What does “k1tbl” mean? When a pattern says “rep” what do I do? The Knitting Abbreviations List answers these questions and more!
This list contains the most commonly used abbreviations and terms used in needle knitting patterns. This is not an exhaustive list and there may be terms on your pattern that are not included.
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Knitting Abbreviations List
approx = approximately
beg = begin(s)(ning)
bet = between
BO = bind off
btwn = between
care washing cleaning
CC = contrasting color
cn = cable needle
CO = cast on
cont = continu(e)(s)(ing)
dec = decreas(e)(s)(ing)
dpn(s) = double pointed needle(s)
est = establish(ed)
ext = extension
foll = follow(s)(ing)
inc = increas(e)(s)(ing)
k = knit
k1b = knit 1 in the row below
k1tb = knit through the back loop
k1tbl = knit through the back loop
k2tog = knit 2 together
k2togb = Knit 2 stitches together through back loop
k3tog = knit 3 together
k3togb = Knit 3 stitches together through back loop
Kfb = knit in front and back of st
lp st = loop stitch
lp(s) = loop(s)
M1 = make 1
M2 = make two
MC = main color
meas = measure(s)
ndl(s) = needle(s)
opp = opposite
p = purl
p1b = purl through the back loop
p2sso = pass 2 slipped sts over
p2tog = purl 2 together
p2togb = purl 2 together in back
p3tog = purl 3 together
pat = pattern
Pm = place marker
psso = pass slipped stitch over
PU = pick up
rem = remain(s)(ing)
rep = repeat(s)(ing)
rev = revers(e)(ing)
Rev St st = reverse stockinette stitch
rf = right front
RH = right hand
rnd(s) = round(s)
RS = right side
S2KP or S2KP2 = slip 2 stitches together, knit 1, pass two slip stitches over
sk = skip
sk2p = Slip 1, k2tog, pass sl st over
skp = slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over
sl = slip
sl st = slip stitch
slip1-k1-psso = slip 1, knit 1, pass slip stitch over
sm = slip marker
sp(s) = space(s)
sq(s) = square(s)
ssk = slip, slip, knit
St st = Stockinette stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
tbl = through the back loop
tog = together
work even
WS = wrong side
wyib = with yarn in back
wyif = with yarn in front
yo = yarn over