Useful Information
These are the standard abbreviations used in our patterns. If the meaning of the abbreviations are not listed in the pattern, they will be as below.
| alt | alternate |
| approx | approximately |
| beg | beginning |
| bet | between |
| bl | insert hook under back loop only |
| CC | contrast colour |
| ch(s) | chain(s) |
| ch sp(s) | chain space(s) |
| cl | cluster |
| cm | centimetre(s) |
| co | cast on |
| cont | continue |
| dc | double crochet |
| dec | decrease |
| dpn(s) | double pointed needle(s) |
| d tr | double treble |
| fl | insert hook under front loop only |
| foll | following |
| g | grams |
| gr | group |
| hk | hook |
| h tr | half treble |
| inc | increase |
| incl | including |
| k | knit |
| ktbl | knit through back of loop |
| k2tog | knit two together |
| kfb | knit into front and back of stitch |
| lp(s) | loop(s) |
| m | metre(s) |
| MC | main colour |
| m1 | make 1 stitch by picking up the loop laying between the stitch just worked and the next stitch, and knitting into the back |
| mm | millimetre(s) |
| nc | not closed |
| oz | ounce(s) |
| p | purl |
| pc | picot |
| p2tog | purl two together |
| p2togtbl | purl two together through the back loops |
| patt | pattern |
| pm | place marker |
| Psso | pass slipped stitch over |
| q or quad tr | quadruple treble |
| qt or quint tr | quintuple treble |
| rem | remaining |
| rep or rpt | repeat |
| rev st st | reverse stocking stitch |
| rs | right side |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| s or sext tr | sextuple treble |
| sk | skip |
| skpsso | slip 1 stitch, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over. Has same result as ssk |
| sk2psso | slip 1 stitch, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over. |
| sl1k | slip 1 stitch knitwise |
| sl | slip 1 stitch purlwise |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sm | slip marker |
| sp(s) | space(s) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| ssk | slip 2 stitches as if to knit, then return to left needle and knit together through back loops |
| st st | stocking stitch |
| tbl | through back of loop |
| tog | together |
| tr | treble |
| tr tr | triple treble |
| wpi | wraps per inch |
| ws | wrong side |
| yd(s) | yard(s) |
| yo | yarn over |
We use UK knitting and crochet terminology in our patterns. Any differences in our terms to those in the US and other countries are listed here.
| British (UK) | US |
| Cast Off | Bind Off/Fasten Off |
| Double Crochet | Single Crochet |
| Double Treble | Treble |
| Half Treble | Half Double Crochet |
| Miss | Skip |
| Quadruple Treble | Triple Treble |
| Quintuple Treble | Quadruple Treble |
| Sextuple Treble | Quintuple Treble |
| Stocking Stitch | Stockinette Stitch |
| Tension | Gauge |
| Treble | Double Crochet |
| Triple Treble | Double Treble |
| Work Straight | Work Even |
| Yarn Over Hook | Yarn Over |
Swatching
The tension given for every pattern is that which the designer obtained using the needles/hook stated. You should always make your own swatch, going up or down one or more needle/hook sizes if necessary to get the pattern tension. For best results, work a large swatch in the stitch stated and wash and block for the most accurate finished measurements.
Blocking/Dressing
Blocking a garment greatly improves the finished appearance and can be used to adjust the size by a centimetre or two if your tension is not spot-on. Always wash your garment according to the directions given on the ball band of the yarn it was made with. The simplest way to block is to soak your finished item in lukewarm water with a little gentle detergent, rinse and gently squeeze out excess water. Lay your work flat to dry, pinning to stated measurements if necessary.