Reading Knitting Patterns
Knitting Abbreviations Glossary
Knitting patterns use a standardised shorthand. Here are the most common abbreviations you'll encounter:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | Knit |
| p | Purl |
| k2tog | Knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit — left-leaning decrease |
| yo | Yarn over — creates a new stitch and eyelet hole |
| sl | Slip stitch (unless noted, slip purlwise) |
| pm | Place marker |
| sm | Slip marker |
| CO | Cast on |
| BO / cast off | Bind off / cast off |
| RS | Right side (public-facing side of fabric) |
| WS | Wrong side (inside-facing side) |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| rep | Repeat |
| beg | Beginning |
| rem | Remaining |
| kfb | Knit front and back — increase 1 stitch |
| M1L | Make 1 Left — left-leaning increase |
| M1R | Make 1 Right — right-leaning increase |
| psso | Pass slipped stitch over |
| tbl | Through the back loop |
| wyif | With yarn in front |
| wyib | With yarn in back |
| cn | Cable needle |
| C4F | Cable 4 front (slip 2 to cable needle held front, k2, k2 from cn) |
| C4B | Cable 4 back (slip 2 to cable needle held back, k2, k2 from cn) |
Repeats & Brackets
Patterns use several notations to indicate repeated sequences of stitches:
Asterisk Repeats
*K2, P2; rep from * to end — Work k2, p2 continuously to the end of the row. The asterisk marks where the repeat starts.
*K3, yo, ssk; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2 — Repeat the section between the asterisk and the semicolon, then work the stitches listed after the repeat.
Brackets and Parentheses
(K2, P2) 4 times — Work the instructions inside the brackets 4 times total.
[K1, yo] twice — Work k1, yo, k1, yo.
Row Repeats
Many stitch patterns have a row repeat. A 4-row repeat means you work rows 1–4 then go back to row 1. The pattern will say "Rep rows 1–4 until piece measures 12 inches."
Reading as You Go
Always read through a full pattern before casting on. Count your stitches at the end of each row as you learn — it's much easier to catch a mistake on row 3 than row 30.
Knitting Charts
Charts are grid-based visual representations of a knitting pattern. Each square represents one stitch; each row of squares represents one row of knitting. They're especially useful for colourwork and lace patterns.
How to Read a Chart
- Charts are read from bottom to top — the bottom row of the chart is Row 1.
- Right-side (RS) rows are read right to left (as you knit them).
- Wrong-side (WS) rows are read left to right (as you work back).
- When working in the round, every round is read right to left.
Common Chart Symbols
| Symbol | On RS | On WS |
|---|---|---|
| □ (empty box) | Knit | Purl |
| • (dot) | Purl | Knit |
| O (circle) | Yarn over | Yarn over |
| \ (backslash) | K2tog (right-leaning) | — |
| / (forward slash) | SSK (left-leaning) | — |
| Grey square | No stitch | No stitch |
Understanding Pattern Sizing
Garment patterns are written for multiple sizes at once, using a specific notation to keep things compact.
Size Notation
Sizes are listed in order from smallest to largest. When you see: S(M, L, XL, 2XL), pick your size and follow only the numbers that correspond to that position throughout the pattern.
Example: Cast on 80(90, 100, 110, 120) sts — if you're knitting size L (third size), cast on 100 stitches.
Choosing Your Size
Don't automatically pick your usual clothing size. Knitwear is sized by finished chest/bust measurement (or finished dimensions for accessories). Check the pattern's schematic and compare it to a similar garment you own and love the fit of.
Most knitting patterns have 2–4 inches of positive ease (extra room). Fitted garments may have 0–1 inch; oversized styles may have 6+ inches.