Knitting Abbreviations Explained

Knitting patterns use a compact shorthand that can feel like a foreign language when you start out. This page lists the abbreviations used in KnitHit patterns and most English-language patterns, with a plain explanation of each. Bookmark it and keep it open next to any pattern you knit.

Quick answer: The abbreviations you will meet most often: k = knit, p = purl, st(s) = stitch(es), yo = yarn over, k2tog = knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease), ssk or skp = left-leaning decrease, RS = right side, WS = wrong side. The full reference table is below.

Last updated: July 11, 2026

Basic Stitches

Abbreviation	Meaning	What you do
k	Knit	Knit the stitch the standard way
p	Purl	Purl the stitch
k2, k3 …	Knit 2, knit 3 …	Knit that number of stitches
st / sts	Stitch / stitches	–
RS / WS	Right side / wrong side	The front / back of the fabric
tbl	Through the back loop	Work into the back leg of the stitch (twists it)
sl	Slip	Move a stitch to the other needle without working it
wyif / wyib	With yarn in front / back	Hold the working yarn in front / behind while slipping

Increases

Abbreviation	Meaning	What you do
yo	Yarn over	Wrap the yarn over the needle – makes a stitch and a small hole (used in lace)
m1 / m1L / m1R	Make one (left / right)	Lift the bar between stitches and knit it, leaning left or right
kfb	Knit front and back	Knit into the front, then the back of the same stitch (2 from 1)

Decreases

Abbreviation	Meaning	What you do
k2tog	Knit two together	Knit 2 stitches as one – leans right
ssk	Slip, slip, knit	Slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit them together – leans left
p2tog	Purl two together	Purl 2 stitches as one
k3tog	Knit three together	Double decrease, leans right
cdd / sl2-k1-p2sso	Central double decrease	Slip 2 together, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over – centered
psso	Pass slipped stitch over	Lift the slipped stitch over the stitch just worked

Cables

Abbreviation	Meaning	What you do
cn	Cable needle	Short needle that holds stitches while you cross a cable
C4F	Cable 4 front	Slip 2 to cable needle, hold in front, k2, then k2 from cable needle – crosses left
C4B	Cable 4 back	Slip 2 to cable needle, hold in back, k2, then k2 from cable needle – crosses right
C6F / C6B	Cable 6 front / back	Same idea with 3+3 stitches

Pattern Structure Terms

Term	Meaning
multiple of X + Y	Cast on any multiple of X stitches, plus Y edge stitches
rep	Repeat (the instructions between * or [ ])
* … *	Repeat everything between the asterisks as instructed
work even	Continue in pattern without increases or decreases
bind off / cast off	Finish the edge and remove stitches from the needle
gauge / tension	How many stitches and rows per 10 cm (4 in) with your yarn and needles

See Them in Action

The fastest way to learn the shorthand is to follow a real pattern. Try the Garter Stitch or Stockinette Stitch if you are brand new, or jump into the Falling Leaves lace pattern to practice yo, k2tog, and ssk. New to charts? Read our guide on how to read knitting charts first.