Stitch dictionary
Knitting Stitch Dictionary: 20 Stitches Step by Step
Start with the beginner knitting stitches: 1x1 Rib, 2x2 Rib, Garter Stitch, Knit Front and Back. This dictionary covers 20 knitting stitches with step-by-step instructions, US and UK abbreviations where they exist, common mistakes and related stitches, sorted from easiest to most challenging.
The table below lists all 20 knitting stitches in this dictionary, sorted from easiest to hardest, of which 13 are rated beginner level. Each name links to numbered steps for that stitch.
| Stitch | US | UK | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x1 Rib | k1, p1 rib | k1, p1 rib | Beginner | Cuffs, Hat brims, Necklines |
| 2x2 Rib | k2, p2 rib | k2, p2 rib | Beginner | Hat brims, Sweater hems, Mittens |
| Garter Stitch | garter st | garter st | Beginner | Scarves, Dishcloths, Baby blankets |
| Knit Front and Back | kfb | kfb (inc) | Beginner | Easy increases, Toe-up socks, Amigurumi-style shaping |
| Knit Stitch | k | k | Beginner | First lessons, Garter and stockinette fabrics, Every project |
| Knit Two Together | k2tog | k2tog | Beginner | Hat crowns, Shaping, Lace paired with yarn overs |
| Moss Stitch | moss st | double moss st | Beginner | Blankets, Textured sweaters, Borders |
| Purl Stitch | p | p | Beginner | Stockinette on flat pieces, Ribbing, Textured patterns |
| Reverse Stockinette Stitch | rev St st | rev st st | Beginner | Cable backgrounds, Textured panels, Rolled edges |
| Seed Stitch | seed st | moss st | Beginner | Borders, Washcloths, Cowls |
| Slip Stitch (Knit) | sl | sl | Beginner | Heel flaps, Neat selvage edges, Mosaic colorwork |
| Stockinette Stitch | St st | st st (stocking stitch) | Beginner | Sweaters, Hats, Socks |
| Yarn Over | yo | yo (older patterns: yfwd, yrn) | Beginner | Lace, Eyelet buttonholes, Decorative increases |
| 6-Stitch Cable | C6F / C6B | C6F / C6B | Intermediate | Aran sweaters, Hats, Blankets |
| Basketweave Stitch (Knit) | n/a | n/a | Intermediate | Blankets, Dishcloths, Pillows |
| Linen Stitch (Knit) | n/a | n/a | Intermediate | Color-changing yarns, Bags, Coasters |
| Make One Left | M1L | M1L | Intermediate | Sleeve and body shaping, Thumb gussets, Top-down yokes |
| Make One Right | M1R | M1R | Intermediate | Paired increases with M1L, Gussets, Shaping |
| Slip Slip Knit | ssk | ssk | Intermediate | Symmetrical shaping, Raglans, Sock toes |
| Brioche Stitch (One Color, Flat) | brk / sl1yo | brk / sl1yo | Experienced | Cowls, Hats, Scarves |
Frequently asked questions
What are the two stitches all knitting is built from?
Every knitted fabric is some arrangement of the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Knit every row and you get garter stitch; alternate whole rows and you get stockinette; alternate within a row and you get rib or seed stitch. Learn those two and the other 18 stitches here are variations on them.
How do you make a knitted fabric stretchier?
Use rib. 1x1 rib pulls in hardest and springs back best, which is why cuffs and hat brims use it, and 2x2 rib gives bolder columns with slightly less pull-in. For maximum loft and stretch, brioche stitch makes a deep reversible rib, at the cost of more yarn.
Which knitting stitches increase or decrease?
How much yarn does a textured stitch pattern use?
More than stockinette, and the difference is worth planning for. Garter stitch uses about 46 percent more yarn than stockinette over the same area, and deep textures such as brioche and cables use more again. Each stitch page lists a relative yarn figure where one exists, and the yarn yardage calculator converts that into skeins.
Researched from manufacturer specifications, owner manuals and verified owner reviews, not hands-on testing, and not professional advice. As an Amazon Associate, Cozy Stitchery earns from qualifying purchases.
