit on fewer pages
Once you learn the basics, reading patterns becomes much faster.
How to Read Knitting Abbreviations
Most abbreviations follow a simple structure:
- Action (knit, purl, slip)
- Number of stitches
- Direction or technique
For example:
- k2tog = knit two stitches together
- ssk = slip two stitches, then knit them together
Beginner Tip
If a pattern includes unfamiliar abbreviations:
- Check the abbreviation list
- Look for repeated patterns
- Practice on a small swatch first
Bookmark This Chart
This knitting abbreviations chart works as a:
- Quick reference
- Pattern-reading guide
- Learning tool for new techniques
Consider bookmarking or printing it for easy access!
Knitting Abbreviations Chart (Easy to Advanced)
Basic Knitting Abbreviations (Beginner)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rep | repeat |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| yo | yarn over |
| sl | slip |
| psso | pass slipped stitch over |
| tbl | through back loop |
Common Increases
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| kfb | knit front and back |
| k1b | knit one below |
| k1bfb | knit one below, front and back |
| m1 | make one |
| m1l | make one left |
| m1r | make one right |
| yo | yarn over (also decorative) |
| inc | increase |
Common Decreases
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k2tog | knit two together |
| k3tog | knit three together |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit |
| skp | slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over |
| p2tog | purl two together |
| cdd | centered double decrease |
Slip Stitch & Texture Knitting Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sl1 | slip one stitch |
| sl wyif | slip with yarn in front |
| sl wyib | slip with yarn in back |
| wyif | with yarn in front |
| wyib | with yarn in back |
| psso | pass slipped stitch over |
Cable Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| C4F | cable 4 front |
| C4B | cable 4 back |
| LC | left cross |
| RC | right cross |
| cn | cable needle |
| slip sts to cn | slip stitches to cable needle |
Lace Knitting Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| yo | yarn over |
| yo2 | double yarn over |
| sssk | slip, slip, slip, knit |
| k2tog tbl | knit two together through back loop |
| sk2p | slip, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over |
| nupp | nupp stitch |
Advanced & Decorative Stitches
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| bob | bobble |
| MB | make bobble |
| kll | knit left loop |
| krl | knit right loop |
| dip | dip stitch |
| sm | slip marker |
| rm | remove marker |
Chart & Pattern Instructions
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| * * | repeat between asterisks |
| [ ] | repeat instructions within brackets |
| ( ) | stitch count or instruction grouping |
| patt | pattern |
| foll | follow |
| cont | continue |
Related Resources
Recommended Knitting Stitch Dictionary
eKnittingStitches Stitch Dictionary
Final Thoughts
Knitting abbreviations may look confusing at first, but they follow predictable rules. With practice, you’ll recognize them instantly—and open the door to more advanced patterns.
