How to follow a knitting pattern containing abbreviations
Most knitting patterns use abbreviations to save space and to make them easier to read. So it’s a good idea to get acquainted with the most common abbreviations.
This square features quite a common pattern called seed stitch. It’s worked by alternating knit and purl stitches.
You already know how to
Abbreviations
- k: knit, e.g. k4 means “knit 4 stitches”
- p: purl, e.g. p3 means “purl 3 stitches”
- sl1p: slip 1 stitch purlwise
- WS: wrong side
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Square brackets [ ] indicate repeats.
E.g. [k1, p1] 3 times, means “knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch”.
Instructions
Cast on 27 sts.
Row 1-5: Sl1p, k26.
Remember that row 1 is a WS row.
Rows 6 to 41: Sl1p, k3, [p1, k1] 9 times, p1, k4.
Rows 42 to 47: Sl1p, k26.
Cast off and weave in ends.
Anna’s tips 😉
🧶 I like to weave in the first tail in advance, by sewing it into the yarn I am going to knit with. This way I can reduce the number of ends I have to weave in at the end.
If you successfully completed this square, you have learned how to
- follow a knitting pattern using abbreviations
Annaplexis 