Subscribe To This Site

Knitting Terms

Understanding common knitting terms is half the battle of learning how to knit. It all seems very confusing at first, but with a little bit of perseverance you will soon be fluent in the language of knitters everywhere.

I have compiled a list of some of the most common knitting terms you will come across and as when I think of any others I will be sure to add them.

If you can't find what you are looking for on my list of knitting terms, you might want to have a look at my summary of knitting abbreviations.

Bind Off (Cast Off)

To tie off the stitches so that you can remove the knitted fabric from the needle.

Cable Knitting

A type of knitting that produces a textured pattern of pipe like patterns (called cables) on the fabric. A special cable needle is used for this technique.

Cast On

To add the required number of stitches to the needle to start knitting.

Continental Knitting

A method of knitting where the yarn is held in the left hand. It is sometimes known as “picking” because of the limited movement it requires.

Decrease

Reduce the number of stitches.

Dye Lot

Most yarn is dyed in batches. This means that although yarn may be the same color, if yarn comes from different batches the shade may vary slightly. The dye lot is usually stamped on the paper band of each ball of wool.

English Knitting

A method of knitting where the yarn is held in the right hand.

Entrelac

A knitting technique that produces knitted fabric with a basket-woven effect.

Fair Isle Knitting

A traditional technique for adding colors in a characteristic pattern. Only two colors per row are used. Whichever color is required is drawn through and the other is held behind.

Increase

Add a number of stitches.

Intarsia

A technique for adding colors to knitting, often in the form of motifs. Unlike Fair Isle knitting, the yarn is not carried across the back of the work and only and the areas of color are all separate pieces.

Ribbing

A striped, textured pattern often seen on the hems of knitted fabric. The pattern is created by alternating a few purl stitches with a few knit stitches.

Right Side

This is the side of the knitted fabric that will show when the garment is worn. If you are knitting stockinette stitch, it is the side you knit on.

Selvedge (Selvage)

This is the edge of the knitted fabric.

Skein

Most yarn is sold in skeins rather than balls. A skeins is a longer, more oval shape than a ball but it is not of a specific length.

Slip-Stitch

A stitch is passed from the left needle to the right needle without being knitted. Slip stitches can be used for making extra long stitches and carrying over colors.

Steek

This is a technique used when garments have been knitted in the round and a cut is made across part of the tube to allow for another knitted piece to be attached.

Tension / Gauge

This is the recommended number of stitches and rows you get when you knit a particular size square (usually 4” or 10cm square).

Wrong Side

This is the side that faces inwards (ie you do not see it) when the garment is worn.

Yarn Over

A knitting technique where the yarn is passed over the right needle for increasing or decoration.

Return from Knitting Terms to Knitting Help

footer for knitting terms page