Here is a list of basic symbols commonly used in knitting patterns, along with their names and explanations in English.
|
K
|
Knit |
|
P |
Purl |
|
K tbl
|
Knit through the back loop |
|
P tbl |
Purl through the back loop |
|
M1 |
Make one stitch |
|
M1p |
Make one purlwise |
|
M1l |
Make one left |
|
M1r |
Make one right |
|
M1lp |
Make one purlwise left leaning |
|
M1rp |
Make one purlwise right leaning |
|
Sl wyib |
Slip stitch with yarn in back |
|
Sl wyif |
Slip stitch with yarn front |
|
K1b
|
Knit one below |
|
P1b |
Purl one below |
|
Yo |
Yarn over |
|
Ssk |
Slip slip knit |
|
K2tog |
Knit two stitches together |
|
Ssp |
Slip slip purl |
|
P2tog |
Purl two stitches together |
|
Sssk Sk2p |
Slip slip slip knit Slip stitch, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over |
|
K3tog |
Knit three stitches together |
|
Sssp |
Slip slip slip purl |
|
P3tog |
Purl three stitches together |
|
S2kp |
Slip two stitches knitwise, knit one, pass slipped stitches over |
Once you understand these basic symbols, you'll be able to read simple chart patterns.
If you want to take your knitting skills to the next level and are interested in tackling more advanced patterns, read and study these articles about the 100 knitting abbreviations and symbols commonly used in advanced patterns.
- Knitting Abbreviations
- Lace Symbols
- Cabel Symbols
- Brioche Symbols
- Advanced Symbols
Note: Different patterns may use different symbols, so it's important to read the key or legend that accompanies each pattern to understand what each symbol means.