Glossary

By now you've probably realized that knitting, just like any craft, has its own language and abbreviations. It can take time to learn, but once you do you will soon find it easy to read patterns and discuss with other knitters. If you dream in knitting abbreviations, does that make you fluent?

Here are just a few terms to get you started. Some designers may use slightly different abbreviations or definitions, so be sure to check your patterns for stitch keys. More terms can be found in stitch dictionaries, such as those listed here.

Blocking: The method in which you shape a finished project, typically using water or steam. Visit 10 Rows a Day for some basic blocking methods. (Tip from Lauren: I didn't always block my projects and I wish I had started sooner! Trust me, if you aren't blocking your knits yet, give it a go. It is very satisfying!)

Ease: The way the garment fits in relation to the person wearing it. A garment can have negative, zero, or positive ease. Check out this helpful overview by Olive Knits for more.

Frog: When you tear out previously knit rows of your project. Sometimes this is to fix a mistake or reclaim yarn from a project you've abandoned. No judgement here, rip, rip, rip.

Garter Stitch: When knitting flat, knit each right side (RS) and wrong side (WS). When knitting in the round, be sure to use a stitch marker to indicate the start of each round and knit 1 row, purl 1 row, repeat.

Gauge: Stitches per inch, measured horizontally and vertically. (Tip from Lauren: This step in knitting is admittedly not very fun, but it is a critical step particularly for items you plan to be worn. Read this explainer from Craftsy on why finding your gauge is so important.)

Gusset: An element found in clothing to help it fit better. In top-down socks, it often follows the heel stitches.

Instep: The top of the foot, in sock knitting.

KAL: "Knit-Along," typically an organized or semi-organized event where knitters will make the same pattern, offer advice and tips, and share pictures with each other along the way. Sometimes this can revolve around an event or holiday. (For crocheters, this is called a CAL)

LYS: "Local Yarn Store(s)," known for causing temporal disruptions in the space-time continuum and often leave visitors surprised at how much time has passed upon emerging from the shop. Learn more about them here.

Notions: An older term for supplies and can be frequently found as a list on patterns. Can include tapestry needles, stitch markers, scissors, measuring tape, etc. The items most likely to be lost under couches and found in bags that have been unused for months.

Stockinette Stitch: When knitting flat, knit all stitches on the right side of the pattern (RS) and purl all stitches on the wrong side of the pattern (WS). When knitting in the round, just keep knitting!

Swatch: A small sample of a pattern, typically to test gauge. An important and frequently skipped step in the knitter's rush to get started, often at the knitter's own peril.

WIP: "Work in Progress," typically stashed in canvas bags and baskets throughout your abode.