For example, the ssk knitting abbreviation means "slip two stitches knitwise, knit together" and stands for "slip, slip, knit". Some older patterns might have ssk in knitting shorthand as three commands (sl, sl, k), but most write it as just one abbreviation (ssk).
Also check out our list of knitting chart symbols, as well as our knitting needle conversion chart for needle sizing.
| Abbreviation | Instruction |
| alt | alternate |
| beg | beginning |
| bo | bind off |
| cc | contrasting color |
| cm | centimeter |
| cn | cable needle |
| cont | continue |
| dec | decrease |
| decr | decrease |
| dpn | double pointed needle |
| fl | front loop |
| foll | follow |
| g | gram |
| in | inch |
| inc | increase |
| incr | increase |
| k | knit |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together (decreases 1) |
| kfb | knit into front and back of stitch (increases 1) |
| kw | knitwise |
| LH | left hand |
| lp | loop |
| m | meter |
| m1 | make one by picking up the loop between the stitch on the left and right needles, and working into the back of the loop (increases 1) |
| m1 p-st | make one purl stitch (increases 1 stitch) |
| mm | millimeter |
| oz | ounce |
| p | purl |
| p2tog | purl 2 stitches together (decreases) |
| patt | pattern |
| pm | place marker |
| pop | popcorn |
| prev | previous |
| psso | pass stitch over (decreases 1) |
| pwise | purlwise |
| rem | remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| rev st st | reverse stocking stitch |
| RH | right hand |
| rnd | round |
| RS | right side |
| sk | skip |
| sk2p | slip 1 stitch, knit 2 together, pass stitch over (decreases 2) |
| skp | slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass stitch over (decreases 1) |
| skpo | slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (decreases 1) |
| sl | slip |
| sl1k | slip 1 stitch knitwise |
| sl1p | slip 1 stitch purlwise |
| sm | slip marker |
| ss | slip stitch |
| ssk | slip two stitches knitwise, knit together (decreases 1) |
| st | stitch |
| st st | stocking stitch |
| tbl | through back loop |
| tog | together |
| WS | wrong side |
| wyib | with yarn in back |
| wyif | with yarn in front |
| yb | put yarn to back of work |
| yd | yard |
| yf | put yarn to front of work |
| yfwd | yarn forward |
| yo | yarn over needle |
| yon | yarn over needle |
| yrn | yarn around needle |