Essential knitting terms every beginner should know.
Bind Off (BO)Securing stitches so they don't unravel when you're finished knitting a piece or section.BlockingWetting or steaming a finished piece to even out stitches and shape it to its final dimensions.CableA decorative technique where stitches are crossed over each other to create a twisted, rope-like pattern.Cast On (CO)Creating the initial row of stitches on your needle to begin knitting.DPNDouble-pointed needles — short needles with points on both ends, used for knitting small circumferences like socks.Dye LotA batch number indicating yarn dyed together. Buy enough of the same dye lot to avoid slight color variations.FroggingRipping out your knitting to undo mistakes. Named for 'rip it, rip it' — like a frog's ribbit.Garter StitchThe simplest stitch pattern — knit every row. Creates a bumpy, stretchy, reversible fabric.GaugeThe number of stitches and rows per inch in your knitting. Matching gauge ensures your project comes out the right size.I-CordA narrow knitted tube made on double-pointed needles, often used for ties, straps, or decorative edging.IntarsiaA colorwork technique for knitting blocks of color using separate lengths of yarn for each section.Kitchener StitchA grafting technique that seamlessly joins two sets of live stitches, often used to close sock toes.Knit Stitch (K)One of two fundamental stitches. Insert needle front-to-back, wrap yarn, and pull through.Magic LoopA technique for knitting small circumferences using a single long circular needle instead of DPNs.Mattress StitchAn invisible seaming technique that joins two knitted pieces edge to edge.Picking Up StitchesCreating new stitches along a finished edge, commonly used for neckbands, button bands, or sleeve cuffs.Purl Stitch (P)The second fundamental stitch — the reverse of a knit stitch. Insert needle back-to-front, wrap yarn, and pull through.RibbingAlternating columns of knit and purl stitches (e.g., K1P1 or K2P2) to create a stretchy, elastic fabric.Seed StitchAlternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern. Creates a textured, non-curling fabric.SelvedgeThe edge stitches of your knitting. Tidy selvedge stitches make seaming and picking up stitches easier.SkeinA loosely wound bundle of yarn, the most common form you'll buy at a yarn store.Slip Stitch (Sl)Moving a stitch from one needle to the other without knitting it. Used in decreases and decorative techniques.Stockinette Stitch (St st)Alternating rows of knit and purl. Creates a smooth 'V' pattern on the front and bumpy texture on the back.SwatchA small test piece knitted to check your gauge before starting a project.TinkingUn-knitting one stitch at a time to fix a mistake without ripping out entire rows. 'Tink' is 'knit' spelled backwards.WIPWork in progress — any knitting project you've started but haven't finished yet.Yarn Over (YO)Wrapping the yarn around the needle to create a new stitch and a decorative eyelet hole.Yarn WeightThe thickness of yarn, ranging from lace (thinnest) to jumbo (thickest). Common weights: fingering, sport, worsted, bulky.