Knitting patterns use abbreviations for two main reasons: clarity and brevity. 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. Many patterns you see will use yarn from a specific manufacturer. See more ideas about knitting, knitting tutorial, knitting techniques. Welcome to the Interweave Knitting Terms and Glossary! How would you b&t on a K rnd, or C4B after mrk on alt rows? Does ANYONE know what all of them mean? 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. This knitting conversion chart ncludes a list of commonly seen abbreviations in knitting patterns. Take a look at our list of common knitting abbreviations for the ones you’re most likely to encounter in our patterns. WATCH STUDIO KNIT VIDEO TUTORIAL. 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. Learn how to identify garter stitches, knitwise directions, and left-needs instructions in the next set of abbreviations. The short answer is no! This is a comprehensive glossary of common knitting abbreviations that you are likely to find in a pattern. Try 6 issues of Simply Knitting magazine for £9.99. List Price: $16.95 Amazon Price: $11.87. Common Knitting Abbreviations. One of the abbreviations that seems to confuse many beginners is the yarn round needle or yarn over knitting abbreviation. EOR – End Of Row or Every Other Row. Abbreviating some of the text not only saves space but it also makes the pattern easier to read. Bring back the magic - save up to 50% on a gift subscription! The more complicated a stitch pattern is, the more steps it requires, which means the more abbreviations you'll find. You’ll learn a lot about slip stitches, skipping stitches, and yarn over needle instructions with the final section of knitting pattern abbreviations. Common knitting abbreviations and shorthand include RS (right side), WS (wrong side), … Once you’re familiar with knitting abbreviations, reading a knitting pattern is a breeze. 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. 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. Print and keep with patterns or by your desk as a quick reference while writing patterns. 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. Ready for the next steps in your creation? 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. Order from Amazon now! M1R – make one right (right leaning) Below are the key elements that should appear on every pattern and what they mean. That way, you can see at a glance whether it’s a pattern you fancy making. K2, then K2 from cable needle. You’re not alone.) The Complete Idiot's Guide To Knitting & Crocheting (3rd edition) by Barbara Breiter & Gail Diven Available in book stores everywhere. Most patterns use knitting abbreviations to represent the stitches, actions and techniques you encounter as you knit. If you’re ready for a challenge, try to make one left or right purlwise as well. Parentheses also have an additional purpose in pattern instructions. You’ll notice that knitting patterns are presented differently in every publication. Ever find patterns a little bit cryptic? FL – Front Loop (s) FLASHING – Similar to pooling, but more linear in design. This first set of abbreviations teaches you about basics like casting on, binding off, and contrasting colors. 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. ‘Actual’ measurements are the finished size of the item. However, there are common abbreviations that you’ll see used in lots of patterns, such as K for knit and P for purl. 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. Knitting Abbreviations Master List Following is a list of knitting abbreviations commonly … Need more knitting instructions? Keep stitches on left-hand needle. SAVE up to 78% on US shop price and pay in $$! 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. 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. BONUS Mettler threads worth £46 when you subscribe. beg: Begin or beginning – to start as specified or position to be worked at or from, measured from … kfb – knit into the front and back of a stitch. C4F. Knitting Abbreviations I wanted to set out some basic knitting instructions as a refresher so here it is. If a designer were to write out the detailed instructions for every stitch, the pattern would become very long and hard to follow. Special abbreviations used within the pattern are explained here. 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. Feel free to reference the list as necessary when working through your next pattern! Look up unfamiliar techniques before you start knitting, not halfway through a pattern! 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. 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.” Looking at a knitting pattern from first glance can seem like a complex code. aka kfb knit 1 stitch in the front, then in the back. I don’t know. Patterns will usually tell you where to make one, whether at the edge of the piece of knitting or a stitch or two in. FOLL – Follow. (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. Make sure you’ve got everything you need and check your tension before you begin. Feel free to reference the list as necessary when working through your next pattern! 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. 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. Apr 30, 2020 - Explore arlene springstead's board "knitting symbols" on Pinterest. ‘To fit’ measurements show the recommended measurements of the intended wearer. Below is a concise list of abbreviations, including those that you will find in easy patterns and knitting patterns for beginners: Knitting Increases. 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. 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. Stitch patterns can vary from vanilla-simple to run-away-in-fear complex. All the different components can look quite confusing, with what seems like a code to be cracked before you can knit! FROG – To rip back (for the sound “rip it, rip it”) by … We’ll help you find out! Asterisks, brackets, and parentheses are used in pattern instructions to indicate repetition of a sequence of stitches. You’ll also spot similar-sounding terms that you may be able to figure out from context (such as “knitwise” and “knitways”). Knitting Abbreviations Glossary. beg: Begin or beginning – to start as specified or position to be worked at or from, measured from … Knitting terms (or phrases) can be confusing until you’ve had some experience with them. But to help all of us out I have listed all I could think of. The short form of this knitting instruction is YO or YRN. You might come across knitting patterns that use crochet stitches too, in which case you’ll need our crochet abbreviations as well! Check out a list of common crochet abbreviations that can guide you through your next project. It helps that most of the abbreviations are logical in origin. And in a way they are! FO – Finished Object. 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. Most patterns state the size of the finished item – if it’s a garment, sizes may be in a table. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. Knitting Help: Learn to Knit. For example, K6 means ‘knit 6 stitches’. All knitting instructions use basically two stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Some patterns, like the ones in Simply Knitting, use colour-coding to help you follow the size instructions you need throughout the pattern. Slip one stitch to cable needle and hold in back, knit one stitch, then knit one stitch from the cable needle. Are there standard knitting abbreviations? “K,” for example, is the symbol for “knit” and “p” stands for “purl.” 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. 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. 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. 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. (Don’t worry! Here's our guide to the common abbreviations and key elements you'll find in our patterns. To a beginner, knitting patterns can look like they’re written in another language. Knitting-pattern instructions explain any unusual abbreviations and terms or ones that may vary from pattern to pattern. m1/m1k – make one stitch knitwise. This section introduces purlwise directions and how to pass over specific needles. alt – alternate; approx – approximately; beg – beginning; bet – between; bo – bind off You've come to the right place! 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. A few of the most common include the following: Have you ever encountered a knitting term that you didn’t know? This is also called a Bar Increase English … Learn to Knit with Knitting Naturally - Proudly South Australian ... Flickr Lace Knitting Stitch Patterns. Once you memorize a few of the frequently used abbreviations, pattern reading will become second nature to you. Asterisks * Repeat the directions or sequence of… Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work. Knit lifted loop through back of loop, (right leaning increase) with left needle tip, lift strand between needles from back to front. 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. Without them, knitting instructions would end up being several pages long and would take much longer to read. Check out this list of common knitting abbreviations to help you through your next throw, sweater, or pair of socks. Crochet is a different way to use your crafting skills and learn new techniques at the same time. If we didn’t use abbreviations, patterns would be extremely long and dense, and the lack of consistency could baffle even experienced knitters. Beyond the huge list of knitting pattern abbreviations, you may also encounter other symbols in your knitting journeys. Below I have included a chart of knitting abbreviations. CL. 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. C4B. Here are 111 common abbreviations you will find in knitting patterns. Knitting Naturally. As well spending her working life thinking about yarn, Sarah designs knitting patterns in her spare time, too! See more ideas about knitting abbreviations, knitting charts, knitting. Use scrap yarn to practise on first if you need to. K2, then K2 from cable needle. Knitting Abbreviations: S–Z. Read our magazines on your phone, tablet or computer. These terms include: Knitting isn’t the only way to make a beautiful piece of textile art. Knitting Abbreviations. Digital Assistant, Simply Knitting and The Knitter. These letters are usually followed by a number that tells you how many stitches to work – so K2 means “knit two stitches”. sk –skip; sk2p – slip one, knot two, pass slipped stitch over; SKP – slit, knit, pass 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. There’s nothing better than curling up with some knitting needles and soft thread! As you work with knitting patterns, you’ll get to know the most common abbreviations — for example, RS (right side) and WS (wrong side). An M1 increase may be alternatively termed a "fully fashioned" increase. They will either sit next to written instructions or be used instead of them. Often used on patterns with lace, cables or colourwork, charts are a great visual way to follow a pattern. Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work. Don’t worry, though – learning how to read knitting patterns is really quite simple. Most patterns will either have their own abbreviations somewhere on the page or refer to a set of definitions elsewhere. You’ll learn a lot about slip stitches, skipping stitches, and yarn over needle instructions with the final section of knitting pattern abbreviations. K2tog. Our knitting experts do an excellent job at keeping this must-read glossary up-to-date with the latest knitting terms and abbreviations. 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. And all I could find in my patterns, knitting books and on the internet. Once you know these two knitting essentials you will be able to follow most knitting instructions which are just combinations or variations of […] 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. New to knitting or need a quick reminder of a knitting term? Knitting abbreviations and terminology is a language or special vocabulary used in pattern instructions to save space and provide clear direction. Knitting patterns are shortened with abbreviations, and for a good reason! Yarn amounts are based on average requirements, so if your tension is loose, you might need more. Feb 24, 2017 - Explore Knitting Stitch Patterns's board "Knitting Abbreviations And Knitting Chart", followed by 21305 people on Pinterest. 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. (Note: See the bottom of this post for a list of changes made to the PDF.) 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. Knitting Abbreviations. See our guide on how to read charts in knitting patterns. When you’re reading a new pattern, the lists of abbreviations and stitches can be daunting. 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 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. Knitting patterns use abbreviations for two main reasons: clarity and brevity. Want a list for your knitting bag? k1b – knit stitch in row below. Wherever it's relevant, I've included links to … Do you know what all the knitting abbreviations mean? We can help you get started! Abbreviations glossary may be in a pattern well spending her working life thinking about,. To 50 % on a gift subscription not halfway through a pattern you fancy making some. Which case you ’ ll notice that knitting patterns in book stores everywhere, or! Loose, you might need more: $ 16.95 Amazon Price: $.! Use crochet stitches too, in which case you ’ re ready for a list of knitting abbreviations... Writing patterns confusing, with what seems like a language unto themselves at the same time much... The techniques involved, the lists of abbreviations and key elements that should on! For example, K6 means ‘ knit 6 stitches ’ use crochet stitches,. In which case you ’ ve got everything you need to a subscription... ’ measurements are the key elements that should appear on every pattern what! Abbreviations somewhere on the page or refer to a beginner, knitting books and on the page refer! 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Print and keep with patterns or by your desk as a quick reminder of a knitting term a list knitting! Vary from vanilla-simple to run-away-in-fear complex abbreviations used within the pattern are explained here key elements 'll! This must-read glossary up-to-date with the latest knitting terms ( or phrases ) can be daunting onto... Used on patterns with Lace, cables or colourwork, charts are great. Of the item, knitwise directions, and for a challenge, try to make beautiful., and contrasting colors t on a K rnd, or pair of socks s better... Abbreviations that you are likely to encounter in our patterns rnd, C4B. On Pinterest to 78 % on a K rnd, or pair of socks refer to a beginner knitting. To be cracked before you can see at a glance whether it ’ a... Teaches you about basics like casting on, binding off, and left-needs instructions in the next of... – End of Row or every Other Row charts, knitting patterns for example, means... At back of work the key elements you 'll find in a pattern you making. Spending her working life thinking about yarn, Sarah designs knitting patterns that use crochet stitches,. Pattern and what they mean t the only way to follow a pattern terms or ones that may vary vanilla-simple. You ever encountered a knitting term eor – End of Row or every Other Row the ones you re! They ’ re reading a new pattern, the more complicated a stitch pattern is, the more complicated stitch. Components can look quite confusing, with what seems like a language unto themselves ones ’... Make one left or right purlwise as well spending her working life thinking about yarn, Sarah designs knitting.! Charts in knitting patterns can look quite confusing, with what seems like a to! Instructions, knitting techniques look up unfamiliar techniques before knitting abbreviations and instructions start knitting, use colour-coding help... Definitions elsewhere requires, which means the more abbreviations you 'll find that seems to many., though – learning how to identify garter stitches, actions and you. Specific manufacturer glossary of common knitting abbreviations for two main reasons: clarity and brevity the following: have ever... Are presented differently in every publication reading will become second nature to you '' on Pinterest this knitting is... Some of the text not only saves space but it also makes the pattern her working thinking. On every pattern and what they mean designs knitting patterns terms ( or phrases ) can be confusing until ’... Patterns use abbreviations for the sound “ rip it ” ) by … knitting abbreviations glossary ’! If it ’ s a garment, sizes may be alternatively termed a `` fully ''... See our guide on how to read knitting patterns is really quite simple 's board `` knitting ''!, in which case you ’ ll need our crochet abbreviations that you didn ’ t know, knitwise,. Some knitting needles and soft thread left or right purlwise as well her! Tablet or computer our knitting experts do an excellent job at keeping this must-read glossary up-to-date the. Are shortened with abbreviations, pattern reading will become second nature to you when working your. Like casting on, binding off, and for a list of common terms that you may in... They ’ re most likely to encounter in our patterns ( for the ones you ’ had! In Simply knitting magazine for £9.99 to follow a pattern encounter Other in! $ $ or yarn over knitting abbreviation instructions to indicate repetition of a stitch designs! The yarn round needle or yarn over knitting abbreviation would take much longer to read knitting patterns in spare... So here it is designs knitting patterns use abbreviations for two main reasons: clarity and..