Knitting Stitch Abbreviations

Reading a knitting pattern can feel like learning a shorthand language. These abbreviations are standard tools used to keep written instructions concise, helping you maintain a steady, physical rhythm without getting lost in paragraphs of text. Whether you are practicing your first knit and purl rows with our Knit and Purl Foundation Guide or working complex decreases with our Lace Knitting Basics Guide, having a reliable reference nearby is essential to keep your stitches accurate.

This guide serves as a quick-reference library for standard UK and international knitting terms. Keep it open on your device or print it out to refer to whenever you encounter an unfamiliar term at your work bench.

General Pattern Symbols

• [ ] ~ Follow instructions within brackets as specified for the required size
• ( ) ~ Follow instructions within parentheses as specified or work the group of stitches the indicated number of times
• * ~ Repeat instructions following the asterisk as described in the pattern
• ** ~ Repeat instructions between the asterisks as indicated
• A / B / C ~ Use yarn colour A / B / C, etc.

Knitting Abbreviations (A–Z)

A

• ALT ~ Alternate
• APPROX ~ Approximately

B

• BO ~ Bind off (refer to our guide on How to Bind Off Knitting for step-by-step methods)

C

• CDD ~ Central Double Decrease
• CM ~ Centimetres (UK spelling)
• CN ~ Cable Needle
• CO ~ Cast On
• CONT ~ Continue

D

• DEC ~ Decrease(s)
• DPN ~ Double Pointed Needles

G

• GRAFT(ING) ~ Method of joining live stitches (Kitchener Stitch)
• G ~ Grams

I

• INC ~ Increase(s)

K

• K ~ Knit
• K1B ~ Knit 1 Below
• K2TOG ~ Knit 2 Together
• K2TOGTBL ~ Knit 2 Together Through Back Loop
• KFB ~ Knit Front and Back
• KITCHENER STITCH ~ For grafting stitches together seamlessly
• KTBL ~ Knit Through Back Loop

L

• LH ~ Left Hand
• LLI ~ Left Lifted Increase

M

• M1L/R ~ Make 1 Left/Right (Knit)
• M1LP/RP ~ Make 1 Left/Right (Purl)

P

• P ~ Purl
• P1B ~ Purl 1 Below
• P2TOG ~ Purl 2 Together
• P2TOGTBL ~ Purl 2 Together Through Back Loop
• PFB ~ Purl Front and Back
• PM ~ Place Marker
• PSO ~ Pass Previous Stitch Over
• PSSO ~ Pass Slipped Stitch Over
• PTBL ~ Purl Through Back Loop

R

• RH ~ Right Hand
• RLI ~ Right Lifted Increase
• RS ~ Right Side

S

• SKPO ~ Slip, Knit, Pass Over
• SK2PO ~ Slip, Knit 2 Together, Pass Over
• SL ~ Slip Stitch
• SM ~ Slip Marker
• SSK ~ Slip, Slip, Knit
• SSP ~ Slip, Slip, Purl
• ST ~ Stitch(es)
• TBL ~ Through the Back Loop

W

• WYIB ~ With Yarn In Back
• WYIF ~ With Yarn In Front
• WS ~ Wrong Side
• W&T ~ Wrap and Turn

Y

• YB ~ Yarn Back
• YF ~ Yarn Forward
• YO ~ Yarn Over
• YO2 ~ Yarn Over Twice

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these abbreviations the same for UK and US patterns?
Most abbreviations for individual stitches (like K, P, YO, and SSK) are identical in UK and US terminology. However, crochet terms differ significantly, so ensure you check the guide's origin if you are swapping between crafts.

What is the difference between a slip-stitch decrease and knitting together?
A knit-together decrease (K2TOG) leans to the right, while a slip-slip-knit decrease (SSK) leans to the left. Using them strategically creates balanced, symmetrical shaping on either side of garments, cables, or lace panels.

How do I read repeat markers like asterisks or brackets?
An asterisk (*) tells you to repeat the sequence that follows it, either to the end of the row or as specified. Brackets [ ] or parentheses ( ) group a specific sequence of stitches that you must work multiple times in a row, or represent sizes.

What if my pattern uses an abbreviation not listed here?
Most patterns include a custom abbreviations key on the first page for unique designer techniques. If you need standard custom patterns generated automatically, check out our new purlJam Creative Partner which drafts error-free templates.