Knitting Basics

Knitting Needle Conversions
Knitting Abbreviations
Yarn Weights
Pattern Difficulty Levels
Yarn Care Symbols
I-Cord Instructions

Knitting Needle Conversions

U.S. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
English / U.K. 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5
Metric in mm 2.00 2.25 2.75 3.25 3.50 3.75 4.00 4.50 5.00
U.S. 9 10 10.5 11 13 15 17 19
English / U.K. 4 3 2 1 00 000
Metric in mm 5.50 6.00 6.50 8.00 9.00 10.00 12.00 16.00

Knitting Abbreviations

BO Bind off
CO Cast On
DEC Decrease
INC Increase
INC Increase
INC Increase
K Knit
K2TOG Knit 2 stitches together
LH Left hand
MC Main color
P Purl
REV ST ST Reverse stockinette stitch
PSSO Pass slip stitch(es) over
REP Repeat
RH Right hand
RS Right side
SL Slip
SL ST Slip stitch
SSK Slip slip knit
ST ST Stockinette stitch
TOG Together
WS Wrong side
WYIB With yarn in back
WYIF With yarn in front
YO Yarn over

Yarn Weights

Yarn Category Yarn Types # of Stitches to 4 Inches Recommended US Needle Size
  Super fine Sock, baby 27 to 32 1 to 3
  Fine Sport, baby 23 to 26 3 to 5
  Light DK, light worsted 21 to 24 5 to 7
  Medium Worsted, afghan, aran 16 to 20 7 to 9
  Bulky Chunky, craft, rug 12 to 15 9 to 11
  Super Bulky Bulky, roving 6 to 11 11 and larger

Pattern Difficulty Levels

Skill Level Description
   Beginner Projects for first-time knitters using basic knit and purl stitches. Minimal shaping.
   Easy Projects using basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and simple shaping and finishing.
   Intermediate Projects with a variety of stitches, such as basic cables and lace, simple intarsia, double-pointed needles and knitting in the round needle techniques, mid-level shaping and finishing.
   Experienced Projects using advanced techniques and stitches, such as short rows, fair isle, more intricate intarsia, cables, lace patterns, and numerous color changes.

Yarn Care Symbols

Label Description
   Hand wash in water no warmer than 104 degrees F.
   Machine wash in water no warmer than 104 degrees F.
   Can be machine dried.
   Do not machine dry.
   Can be bleached.
   Do not bleach.
   Can be ironed.
   Do not iron.
   Can be dry cleaned.
   Do not dry clean.
   Can be dry cleaned using P solvents.

I-Cord Instructions

Using two double-pointed needles, start by casting on a few stitches, around 3 to 6. It is best if the neeedles are short. Knit all of the stitches. Instead of turning your work and knitting the stitches in the reverse direction, move the needle with the stitches to your other hand (your left hand) without turning your work. Now slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, pulling the yarn across the back of the stitches. Knit the row again. Continue this way, sliding and knitting, until the cord is the length you wish. Thread the yarn through the final stitches and pull firmly.

Make sure to pull the yarn tight and pull on the cord as your go.