The more you knit, the more familiar knitting language will become. You’ve probably looked at
knitting instructions and wondered what all those abbreviations stand for. You can use this guide
to become familiar with common terms and abbreviations.
KNITTING ABBREVIATIONS
Abbreviation Meaning
alt alternate
approx approximately
BC back cross
beg beginning
bet between
BO bind off
C cable; cross; contrast color
cab cable
CB cable back
CC contrast color
CF cable front
ch chain; crochet hook
circ circular
cm centimeter(s)
cn cable needle
CO cast on
cont continue(s); continuing
cr l cross left
cr r cross right
dbl double (crochet)
dc double cross
dec(s) decrease(s); decreasing
diag diagonal
diam diameter
DK double knitting
dpn(s) double-pointed needle(s)
dtr double treble (crochet)
epi ends per inch
FC front crossKnitting Abbreviations and Terms.
Abbreviation Meaning
foll follow(s); following
g; gr gram(s)
grp group
g st garter stitch
hdc half double crochet
htr half treble (crochet)
in(s) inch(es)
inc(s) increase(s); increasing
incl including
k knit
k1b knit into back of stitch
k2tog knit 2 stitches together
k3tog knit 3 stitches together
kfb; kf&b knit into front and back of stitch
k tbl knit through back of loop
kwise knitwise
l left
LC left cross
LH left-hand
lp(s) loop(s)
LT left twist
M main color
m1 make one
mb make bobble
MC main color
med medium
mm millimeter(s)
mult multiple
no number