Knitting For Dummies
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Knitting patterns use a collection of standard abbreviations — most are fairly intuitive, but some can be confusing. Keep this list of knitting abbreviations and their meanings close by, so you can consult it as needed:

Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning
approx approximately lp(s) loop(s) RS right side(s)
beg beginning m meter(s) sc single crochet
CC contrasting color m1 make 1 stitch (increase 1 stitch) sl slip, slipped, or slipping
ch chain MC main color sl st slip stitch
cm centimeter(s) mm millimeter(s) ssk slip, slip, knit the slipped stitches together
cn cable needle oz ounce(s) st(s) stitch(es)
cont continue or continuing p purl tbl through the back of the loop
dec(s) decrease(s), decreased, or decreasing pat(s) pattern(s) tog together
dpn(s) double-pointed needle(s) ptbl or p-b purl stitch through the back of the loop WS wrong side(s)
foll follows or following pm place marker wyib with yarn in back
g gram(s) psso pass slipped stitch over (used for decreasing) wyif with yarn in front
inc(s) increase(s), increased, or increasing pwise purlwise (as if to purl) yb yarn back
k knit rem(s) remain(s) or remaining yd yard(s)
k2tog knit 2 stitches together rep repeat yf yarn forward
ktbl or k-b knit stitch through the back of the loop RH right-hand yo yarn over
kwise knitwise (as if to knit) rnd(s) round(s) yrn yarn around needle
LH left-hand

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Pam Allen is a knitwear designer and founder of Quince & Co.

Shannon Okey is an author and knitwear designer. Find her at knitgrrl.com.

Tracy L. Barr is a professional writer and editor.

Marlaina "Marly" Bird hosts her own YouTube channel, where she instructs viewers on knitting and crochet.

Pam Allen is a knitwear designer and founder of Quince & Co.

Shannon Okey is an author and knitwear designer. Find her at knitgrrl.com.

Tracy L. Barr is a professional writer and editor.

Marlaina "Marly" Bird hosts her own YouTube channel, where she instructs viewers on knitting and crochet.

Tracy Barr is the coauthor of Adoption For Dummies and Latin For Dummies. Lodge Manufacturing is America's oldest family-owned cookware manufacturer and the sole domestic cast-iron cookware foundry.

Pam Allen is a knitwear designer and founder of Quince & Co.

Shannon Okey is an author and knitwear designer. Find her at knitgrrl.com.

Tracy L. Barr is a professional writer and editor.

Marlaina "Marly" Bird hosts her own YouTube channel, where she instructs viewers on knitting and crochet.

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