Confused by all the abbreviations in knitting patterns? Yep, me too! Here’s a handy list to help you navigate your patterns!
| Abbreviation | Explanation |
| alt | alternatively |
| approx. | approximately |
| beg | beginning |
| bet | between |
| bl. | back loop |
| bo | bind off |
| ch | chain |
| circs | circular needles |
| cn | cable needle, cable stitch holder |
| co | cast-on |
| dec, decs | decrease, decreases |
| EON | end of needle |
| EOR | end of row |
| FC | front cross |
| FL | front loop |
| foll | following, follow |
| g st | garter stitch |
| grp, grps | group, groups |
| incs | increase, increasing |
| kfb, k1f&b | increase by working into front and back of st (“knit front and back”) |
| k | knit |
| k1, k2, k3… | knit one, knit two, knit three |
| k2tog | knit two together |
| k2tog tbl | knit two together trough back loop |
| K-wise, kwise | knitwise, as though to knit |
| L | left |
| LC | left cross |
| lp, lps | loop, loops |
| lt, ltw | left twist, cable twist to the left |
| m1, m2 | make 1, make 2… |
| mc | main colour |
| meas | measurements, measures |
| pm | place marker (stitch marker) |
| prev | previous |
| p | purl |
| p tbl | purl trough the back loop |
| p-wise, pwise | purlwise, as though to purl |
| r | right |
| rc | right cross |
| rem | remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| rs | right side |
| rt, rtw | right twist |
| sk | skip |
| sk2p | slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over the knitted 2 together |
| skp, skpo | slip, knit, pass over |
| sl | slip |
| sl1k | slip 1 knitwise |
| sl1p | slip 1 purlwise |
| sm | slip marker |
| sl st, ss | slip stitch |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit |
| st, sts | stitch, stitches |
| st st | stockinette stitch |
| tbl | knit trough back loop |
| tog | together |
| ufo | unfinished object |
| we | work even |
| wyib | with yarn in back |
| wyif | with yarn in front |
| ws | wrong side |
| w&t | wrap and turn |
| yfrn | yarn forward and round needle |
| yo | yarn over |
| yon | yarn over needle |
| yrn | yarn round needle |