Knitting Abbreviations

Here is a list of basic knitting terms and abbreviations which are commonly used in patterns for beginners.

Knitting patterns usually start with a difficulty level, advanced or intermediate. Sometimes a scale is used with 1 being very easy and 4 advanced.

Sizes for fitted pieces are then specified.

Gauge : example 6 stitches for 10 rows on size 13 needles = a 4 inch square.

So if you try knitting 10 rows of 6 stitches on you rneedles, and you don’t get a 4 inch square, you may need to get some different size needles OR adjust the inches in the pattern. (So if you get a 2 inch square by doing the above, you would best double all rows and stitches given in the pattern.)

beg                 Beginning

CC                  Contrasting Colour

dec                 Decrease

dp                   Double Point Needles

ea                   each

inc                  increase

incl                 inclusive

“ or in             inch

K                     Knit

LH                  Left hand

lp                    loop

MC                 Main Colour

O                    Yarn over – see YO

oz                   Ounce

P                    Purl

patt                Pattern

rem               Remaining

rep                Repeat

RH                Right hand

rib                 Ribbing stitch – usually knit one purl 1.

rnd                round

sp                 space

tog                together

wyin              With yarn in back

wyif               With yarn in front

yo                  Yarn over

x                    times eg: 5x means do 5 times.

*                    Repeat instructions following this ‘*’ as many times as stated.

(See some of our free patterns for explanations of these abbreviations use in context.)