How to Read a Knitting Pattern — A Complete Beginner's Guide

April 23, 2026

Reading your first knitting pattern can feel like deciphering a foreign language. Abbreviations like K2tog, SSK, and YO seem impossible — but once you crack the code, every pattern opens up to you.

The Anatomy of a Knitting Pattern

Every pattern follows a similar structure. Here's what to expect:

1. Materials List

This tells you exactly what you need before you start: yarn weight, yardage, needle size, and any notions (stitch markers, cable needles, etc.). Always buy slightly more yarn than listed — there's nothing worse than running out on the last row.

2. Gauge / Tension

The most important (and most ignored) section. Gauge tells you how many stitches and rows fit in a 10×10cm square. If your gauge doesn't match, your finished project won't match the measurements. Always knit a gauge swatch.

3. Abbreviations

Common abbreviations you'll see in almost every pattern:

K — Knit
P — Purl
CO — Cast on
BO — Bind off (cast off)
St(s) — Stitch(es)
K2tog — Knit two together (decrease)
SSK — Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
YO — Yarn over (creates a hole/increase)
Rep — Repeat
RS/WS — Right side / Wrong side

4. Size Instructions

Patterns with multiple sizes use parentheses: CO 80 (90, 100, 110) sts. The first number is the smallest size, and so on. Circle or highlight your size throughout the pattern before you start.

5. The Instructions

Read the entire pattern once before casting on. Then work through it row by row. Asterisks (*) and brackets [ ] indicate sections to repeat.

Your cart is empty

Your cart

Estimated total