This is really frustrating for newer knitters because it’s often assumed you know what something like “*k1, p1. Rep from * across” or “cont in St st, dec 2 sts at beg and end of alt-RS rows.” Those sorts of things make perfect sense to someone who has been a knitter for a long time, but they can leave a new knitter completely lost and frustrated.
Why Use Abbreviations?
Abbreviations are often used to make patterns shorter and easier to read. The difference between “cont in St st, dec 2 sts at beg and end of alt RS rows” and “Continue in stockinette stitch, decreasing 2 stitches at the beginning and end of alternate right side rows” might not look like much when it’s one line of knitting, but write a whole pattern (or a whole book of patterns) that way takes up a lot more space. You will note that some abbreviations are for single words or what to do with a single stitch, while others describe a series of tasks performed in sequence. While abbreviations can be confusing to newer knitters, the lack of abbreviations can be frustrating to knitters who are experienced at deciphering this simpler style. Once you understand the common abbreviations and what they mean, you’ll be able to read knitting patterns with ease.
Common Knitting Abbreviations
These are some of the most common abbreviations you are likely to find in knitting patterns. There are others, but in most cases where others are used, there will be a key or an explanation somewhere in the pattern as to exactly what the designer wants you to do.
