Loom Knit Abbreviations List

What does “ew” mean? When a pattern says “cont” what do I do? The Loom Knit Abbreviations List answers these questions and more!

This list contains the most commonly used abbreviations and terms used in loom knitting patterns. This is not an exhaustive list and there may be terms on your pattern that are not included.

For a refresher on loom knitting basics see the blog posts below to get started:
13 Questions for Beginner Loom Knitters
How to Loom Knit Basics
How to Loom Knit Basic Stitch Patterns
How to Loom Knit in the Round

Loom Knit 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)
ew = ewrap, also k1tbl (knit one in the back loop, also twisted knit)
f = flat knit
fk = flat knit
inc = increas(e)(s)(ing)
k = knit
k1b = knit 1 in the row below.
k1b = knit through the back loop (also k1tbl) = same as an ewrap (ew)
k2tog = knit 2 together
k2togb = Knit 2 stitches together through back loop (is k2tog using ew stitch).
k3tog = knit 3 together
k3togb = Knit 3 stitches together through back loop (is k3tog using ew stitch).
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)
opp = opposite
p = purl
p1b = purl through the back loop (purl as usual but twist when replacing loop).
p2sso = pass 2 slipped sts over.
p2tog = purl 2 together.
p2togb = purl 2 together in back (purl 2tog as usual but twist when replacing loop).
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 (purl side is right side).
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 (if translating needle patterns use opp. stitch on these rows p = k, etc.).
wyib = with yarn in back
wyif = with yarn in front
yo = yarn over