Conventions

Parentheses ( ) = Most often used to present multiple sizing options and/or instructions. If a pattern offers multiple sizes, numbers in the pattern will be given first for the smallest size with numbers for larger sizes following in parentheses.

•  Example: You are following a pattern with three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. They will be written in the pattern as Small (Medium, Large). Numbers in the pattern for each size will be written accordingly, in cases such as: 
• Cast on: The pattern reads as: "Cast on 6 (8, 10) stitches." This means you will cast on 6 stitches for size Small, 8 stitches for size Medium, or 10 stitches for size Large.
•  Stitch number: The pattern reads as: "Row 1: K6 (8, 10)." This means you will knit 6 stitches for size Small, 8 stitches for size Medium, or 10 stitches for size Large.
• Row number: The pattern reads as: "Rows 1–10 (12, 14): K6 (8, 10)." This means you will follow the instructions for 10 rows for size Small, 12 rows for size Medium, or 14 rows for size Large.

Asterisk * = Repeat the directions following the asterisk as many times as indicated. 

• Example: *K1, P1; repeat from * to end of row = Knit 1 stitch and purl 1 stitch, repeat this sequence to the end of the row.

Square brackets [ ] = Repeat the directions enclosed in the square brackets as many times as indicated.

• Example: [K1, P1] 4 times = Knit 1 stitch and purl 1 stitch, repeat this sequence 3 more times.

Gauge (tension) - We always provide a gauge in our patterns. This indicates how tight or loose you should knit your piece. If our gauge says 4sts for 3'' and 4 rows for 2'', that means 4 stitches should fit in 3'' and that 4 rows should fit in 2'' measurement. If you have 5 stitches in 3'' that means you are knitting a little bit too tight, or 2 stitches in 3'' - a little too loose.

 

C1 = Color 1 (C2 = Color 2, etc)

 

C4B (Cable 4 Back) = Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next 2 stitches from left-hand needle, then knit stitches from cable needle

 

C4F (Cable 4 Front) = Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 2 stitches from left-hand needle, then knit stitches from cable needle

 

ch = chain stitch in crocheting

 

K = Knit

 

K1 = Knit 1 stitch

 

K1B = Knit 1 below (used in Fisherman Rib Stitch)

 

K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together

 

KFB = Increase by knitting through front and back of stitch

 

M1 = Increase by making 1 stitch

 

ML = Make Loop stitch

 

P = Purl

 

P1 = Purl 1 stitch

 

P1B = Purl 1 Below (used in Fisherman Rib Stitch)

 

P2tog = Purl 2 stitches together

 

psso = Pass slipped stitch over

 

pm = Place marker

 

Rep = Repeat

 

Rnd = Round

 

RS = Right side of work (outside of garment)

 

SL = Slip stitch

 

ssk = slip, slip, knit

 

Sts = stitches

 

St st = stockinette stitch

 

T3B (Twist 3 back) = Slip next stitch onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next 2 stitches from left-hand needle, then purl stitch from cable needle

 

T3F (Twist 3 front) = Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at front of work, purl next stitch from left-hand needle then knit stitches from cable needles

 

WS = Wrong side of work (inside of garment)

YO = Yarn over - wrap yarn around right needle