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There are many components when it comes to knitting patterns. Knitters need to have a design in mind before beginning, they also need to know certain techniques with their needles and, most of all, they must be able to understand the language of knitters. For beginners and experts, there are packets that they buy that contain yarn and instructions. Instructions may have abbreviated notes and one letter symbols.

A couple basic stitch abbreviations are ‘K’ and/or ‘P’. The letter ‘K’ stands for knit stitch. A knit stitch is basically pulling a loop of yarn through a pre-made loop on the needle. When you see the letter ‘P’, it means you should do a purl stitch. A purl stitch is when you pull the yarn through the front of a loop.

To begin knitting, start with a cast on (otherwise abbreviation as CO). A cast on creates loops on the needle. Knit or purl stitches follow after this. After these two steps, seek further guidance from your provided instructions. You will most likely begin knitting the design.

‘Sl’, ‘Inc’, ‘Rep’ and ‘Dec’ are common abbreviations within knitting instructions. ‘Sl’ is short for slip. To perform this technique, you simply slip a stitch from one needle to the other without working it. ‘Inc’ indicates that you should increase the amount of stitches according to the specifications of the instructions.

When you see ‘Rep’, you should perform the same line of stitches according to the amount of times listed in the instructions. ‘Dec’ is the opposite of ‘Inc’ and is instructing you to remove one or more stitches from the pattern. Work at least two stitches together to do a decrease.

Messages such as ‘work even’ and ‘maintain pattern as established’ are also common phrases. ‘Work even’ means to continue with the project without increasing or decreasing. When you ‘maintain pattern as established’, you are either increasing or decreasing the number of stitches at the edges. You will add or subtract stitches without disturbing the flow of the pattern.

As you continue with your knitting patterns, it should become easier. You will gradually become accustomed to the wordings, too. When you get towards the end of the project, you will see the abbreviation ‘BO’, which stands for bind off. This is instructing you to finish your knitted piece. Good job and good luck!

Are you a seasoned knitter or a beginner that still sometimes needs knitting help? If you’re looking for Knitting Instructions you’ll find it on our site.

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