Knitting Terms for Beginners

Knitting has its own language, and for many it might as well be Greek!

I'm hoping to help decode some of the terms for the beginning knitter out there, and maybe a refresher/reference for the more seasoned knitter. I will do another blog in the future with some more advanced terms...or if you have any suggestions, please comment below!

Quick Reference

Knitting Terminology & Abbreviations

K - Knit Stitch. In patterns you will see K6, this means Knit 6 stitches

P -  Purl Stitch. In patterns you will see P3, this means Purl 3 stitches

CO - Cast On. At the beginning of the pattern, it will say CO30, this means cast on 30 stitches. Sometimes it might indicate method of cast on, if it doesn't indicate, use your favorite cast on method.

K2tog - Knit two together. Knit two stitches from the left hand needle at the same time. This decreases your stitches from two stitches to one.

P2tog - Purl two together. Purl two stitches from the left hand needle at the same time. This decreases your stitches from two stitches to one.

YO - Bring yarn forward, as if to purl, but knit instead. This increases your stitches by one.

( ) Parenthesis are used to notate when a pattern needs to be repeated

BO - Bind Off. Removing stitches from the needles so you can complete your work

There are of course MANY other knitting terms out there, some are frequently used while others are a bit more wild...but with these under your belt, you can tackle many knitting patterns out there!

Example: K4, K2tog (P2, K2) repeat 4 times, K2tog, K4 (26 st remain)

Translation: Knit 4 stitches then knit two stitches together. Purl two stitches then knit two stitches, repeat these 4 stitches three more times (four times total). Knit two stitches together. Knit the last 4 stitches. You will now have 26 stitches. Not all patterns will have the stitch counts at the end of the row, but it is helpful as a reference so you know you are on the right track.

You can also download the .pdf here https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B20zhKBZsHYPZWZLLUhMVlA3T1E/view  

Jen