Pattern Abbreviations

Deciphering pattern abbreviations can be one of the most difficult and confusing aspects for beginners. They can seem to resemble a foreign language and you may feel that you'll never understand your knitting pattern so we've created this chart of abbreviations to help you out. You likely have a pattern that already explains it's abbreviations but if not, just refer to this guide. It contains all the standard pattern abbreviations and translates them into simple language you can understand.

If you become aware of any other common pattern abbreviations that are not included here, feel free to
contact us and let us know so we can add them to the list.
 

Common Pattern Abbreviations

alt alternate psso  pass slip stitch over
beg  begin/beginning pwise  purlwise
bet  between rem  remaining
BO  bind off rep  repeat(s)/repeating
CA  color A rev St st  reverse stocking stitch
CB  color B RH  right hand
CC  contasting color rnd(s)  round(s)
cm  centimeters sk  skip
cn  cable needle skp  slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over
CO  cast on skp2  slip one stitch, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over
cont  continue sl  slip one stitch
dec  decrease/decreases/decreasing sl1k  slip one knitways
dpn double-pointed needles sl1p  slip 1 purlways
fl  front loop(s) sl st  slip stitch(es)
foll  following ss  slip stitch (in Canadian patterns)
g  gram(s) ssk  slip, slip, knit those two slipped stitches together
inc  increase/increases/increasing sssk  slip, slip, slip, knit three slippped stitches together
k  knit st(s)  stitch(es)
k2tog  knit two together St st  stockinette stitch
kwise  knitwise tbl  through back of loop
LH  left hand tog  together
lp(s)  loop(s) WS  wrong side
m  meters wyib with yarn in back
M1  make one stitch wyif  with yarn in front
M1 p-st  make one purl stitch yds  yards
MC  main color yfwd  yarn forward
mm  millimeter(s) yo  yarn over
oz  ounce(s) yrn  yarn round needle
p  purl yon  yarn over needle
patt or pat(s) pattern(s) yo  yarn over
pm  place marker [  ]  work pattern directions between the brackets as many times as directed
pop  popcorn/bobble stitch (  )  work instructions in parentheses as directed or also used to indicate changes required for size adjustment
p2tog  purl two together **  repeat instructions after asterisks as instructed
prev  previous *  repeat instructions after asterisk as directed

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Fashion Sterling Silver earrings