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 |
