Knitting Abbreviations

Here is a list of knitting abbreviations and instructions in common usage. Everyone seems to have a slight variation on the standard shorthand but this should cover most knitting abbreviations used in knitting stitches and patterns. Most of the abbreviations are pretty obvious, but some are a little less so.

For example, the ssk knitting abbreviation means "slip two stitches knitwise, knit together" and stands for "slip, slip, knit". Some older patterns might have ssk in knitting shorthand as three commands (sl, sl, k), but most write it as just one abbreviation (ssk).

Also check out our list of knitting chart symbols, as well as our knitting needle conversion chart for needle sizing.

 











































































































































































































































































Abbreviation Instruction
alt alternate
beg beginning
bo bind off
cc contrasting color
cm centimeter
cn cable needle
cont continue
dec decrease
decr decrease
dpn double pointed needle
fl front loop
foll follow
g gram
in inch
inc increase
incr increase
k knit
k2tog knit 2 stitches together (decreases 1)
kfb knit into front and back of stitch (increases 1)
kw knitwise
LH left hand
lp loop
m meter
m1 make one by picking up the loop between the stitch on the left and right needles, and working into the back of the loop (increases 1)
m1 p-st make one purl stitch (increases 1 stitch)
mm millimeter
oz ounce
p purl
p2tog purl 2 stitches together (decreases)
patt pattern
pm place marker
pop popcorn
prev previous
psso pass stitch over (decreases 1)
pwise purlwise
rem remaining
rep repeat
rev st st reverse stocking stitch
RH right hand
rnd round
RS right side
sk skip
sk2p slip 1 stitch, knit 2 together, pass stitch over (decreases 2)
skp slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass stitch over (decreases 1)
skpo slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (decreases 1)
sl slip
sl1k slip 1 stitch knitwise
sl1p slip 1 stitch purlwise
sm slip marker
ss slip stitch
ssk slip two stitches knitwise, knit together (decreases 1)
st stitch
st st stocking stitch
tbl through back loop
tog together
WS wrong side
wyib with yarn in back
wyif with yarn in front
yb put yarn to back of work
yd yard
yf put yarn to front of work
yfwd yarn forward
yo yarn over needle
yon yarn over needle
yrn yarn around needle

 
Back to blog