Knitting Abbreviations Cheat Sheet

© AvocadoStitches

Confused by knitting pattern abbreviations? Use this handy cheat sheet as a quick reference while you knit!

Abbreviation Meaning
BO Bind off (cast off)
CC Contrast colour
CO Cast on
dec Decrease
dpn Double-pointed needle(s)
inc Increase
k Knit
k2tog Knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
kfb Knit into front and back of stitch (increase)
kwise Knitwise
LH Left-hand
m Marker
M1 Make 1 stitch (increase)
M1L Make 1 left-leaning stitch
M1R Make 1 right-leaning stitch
MC Main colour
p Purl
p2tog Purl 2 stitches together (decrease)
pfb Purl into front and back of stitch (increase)
pm Place marker
psso Pass slipped stitch over
pwise Purlwise
rem Remaining
rep Repeat
RH Right-hand
rnd(s) Round(s)
RS Right side
sl Slip stitch
sm Slip marker
ssk Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
st(s) Stitch(es)
tbl Through the back loop
tog Together
WS Wrong side
wyib With yarn in back
wyif With yarn in front
yo Yarn over

See also: Knitting Needle Size Chart | Yarn Weight Guide

This cheat sheet is provided for general reference purposes only. Abbreviations may vary between patterns and publishers. Always refer to your pattern's abbreviation key when available. AvocadoStitches is not responsible for any errors or discrepancies in this guide.