When knitting what does sts mean

The basics are simple — this stitch decreases by two stitches — one on either side of the center stitch. What does pat mean in knitting? What does YM mean in a knitting pattern? How do you decrease in knitting?

Work to the two stitches to be decreased, slip next stitch to the right-hand needle as if to knit, knit next stitch, pass slipped stitch over knit stitch. Also creates a left-leaning decrease. Practically all knitting patterns use some sort of abbreviations.

Each pattern will have its own brief description of most common abbreviations k, knit and with more detailed description of specific abbreviations c6b, cable 6 back. Some widely used abbreviations have more or less the same meaning, but there could be exceptions. To make the instructions concise and easy to follow the most regularly used words are either shortened foll — following or letters are used to describe what is needed to be done next tbl — through back of stitches.

Listed below in alphabetical order, are the most commonly used abbreviations with extended description of their meaning. The two simple stitches seem not to provide much variety, but they do much more than you can imagine.

Stitch patterns are the variations of the two, although knitters refer to them as stitches. Knitters make garter stitch using either knitting or purling each row.

In comparison, featuring horizontal ridges created by the top of the knitted loops on each other row. Because the stitch lies flat and is reversible, this kind of stitch is suitable for blankets, washcloths, bags, scarves, and many more.

To knit it, a knitter alternates a knit row with a purl row. Fabric made of stockinette stitch normally curls at the edges.

The horizontal edges curls to the smooth or front side. This kind of stitch got its name from the texture of the knitted fabric due to the small purls bumps similar to scattered seeds. Seed stitch contains single knits and purls, which alternate both vertically and horizontally. When you compare with garter and stockinette stitch, seed stitch is more complicated than the two. But the interesting texture is present in many new knitter knitting patterns.

Like the garter stitch, this kind of stitch lies flat, and the knitted fabric is similar on both sides. The stitch is perfect for scarves, sweater borders, cuffs, plus other garments that both sides are usually visible.

Rib stitch is created when you alternate stitches along the row, i. This kind of stitch creates a stretchable fabric that is ideal for collars, sweater bands, cuffs, etc. The combination of the two stitches, i. Purl stitches seem to look like weaving in and out of the stockinette background. So the first thing you need to do is become familiar with the knitting abbreviations.

A complete list of knitting abbreviations and terms and their meaning can be found at: www. Knitted items can be worked back and forth in rows to form a flat piece, or in rounds to form a tube with no seams, such as socks or hats.

Special needles are used to work in rounds. First the instructions will tell you to cast on a certain number of stitches. But wait — before you can start casting on, you must place a slip knot on one of the needles. Patterns never tell you to do this — they just assume you know it. There are many methods of casting on. Some give a nice stretchy edge; others give a firm base. Unless the pattern tells you differently, use the method you were first taught.

That means that you will first make a slip knot on one needle, then cast on 11 more stitches on the same needle. In knitting, the slip knot always counts as a stitch. If you are a crocheter, be sure to remember this, as in crochet, the slip knot never counts as a stitch. This means that on Row 1, which is the right side of the piece RS , you will knit all 12 stitches on the needle. Then for Row 2, the wrong side WS of the piece, you will purl every stitch.

To measure, place your piece on a flat surface and do not stretch it out. Place the end of a ruler or tape measure against the needle, and measure down to your initial cast-on row.