Knitting Abbreviations Glossary
Patterns use a standardised set of abbreviations to keep instructions concise. Memorising the most common 30 abbreviations covers 95% of what you will encounter in modern Western patterns.
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Basic stitches
k = knit. p = purl. st(s) = stitch(es). RS = right side. WS = wrong side. CO = cast on. BO = bind off.
Decreases
k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning). ssk = slip slip knit (left-leaning). p2tog = purl two together. ssp = slip slip purl. s2kp = centred double decrease. sk2p / SKP = slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped over.
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Increases
M1L = make 1 left. M1R = make 1 right. KFB = knit front and back. yo = yarn over. CDI = centred double increase.
Other common abbreviations
sl = slip. wyib = with yarn in back. wyif = with yarn in front. tbl = through the back loop. pm = place marker. sm = slip marker. rep = repeat. MC = main colour. CC = contrast colour. cn = cable needle. DPN = double-pointed needle.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| CO | cast on |
| BO | bind off |
| k2tog | knit two together (right-leaning decrease) |
| ssk | slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| p2tog | purl two together |
| ssp | slip slip purl |
| s2kp | slip 2 together knitwise, k1, pass 2 slipped over |
| sk2p | slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped over |
| M1L | make 1 left |
| M1R | make 1 right |
| KFB | knit front and back |
| yo | yarn over |
| sl | slip |
| wyib | with yarn in back |
| wyif | with yarn in front |
| tbl | through the back loop |
| pm | place marker |
| sm | slip marker |
| rep | repeat |
| MC | main colour |
| CC | contrast colour |
| cn | cable needle |
| DPN | double-pointed needle |
| w&t | wrap and turn |
| DS | double stitch (German short row) |
Tips
- Most modern patterns include their own abbreviation key — always check the pattern's key first.
- Older patterns may use older abbreviations (e.g. "ktog" instead of "k2tog") — context usually makes the meaning clear.
- British patterns may use "tw" for "twist" where American patterns use "C" for "cable."
In depth
The Craft Yarn Council publishes a standardised list of knitting abbreviations that most modern Western patterns follow. Older patterns and patterns from specific designers may use additional or alternative abbreviations, but the core set above covers the vast majority of what you will see.