Berroco® Stitch Glossary

Stitch Glossary skill levels

beg: beginning
CC: contrasting color
ch: chain

cn: cable needle
dc: double crochet
dec: decrease

dpn: double pointed needles
inc: increase
K: knit
KSP: K1, then sl st back to LH needle, lift 2nd st on LH needle back over returned st and replace returned st on RH needle (1 st dec'd).
K2SP: K2 tog, then sl st back to LH needle, lift 2nd st on LH needle back over returned st and replace returned st on RH needle (2 sts dec'd).
LH: left hand
lp(s): loop(s)
MC: main color
M1k: Pick up horizontal strand between st just worked and next st, place on LH needle, k this st (inc 1).
M1p: Pick up horizontal strand between st just worked and next st, place on LH needle, p this st (inc 1).
p: purl
psso: pass sl st over k st
pat(s): pattern(s)
rep: repeat
RH: right hand
RS: right side
rnd(s): round(s)
sc: single crochet
SKP: sl 1, k 1, psso
sl: slip
SSK: Sl 2 sts knitwise, insert point of LH needle through FRONTS of these 2 sts and k 2 tog.
st(s): stitch(es)
TBL: through back lp(s)
tog: together
WS: wrong side
wyib: with yarn in BACK
wyif: with yarn in FRONT
yo: yarn over
end on WS: end having just completed a WS row.
end on RS: end having just completed a RS row
STOCKINETTE ST (St st): K 1 row, p 1 row alternately when working on straight needles. K EVERY round when working on a circular needle.
GARTER ST: Knit EVERY row when working on straight needles. K 1 round, p 1 round when working on a circular needle.

GAUGE: In order to ensure correct finished measurements, accurate stitch and row gauges must be achieved.
TO CHECK GAUGE: Cast on at least 20 sts, using the yarn and needles specified in the instructions. Work pattern for 3". Bind off all sts. Using a ruler as a guide, count the number of sts and rows over 2". (Do not include selvage stitches or cast on and bind off rows) Divide by 2. If this number is MORE than given in the instructions, try a size larger needle and again check your gauge. If the number is LESS than given in the instructions, try a size smaller and check your gauge. The needle size you use does not matter as long as the stitch and row gauge is accurate.
BINDING OFF ACROSS CABLES: To dec when binding off across the top of a cable, k2 tog then bind off this st - this counts as 2 sts bound off. This is done to keep the cable from flaring out on the bind-off row and helps keep the shoulders and neck from stretching.
STEAM: Lay the piece WS down on a padded surface and cover with a pressing cloth. Press lightly with a steam iron. Set iron down carefully, do not drag as this will stretch piece. This method will allow you to manipulate fabric and achieve greater length or width if desired. It will also set stitches and even out stitch quality for a more professional look.
STEAM LIGHTLY: Lay the piece WS down on a padded surface and move steam iron slowly back and forth 1" above piece. Do not allow iron to touch knitted fabric. Steam will allow knitted fabric to blossom. Selvages and ribbings will lay flat. This method may not allow you to block pieces larger or smaller.
TIPS FOR WORKING WITH LARGE NEEDLES: When working with large needles and gauges, it is very important that you knit a swatch at least 6" square to check both st and row gauge, then adjust needle size if necessary. You should also check gauges periodically as you knit as they may vary. With large gauges, even a small discrepancy can make a big difference in the size of your finished garment. When finishing, sew through 1/2 of each edge st to keep seams narrow. Seams may be sewn with thinner yarn in a matching color, if desired, for a neater appearance.

Skill Levels for Knitting

EASY: Projects using basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and simple shaping and finishing. Can include items knit back and forth or in the round. Projects named "My First" use knit and purl stitches only and have minimal shaping.

INTERMEDIATE: Projects with a variety of stitches, such as basic cables and lace, simple fair isle, simple intarsia, double-pointed needles and shaping multiple edges at once and with moderate level finishing.

EXPERIENCED: Projects using advanced techniques and stitches, such as short rows, more intricate intarsia, complex cables, complex lace patterns, and numerous color changes.

Skill Levels for Crochet

EASY: Projects using yarn with basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and simple shaping and finishing.

INTERMEDIATE: Projects using a variety of techniques, such as basic lace patterns or color patterns, mid-level shaping and finishing.

EXPERIENCED: Projects with intricate stitch patterns, techniques and dimension, such as non-repeating patterns, multi-color techniques, fine threads, small hooks, detailed shaping and refined finishing.

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Berroco, Inc.
P.O. Box 367, 14 Elmdale Road
Uxbridge, MA 01569-0367 USA