Knitting patterns use short codes to fit a lot into a line. This chart covers every code in our knitting patterns and stitch guide. Tap a stitch to see plain steps for it.
Knitting abbreviations chart
| Pattern says | Meaning | UK version |
|---|---|---|
CO | long-tail cast on | CO |
k | knit stitch | k |
p | purl stitch | p |
k2tog | knit 2 together | k2tog |
ssk | slip, slip, knit | ssk |
yo | yarn over | yfwd / yrn |
M1L | make 1 left | M1L |
M1R | make 1 right | M1R |
sl | slip stitch | sl |
BO | bind off | cast off |
k1, p1 rib | ribbing (1x1 and 2x2) | k1, p1 rib |
garter st | garter stitch | garter st |
St st | stockinette stitch | stocking st |
seed st | seed stitch | moss st |
k2, p2 | knit 2, purl 2 (2x2 rib) | k2, p2 |
pm | place a stitch marker | pm |
sm | slip the marker from one needle to the other | sm |
rnd | round (when knitting in a circle) | rnd |
RS / WS | right side / wrong side of the work | RS / WS |
wyib / wyif | with yarn in back / with yarn in front | wyib / wyif |
st(s) | stitch(es) | st(s) |
rep | repeat | rep |
DPNs | double-pointed needles | DPNs |
knitwise / purlwise | put the needle in as if to knit / as if to purl | knitwise / purlwise |
US and UK knitting words
| US | UK |
|---|---|
| gauge | tension |
| bind off | cast off |
| stockinette stitch | stocking stitch |
| seed stitch | moss stitch |
| yarn over (yo) | yarn forward (yfwd) or yarn round needle (yrn) |
Symbols
| You see | It means |
|---|---|
* | Marks the start of a part you repeat. "*k2, p2; rep from * around" means keep repeating knit 2, purl 2 all the way around. |
( ) | At the end of a line, the number in brackets is how many stitches you should have, like "(96)". Inside a line it holds a note, like "Row 7 (RS)". |
[ ] | A group to repeat, followed by how many times, like "[k4, M1] 3 times". |
to last 4 sts | Keep going until only 4 stitches are left on the left needle. |
See them in real patterns: the Garter Dishcloth is just cast on, knit and bind off. The Ribbed Brim Beanie adds ribbing, markers and k2tog decreases.
Questions
What does k2tog mean in knitting?
Knit 2 together. You put the needle into 2 stitches at once and knit them as one. It takes away one stitch and leans to the right.
What is the difference between k2tog and ssk?
Both take away one stitch. k2tog leans right and ssk leans left, so patterns use them as a pair to make shaping that matches on both sides.
Are knitting terms different in the UK?
Mostly no. A few names change: bind off is cast off, stockinette is stocking stitch, seed stitch is moss stitch, gauge is tension, and a yarn over may be written yfwd or yrn.
What does "work even" mean?
Keep going in the stitch pattern you are in, with no increases or decreases.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app keeps this chart next to your row counter, so a code like ssk is one tap away while you knit. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
