Glossary

Understanding the terminology in knitting and crochet is crucial for following patterns. Knowing the difference between terms like "casting on" and "binding off" can help you create beautifully finished projects. Learning common abbreviations such as "dc" for double crochet or "k" for knit can make reading patterns a breeze. Familiarizing yourself with this glossary will enhance your crafting experience and open creative possibilities.

5-1 Dec :

[Sl 1 kwise wyb] 2 times, sl 1 pwise wyb, drop yarn, *pass 2nd st on right needle over first (center) st, sl center st back to left needle, pass 2nd st on left needle over center st,* sl center st back to right needle, rep from * to * once, p1 or k1, as directed—4 sts dec’d.

Alternative Cable Cast-On

If no stitches are established, begin with a slipknot, knit one stitch in slipknot and slip this new stitch knitwise to the left needle. *For a purl stitch, insert the right needle from back to the front between first two stitches on left needle. Wrap yarn as if to purl. Draw yarn through to complete stitch, and slip this new stitch knitwise to the left needle. For a knit stitch, insert right needle from front to back between first two stitches on left needle. Wrap yarn as if to knit. Draw yarn through to complete stitch and slip this new stitch knitwise to the left needle. Repeat from *.

Applied I-Cord

A neat way to finish off unfinshed edges on shawls, blankets and wraps. With double-pointed needle, cast on number of stitches directed in pattern. With right side of garment facing, *pick up and knit one stitch from edge, slide stitches to opposite end of double-pointed needle, knit to last two stitches, knit two together through the back loop; repeat from * for I-cord.

Backstitch

You can use a backstitch to join two pieces of fabric together. Place the right side of both pieces together and sew along the seam line. Placing your tapestry needle below both layers, bring it up through to create the start of your blanket stitch. Go around the edge and bring the needle up through the same spot. Insert the needle 2 stitches above and secure. Keep looping through both layers, repating until finished seam.

Backstitch Seam

backstitch seams involves placeing the right sides of your peices together and moving your tapestry needle in and out along the seam line.

Backward-Loop Cast-On

(Right leaning) Not recomended as a regular cast-on but as a way to cast on under arms or anytime you need to cast on in the middle or a project. 1. Place the working yarn over your thumb 2.The right hand needle goes under the yarn at the base of your thumb, and over the yarn at the top of your thumb. 3. Tighten up your newly cast on stitch.

Bar Increase (k1f&b)

One of the easiest methods of increasing. The bar increase uses the horizonatal "bar" inbetween stitchs, working more than one stitch into an existing stitch.

BOR

Abbriviation for beginning of round.

Binding Off (BO)

A bind off prevents your work from unraveling. This technique adds one final row to work interlocking stitches to one another to create a locked in seam.

Blanket Stitch

The blanket stitch is used to secure edges of blankets or an embroidery stitch. - To make the blanket stitch, move the needle diagonally across and up by your chosen stitch lenght and inset the needle from front to back and, at the same time, straight down to the edge at the right angle.

Buttonhole Stitch

Working into edge half-stitch of the knitted piece, *bring tip of threaded needle in and out of a knitted stitch, place working yarn under needle tip, then bring threaded needle through the stitch and tighten. Repeat from *, always bringing threaded needle on top of working yarn.

Cast-On (CO)

Casting on lays the foundation for your knitting project. It is the method by which stitches are formed that you then knit or purl to form your knitted item.

Abbriviation, for cable needle

Centre Back (CB)

the centre back marker is usually used in knitting patterns for garments such as cardgians or sweaters. As usual, if ther are no specific instructions slip the marker into the other needle tip.

Centered Double Increase

Chain Edge Cast-On

Knit into the back and front of the next stitch on the left needle, then insert the tip of the left needle behind the vertical strand that runs between the two stitches just made, and knit the strand through its back loop—two stitches increased.

This cast-on method is worked with a crochet hook and can be used in one of two ways: as a decorative cast-on that forms a tidy chain and perfectly matches the bind-off row, or as a provisional cast-on. If the decorative cast-on is desired, use the working yarn for the crochet chain. For a provisional cast-on, use waste yarn for the chain and then knit a plain row with the working yarn (the provisional cast-on is not complete until there is a row of working yarn stitches on the needle). Place a slipknot on crochet hook. Hold knitting needle and yarn in your left hand and hook in your right hand, with yarn under needle. Place hook over needle, wrap yarn around hook and pull loop through loop on hook (Figure 1). *Bring yarn to back under needle, wrap yarn around hook, and pull it through loop on hook (Figure 2). For the decorative cast-on, repeat from * until there is one fewer than the desired number of stitches on needle. Slip loop from hook to needle for last stitch. For the provisional cast-on, repeat from * until the desired number of stitches are on the needle and then chain a few more stitches without placing them on the needle to secure the chain before fastening off.

Contrast Color (CC)

When working with colorwork you will want the colors to be more dominant then the main color. You will want to pattern to stand out against the background, which would be the main color.

Crochet Bind-Off

Insert crochet hook into first stitch on needle, as if to knit. Wrap yarn around hook, pull this loop through stitch on needle, and let stitch drop off needle. *Insert hook into next stitch as if to knit, wrap yarn around hook, pull loop through both stitch on needle and first loop on hook, letting stitch drop off needle. Repeat from *.

Crochet Chain (ch)

Make a slipknot on hook. Yarn over hook and draw it through loop of slipknot. Repeat, drawing yarn through the last loop formed.

Crochet Chain (provisional) Cast-On

With smooth, contrasting waste yarn and crochet hook, make a loose chain of about four stitches more than you need to cast on. Cut yarn and pull tail through last chain to secure. With needle, working yarn, and beginning two stitches from last chain worked, pick up and knit one stitch through the back loop of each chain for desired number of stitches. Work the piece as desired, and when you’re ready to use the cast-on stitches, pull out the crochet chain to expose the live stitches.

Dd - Hh

Double Crochet (dc)

Double crochet is a taller stitch thena asingle crochet, it is formed by a "yarn over" which is wrapping yarn in back to front before placing the hook in the stitch. Holding foundation chain in desired position, yarn over and insert the hook into the fourth chain from the hook.

Decrease (dec)

A decrease in knitting is a reduction in the number of stitches, usually accomplished by suspending the stitch to be decreased from another existing stitchor by knitting it together with another stitch.

Double Pointed Needles

DPN's or double pointed needles are used in projects worked in the round but a small number of stitches, like socks or sleeves

German Short-Rows

With yarn in front, sl 1 pwise from left needle to right needle. Pull yarn to back of work over needle until both legs of st in row below are on top of needle (as shown), creating a “double st” on both sides of needle. When working the double-st on subsequent rows, work it as a single st

Grafting Garter Stitch

To graft garter stitch, place live stitches on needles held parallel. Thread tapestry needle with yarn and go through first stitch on front needle as if to purl, then first stitch on back needle as if to purl, leaving both stitches on the needles. *Then go through first stitch on front needle as if to knit and slip it off the needle, go through second stitch as if to purl and leave it on. Go through first stitch on back needle as if to knit and slip it off the needle, go through second stitch as if to purl and leave it on. Rep from * until no stitches remain.

Half Double Crochet (hdc)

*Yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull a loop through stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and draw through all the loops on the hook. Repeat from *.

I-cord

With double-pointed needle, cast on desired number of stitches. *Without turning the needle, slide the stitches to other end of the needle, pull the yarn around the back, and knit the stitches as usual; repeat from * for desired length.

I-cord Bind-Off

I-cord Bind-Off When there are live stitches or picked-up stitches on left needle: With right side facing, cast on number of stitches needed for I-cord (as directed in pattern) onto left needle. *Knit to last I-cord stitch (e.g., if working a two-stitch I-cord as shown, knit one), knit two together through the back loops, and transfer all stitches from right needle to left needle. Repeat from * until required number of stitches have been bound off.

I-cord Cast-On

These instructions are for a 5-stitch I-Cord. Cast on 5 stitches, leaving a 6″ tail. Next row K5, do not turn. *Next row Slip 5 sts back to left needle without twisting them, k1f&b, k4, do not turn. Rep from * until there are 5 more stitches on the right needle than the total number of cast-on stitches desired (and no stitches on the left needle). Place the first 5 stitches on the right needle onto a holder or bind them off, as the pattern indicates.

Icelandinc Bind-Off

K1, *slip stitch from right needle to left needle purlwise. Insert right needle purlwise into first stitch on left needle, then knitwise into second stitch to catch front loop of second stitch. Draw front loop of second stitch through first stitch and knit it. Drop both stitches from left needle. Repeat from *.

Intarsia

When working intarsia, twist the yarns together at the color change to prevent holes. Drop the color you’ve been using to the left of the new color, pick up the new color from under the old color, bring it over the old color, and resume knitting (or purling).

Invisible Seam

Working from the right side of the garment, place the pieces to be seamed on a flat surface, right sides up. Begin at the lower edge and work upward, row by row. Insert a threaded tapestry needle under the horizontal bar in the middle of the edge stitch on one side of the seam, and then under the corresponding bar on the opposite side. Continue alternating from side to side, pulling the yarn in the direction of the seam, not outward toward your body, to prevent the bars from stretching to the front. When the seam is complete, weave the tail end down through the seam allowance for 2″ (5 cm).

Italian Cast-On

Leaving a tail as for long-tail cast-on, make a slipknot on right needle (counts as the first purl stitch). Insert your left thumb and index finger between two strands, with tail end on thumb side. To create the next knit stitch, bring needle toward you, under front strand, up between strands, over back strand to grab it and pull it under front strand to make loop on needle. To create the next purl stitch, take needle away from you, over both strands, under both strands, up to grab front strand and pull it under back strand to make loop on needle. Continue alternating knit and purl stitches, ending with a knit stitch. Turn work. Keeping strands crossed to preserve the last cast-on stitch, work 1 row as foll: *p1, k1; rep from * to end.

k1-tbl

Knit through the back loop of the stitch (this twists the stitch).

k2tog

Knit two stitches together (one stitch decreased).

k2tog-tbl

Knit 2 stitches together through the back loops.

k3tog

Knit 3 stitches together.

kfb

Knit into the front and back of the same stitch (one stitch increased).

kll

Knit left loop - use the left hand needle to pick up the stitch immediately below the stitch just knitted, then knit into it (one stitch increased).

Kitchener Sitch

1.Bring threaded needle through front stitch as if to purl and leave stitch on needle. 2. Bring threaded needle through back stitch as if to knit and leave stitch on needle. 3. Bring threaded needle through first front stitch as if to knit and slip this stitch off needle. Bring threaded needle through next front stitch as if to purl and leave stitch on needle. 4. Bring threaded needle through first back stitch as if to purl and slip this stitch off needle. Bring needle through next back stitch as if to knit and leave stitch on needle. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until no stitches remain on needles.

Knitwise

Knitwise means inserting your needle into the stitch from front to back, as when working a knit stitch.

Knit (k)

a basivc stitch usually made with the yarn at hte back of the work by inserting the right needle into the front part of a loop on the left needle from the left side, catching the yarn with the point of the right needle, and bringing it through the first loop to form a new loop.

krl

Knit right loop - knit into the back loop of the stitch below the next stitch (one stitch increased).

ksp Decrease

Knit one stitch, then slip this knit stitch from the right needle back to the left needle without twisting it. Use the point of the right needle to pass the second stitch on the left needle over the first stitch and off the left needle. This decrease produces a fairly pronounced right-slanting decrease. Use this decrease to mirror a SKP Decrease (a left-slanting decrease).

Lifelines

A lifeline is a strand of yarn that is inserted into the work so that, if an error is encountered, it is easy to rip back to that point. Lifelines are often used in lace knitting. Leave lifelines in your work until the piece is complete. To insert a lifeline, thread a tapestry needle with smooth, tightly twisted yarn (such as crochet or perle cotton) and insert the tapestry needle purlwise through each stitch on the needle, catching each stitch but going around any markers. Do not remove the stitches from the needle. When working on a circular needle, it is easier to insert the lifeline if the stitches are pushed onto the cable portion of the needle. If you must rip back, use a smaller needle to pick up the stitches from the lifeline thread, and then resume working with your regular needle.

Left Lifted Increase (LLI)

Insert the tip of the left needle from back to front into the stitch two rows below the stitch on the right needle. Knit this stitch through the back loop.

Left Leaving Purl Increase (LLPI)

Work as for LLI, except purl through the back loop of the stitch two rows below the stitch on the right needle.

Left hand.

Long Tail Cast-On

Leaving a long tail (about 1-2″ for each stitch to be cast on), make a slipknot and place on right needle. Place thumb and index finger of left hand between yarn ends so that working yarn is around index finger and tail end is around thumb. Secure ends with your other fingers and hold palm upwards, making a V of yarn. Bring needle up through loop on thumb, grab first strand around index finger with needle, and go back down through loop on thumb. Drop loop off thumb and, placing thumb back in V configuration, tighten resulting stitch on needle.

Long Tail Cast-On Purl

Leaving a long tail (about 1–2″ for each stitch to be cast on), make a slipknot and place it on right needle. Place thumb and index finger of left hand between yarns so that working yarn is around index finger and tail end is around thumb. Secure ends with your other fingers. Spread your thumb and index finger to make a V of yarn. *Beginning at back of index finger, slide needle up through loop on index finger, then bring needle under strand going to thumb, and go back down through index finger loop. Drop loop off index finger and, placing finger back in V configuration, tighten resulting stitch on needle. Repeat from * as needed for desired number of stitches.

Loop Cast-On

Right-slanting loop CO (also: Backward-loop CO): *Loop working yarn as shown and place it on needle backward (with right leg of loop in back of needle). Repeat from *. do the Left leanin version the opposite way

Make 1 (m1)

Make one increase with prefered method

Make 1 Left (m1l)

With left needle tip, lift strand between needles from front to back. Knit lifted loop through the back.

Make 1 Purl (m1p)

Same as knit version only purling through the lifted loop.

Make 1 Right (m1r)

With left needle tip, lift strand between needles from back to front. Knit lifted loop through the front.

Main Color (MC)

Main color or "background" color.

Mattress Stitch Seam

With RS of knitting facing, use threaded needle to pick up one bar between first two stitches on one piece. …then corresponding bar plus the bar above it on other piece. *Pick up next two bars on first piece, then next two bars on other. Repeat from * to end of seam, finishing by picking up last bar (or pair of bars) at the top of first piece.

Nn-Pp

Old Norwegian Cast-On

Leaving a long tail (about ½” [1.3 cm] for each stitch to be cast on), make a slipknot (this counts as the first stitch.) Place your thumb and index finger between the yarn ends so that the working yarn is around your index finger and the tail end is around your thumb. Secure the ends with your other fingers and hold your palm upward, making a V of yarn. *Bring the needle in front of the thumb, under both strands around the thumb, down into the center of the thumb loop, then forward toward you. Now bring the needle over the strand going to the index finger to grab it. Bring the needle back through the loop on the thumb, turning the thumb slightly to make room for the needle to pass through. Drop the loop off the thumb and, placing the thumb back in the V configuration, tighten up the resulting stitch on the needle. Repeat from * for the desired number of stitches. Distribute the stitches over your chosen needles and join for working in the round.

Overhand Seam

Hold pieces to be seamed with right sides together. Working close to the edge, from right to left, *bring threaded needle from back to front through both layers. Repeat from *.

N1 (N2, N3)

Needle one, two, or three of a set of DPNS (double pointed needles).

Purl (p)

p1-tbl

Purl through the back loop of the next stitch (this twists the stitch).

p2tog

Purl two stitches together (one stitch decreased).

p3tog

Purl three stitches together (two stitches decreased).

pfb

Purl into the front and back of the same stitch (one stitch increased).

Place marker.

Purlwise

Purlwise means inserting your needle into the stitch from back to front, as when working a purl stitch.

Pom-Pom

Cut two circles of cardboard, each 1⁄2″ (1.3 cm) larger than desired finished pom-pom width. Cut a small circle out of the center and a small edge out of the side of each circle. Tie a strand of yarn between the circles, hold circles together and wrap with yarn—the more wraps, the thicker the pompom. Knot the tie strand tightly and cut between the circles. Place pom-pom between two smaller cardboard circles held together with a needle, and trim the edges. This technique comes from Nicky Epstein’s Knitted Embellishments, Interweave Press, 1999.

Provisional Cast-On

Place a loose slipknot on needle held in your right hand. Hold waste yarn next to slipknot and around left thumb; hold working yarn over left index finger. *Bring needle forward under waste yarn, over working yarn, grab a loop of working yarn, then bring needle to the front, over both yarns, and grab a second loop. Repeat from *. When you’re ready to use the cast-on stitches, pick out waste yarn to expose live stitches.

Purlwise Raised Increase (M1P)

With left needle tip, lift strand between needles, from back to front. Purl lifted loop.

rep

Repeat.

req'd

Required.

Reverse I-Cord

Work as regular I-cord, but pull the yarn around the front of the work.

Reverse Single Crochet

Working from left to right, insert the crochet hook into a knit edge stitch, draw up a loop, bring the yarn over the hook, and draw this loop through the first one. *Insert the hook into the next stitch to the right, draw up a loop, bring the yarn over the hook again, and draw this loop through both loops on the hook; repeat from * until the entire edge has been covered. Cut the yarn and secure the last loop by pulling the tail through it.

Right Hand.

rnd

Round

Right side of the work; this is the outside of the item when it is worn / finished.

Sewn Bind-Off

Bind Off Cut the yarn three times the width of the knitting to be bound off, and thread onto a tapestry needle. Working from right to left, *insert tapestry needle purlwise (from right to left) through first two stitches…and pull the yarn through, then bring needle knitwise (from left to right) through the first stitch, pull the yarn through, and slip this stitch off the knitting needle. Repeat from *.

Short Rows (Knit Side)

Work to turning point, slip next stitch purlwise, bring the yarn to the front, then slip the same stitch back to the left needle, turn the work around and bring the yarn in position for the next stitch—one stitch has been wrapped and the yarn is correctly positioned to work the next stitch. When you come to a wrapped stitch on a subsequent knit row, hide the wrap by working it together with the wrapped stitch as follows: Insert right needle tip under the wrap from the front, then into the stitch on the needle, and work the stitch and its wrap together as a single stitch.

Short Rows (Purl Side)

Work to the turning point, slip the next stitch purlwise to the right needle, bring the yarn to the back of the work, return the slipped stitch to the left needle, bring the yarn to the front between the needles, and turn the work so that the knit side is facing—one stitch has been wrapped and the yarn is correctly positioned to knit the next stitch. To hide the wrap on a subsequent purl row, work to the wrapped stitch, use the tip of the right needle to pick up the wrap from the back, place it on the left needle, then purl it together with the wrapped stitch.

Single Crochet

Insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull a loop through stitch, yarn over and draw through both loops on hook.

SKP Decrease

Slip one stitch knitwise, knit the next stitch, and then use the point of the left needle to pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off the right needle. This decrease produces a fairly pronounced left-slanting decrease. Use this decrease to mirror a KSP Decrease (a right-slanting decrease).

sl1

Slip one stitch from the left hand needle to the right hand needle, inserting the needle into the stitch purlwise unless otherwise specified.

sl1-k2tog-psso

Slip one stitch knitwise, knit two stitches together, pass slipped stitch over (two stitches decreased).

sl2-k1-p2sso

Slip 2 stitches knitwise (together, as if to begin k2tog), knit next stitch, pass 2 slipped stitches over (central double decrease, two stitches decreased). ( sl2-k1-p2sso may also be referred to as: cdd - central double decrease )

sl2-k2tog-p2sso

Slip two stitches knitwise (together as if to begin k2tog), knit two stitches together, pass 2 slipped stitches over (left-slanting triple decrease).

sl2tbl-p1-p2sso

Slip 2 stitches together purlwise through back loops, purl next stitch, pass 2 slipped stitches over (central double decrease, two stitches decreased). ( sl2tbl-p1-p2sso may also be referred to as: cdd - central double decrease )

Slip Stitch Crochet (sl st)

*Insert hook in stitch, yarn over and draw loop through stitch and loop on hook. Repeat from *.

Slip Stitch Crochet Seam

With right sides together and working one stitch at a time, insert a crochet hook through both thicknesses into the stitch just below the bound off edge, or one stitch in front of the selvedge edge. Catch the yarn and draw a loop through both thicknesses, then catch the yarn again and draw this loop through the first. This secures the end stitches together. *Insert the hook into the next stitch, through both thicknesses, then catch and draw a loop back through both thicknesses and through the loop on the crochet hook; repeat from *, keeping the crochet stitches even. To end, cut the yarn leaving a tail 6–8″ (15–20 cm) long. Pull the tail end through the last stitch on the hook. Thread the tail on a tapestry needle and weave it back through the seam allowance for 2″ (5 cm). TIP: Slip-stitch crocheted seams are easy to remove if you’ve made a mistake—just pull on the working yarn to ravel. Because it’s so easily removed, it’s ideal for adjusting the placement of matching seams or easing in fullness. —Vicki Square, from The Knitter’s Companion

Slipknot

A slipknot is a knot that tightens up easily once you place it on the needle. With the tail end of the yarn in your palm, wrap the working yarn around your index and middle fingers, and lay the working yarn across the tail end, forming an X. Spread your fingers slightly and push the working yarn through your fingers from the back of your hand. Pull this loop up slightly while holding the tail end of the yarn to form a knot. Place the loop onto the knitting needle and pull working yarn to adjust the tension.

Split Chain Stitch

Work as for stem stitch, bringing needle out from back to front at center of a knitted stitch, piercing the working thread with each stitch.

Slip marker.

ssk

Slip one stitch knitwise, slip one more stitch knitwise, knit the two slipped stitches together through back loops (left-leaning single decrease). ( ssk may also be referred to as: skp, sl1-k1-psso )

ssp

Slip one stitch knitwise, slip one more stitch knitwise, slip the two slipped stitches back to the left-hand needle and purl the stitches together through the back loops.

sssk

Slip 3 stitches knitwise, one at a time, knit the 3 slipped stitches together through back loops (left-leaning double decrease).

st(s)

Stitch(es).

st.st.

Stockinette stitch - knit the right side rows, purl the wrong side rows.

SSPP2 (a centered double decrease worked on the wrong side)

Slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, to the right needle. Slip the two stitches back to the left needle with the new orientations, then insert the tip of the right needle from left to right into the backs of these stitches and slip them to the right needle. Purl the next stitch on the left needle. Insert the tip of the left needle into the two slipped stitches on the right needle and pass them over the purl stitch.

Steeks

From the late nineteenth through the middle twentieth century, masterpieces of stranded color work—Fair Isle sweaters, stockings, and caps—were handknitted with fantastic speed by knitters of the Shetland archipelago in northern Scotland. In addition to their considerable skill and experience, Fair Isle knitters often employed a shortcut that today’s color-work knitters can find just as useful: steeking.

Suspended Bind-Off

This method is similar to the standard bind-off but produces a more elastic edge. Use it when you want to make sure your bind-off isn’t too tight. K2, *insert the left needle tip into the first stitch and lift the first stitch over the second, leaving the first stitch on the left needle. Knit the next stitch on the left needle , then slip both stitches off the left needle—2 stitches remain on the right needle. Repeat from the * until no stitches remain on the left needle, then pass the first stitch on the right needle over the second stitch. Fasten off the last stitch. Each bound-off stitch is slightly more elongated than with a standard bind-off.

Tassels

Cut a piece of cardboard 4″ wide by the desired length of the tassel plus 1″. Wrap yarn to desired thickness around cardboard. Cut a short length of yarn and tie tightly around one end of the wrapped yarn. Cut yarn loops at other end. Cut another piece of yarn and wrap tightly around loops a short distance below top knot to form tassel neck. Knot securely, thread ends onto tapestry needle, and pull to center of tassel. Trim ends.

tbl

Through the back loop(s) of stitch(es).

Three Needle Bind-Off

Place stitches to be joined onto two separate needles. Hold them with right sides of knitting facing together. Insert a third needle into first stitch on each of the other two needles and knit them together as one stitch. *Knit next stitch on each needle the same way. Pass first stitch over second stitch. Repeat from * until one stitch remains on third needle. Cut yarn and pull tail through last stitch.

Treble Crochet

Wrap yarn around hook two times, insert hook into a stitch, yarn over hook and draw a loop through (four loops on hook, yarn over hook and draw it through two loops, yarn over hook and draw it through the next two loops, yarn over hook and draw it through the remaining two loops. Repeat above for next stitch.

Tubular Bind-Off

1. Insert tapestry needle purlwise into first knit loop on the knitting needle. Draw through, then wrap around side of fabric (not over needle) to the back. 2. From the back, insert tapestry needle knitwise into the first purl loop (second loop on knitting needle) and draw it through. 3. Insert tapestry needle into first knit loop knitwise, slip loop off knitting needle and onto tapestry needle. Insert tapestry needle purlwise into second knit stitch (the second loop now remaining on the knitting needle; Draw yarn through. 4.Insert tapestry needle into first purl loop purlwise, slip loop off knitting needle onto tapestry needle. Wrap tapestry needle to the back of the work, then insert knitwise into the second purl loop (the second loop now remaining on knitting needle. Draw the yarn through. Repeat Steps 3 and 4.

Tubular Cast-On for 1x1 Rib

Even Number of Stitches (see below for Odd Number of Stitches) Even Version 1: With contrasting waste yarn, cast on half the number of stitches required using the backward-loop method. Cut the waste yarn. With the main color yarn, knit 1 row, purl 1 row, knit 1 row. Next row (WS) P1, bring yarn to back, insert tip of right needle into main-color loop at edge of first main color row. Place this loop on left needle and knit it. *P1, bring yarn to back, insert right needle into main-color loop 3 rows below, place loop on left needle and knit it; rep from * to end. Work in k1, p1 ribbing for several rows before removing waste yarn. Even Version 2 – aka Alternate CO, Italian CO: Leaving a tail as for long-tail cast-on, make a slipknot on right needle (counts as the first purl stitch). Insert your left thumb and index finger between two strands, with tail end on thumb side. To create the next knit stitch, bring needle toward you, under front strand, up between strands, over back strand to grab it and pull it under front strand to make loop on needle. To create the next purl stitch, take needle away from you, over both strands, under both strands, up to grab front strand and pull it under back strand to make loop on needle. Continue alternating knit and purl stitches, ending with a knit stitch. Turn work. Keeping strands crossed to preserve the last cast-on stitch, work 1 row as foll: *p1, k1; rep from * to end. Odd Number of Stitches Odd Version 1 (beginning and ending with k1) With contrasting waste yarn and using the backward-loop method, cast on half the number of stitches required plus one (total sts + 1, divided by 2). Cut the waste yarn. With main color yarn work as foll: -Row 1 K1, *yo, k1; rep from * to end (Figure 1). -Row 2 K1, *sl 1 pwise wyf, k1; rep from * to end (Figure 2). -Row 3 *Sl 1 pwise wyf, k1; rep from * to last st, sl 1 pwise wyf. -Rep Rows 2 and 3 once more. Next row K1, *p1, k1; rep from * to end. Cont in k1, p1 rib as established, removing waste yarn after a few rows.

Turkish Cast-On

Hold two needles parallel. Leaving a 6″ (15 cm) tail in front, bring yarn from front to back between needles. *Wrap working yarn over top of both needles, around front, and under needles to back. Rep from * until number of wraps over top of needle equals half the number of stitches needed. Make sure that you have the same number of wraps on the bottom needle. Work stitches on top needle; stitches should be seated so that right leg is in front. Note that last stitch is anchored only by the tail; be careful not to pull free.

Twisted Cord

Cut several lengths of yarn about 2 1/2 times the desired finished cord length. Fold the strands in half to form two equal groups. Anchor the strands at the fold by looping them over a doorknob. Holding one group in each hand, twist each group tightly in a clockwise direction until they begin to kink. Put both groups in one hand, then release them, allowing them to twist around each other counterclockwise. Smooth out the twists so that they are uniform along the length of the cord. Knot the ends.

Vv-Yy

Vertical Buttonhole

Work a ribbed band to 2 rows before the bottom of the buttonhole position, ending on a right side row. *With wrong side facing, work number of sts to the buttonhole opening. Join new yarn (shown shaded here in cream), work to end of row, turn. Work to the buttonhole opening, cross the 2 yarn ends (as you would in Fair Isle or intarsia to prevent a hole), work to end of row with original working yarn. Work to the buttonhole opening, cross the 2 yarn ends, work to end of row with new yarn, turn. Work to the buttonhole opening, drop new yarn, pick up other yarn (without crossing yarn ends), work to end of row. Cont in rib working the appropriate number of rows for the buttons you’ve chosen. Work 2 more rows in rib, crossing yarns at buttonhole opening and ending with a right side row. Cut new yarn. With wrong side facing, work to end of row with main yarn and continue to 2 rows before the bottom of next buttonhole, ending on a right side row. Repeat from * for each buttonhole.

W&T (Wrap and Turn)

see short row.

Weave in Ends

This is a nifty way to work in ends as you knit striped projects, or when you join a new ball of yarn. Insert the needle tip into the next stitch on the left-hand needle, place the old color over the right needle, knit the stitch with the new color as usual, then lower the old color and knit the following stitch as usual. Continue in this manner, repeating steps 1 and 2 and then knitting one stitch normally, for about and inch and a half to two inches. Cut the old color, leaving an inch or so of tail. After blocking, you can trim the tails to a half-inch. Note: This method works best on small-gauge yarns. It tends to elongate the stitches a bit in stockinette, so it’s best used with fingering- through DK-weight yarn.

Whip Stitch

With right side of work facing and working one stitch in from the edge, bring threaded needle out from back to front along edge of knitted piece.

Work in Pattern

Continue in pattern as established; knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches. Where there are charted cables or lace, continue by working the next row following the cable or lace chart. In cables or lace, on the wrong side, to maintain the pattern you would typically knit any stitches that were purl or p2tog on the previous RS row, and purl all other sts (knit, k2tog, ssk, yo, etc on the previous RS row).

Wrong side of the work; this is the inside of the item when it is worn/finished.

Yarn Over Increase

Wrap the yarn around the needle from front to back.

yds

Yards

Yarn over (one stitch increased). ( yo may also be referred to as: yfwd )