Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used on this site
and in most books and other websites. They are divided
between the general knitting terms that both needle
knitters and loom knitters use and then ones that are
specific to the loom. When working with patterns, check
the key if you see an abbreviation that you don't
recognize.
The follow abbreviations are general knitting
abbreviations that are essential to know to read a
pattern.
| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| x | Stands for times. So 5x would be 5 times. |
| *
(asterisk) |
Repeat the instructions following the * the number of times indicated. |
| ( )
(parentheses) |
Just like in math, the instructions in the parentheses become one unit worked in the place specified in the pattern. So (k2, p2) would mean to work two knit sts and then two purl sts in the place directed in the pattern. |
| [ ]
(brackets) |
Similar to the parentheses, the instructions in brackets are one unit worked as many times as specified. So [k2, p2] 3x would mean to work two knit sts and then two purl sts and then repeat two more times (for a total of 3). |
| approx | approximately |
| BO | bind(ing) off |
| beg | begin(ning) |
| CO | cast(ing) on |
| dec | decrease(s) |
| g or gr | gram(s) |
| in(s) or " | inch(es) |
| inc | increase(s) |
| k | knit |
| k-wise | knitwise, as if to knit |
| k2tog | knit two together |
| MC | main color |
| M1 | make one (an increase) |
| oz | ounces |
| patt(s) | pattern(s) |
| psso | pass slipped stitch over |
| p | purl |
| p-wise | purlwise, as if to purl |
| rep | repeat |
| sl | slip |
| sl 1, k1, psso | slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over |
| skp | same as above |
| ssk | slip two stitches knitwise |
| St st | stockinette stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| tog | together |
| wyib | with yarn in back |
| wyif | with yarn in front |
| YO or yo | yarn over |
The follow abbreviations are specific loom
knitting abbreviations that are essential to know
to read a pattern.
| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| cbs | chunky braid stitch |
| ds | double stitch |
| ew | e-wrap |
| fs | flat stitch |
| hs | half stitch |
| pcs | popcorn stitch |
| pop | popcorn stitch |
| ss | single stitch |
| YRP | yarn around peg |
