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The Ultimate Guide to English Knitting Patterns
Everything you need to know to read and understand English knitting patterns
Short answer: English knitting patterns use standardized abbreviations like K (knit), P (purl), CO (cast on), and BO (bind off). Measurements are often given in inches, and gauge is critical for the correct size.
Why learn to read English patterns?
The world of knitting patterns opens up enormously when you can read English. Most designers publish in English, and platforms like Ravelry have thousands of free patterns. Many popular techniques and trends come from English-speaking countries, so you get access to the latest designs first.
Fortunately, English knitting patterns are quite easy to learn. They use standardized abbreviations and follow a logical structure. With this guide, you'll become confident in following English patterns!
Basic Abbreviations
Here are the most important abbreviations you need to know:
K → Rett
Knit - Knit stitch
P → Vrang
Purl - Purl stitch
CO → Legg opp
Cast On - Cast on stitches
BO → Fell av
Bind Off - Bind off stitches
Inc → Økning
Increase - Increase number of stitches
Dec → Felling
Decrease - Decrease stitches
K2tog → 2 r sm
Knit 2 together - Knit 2 stitches together
SSK → Venstrehellende felling
Slip, Slip, Knit - Left-leaning decrease
YO → Kast
Yarn Over - Make a yarn over
RS → Retten
Right Side - Right side of work
WS → Vrangen
Wrong Side - Wrong side of work
PM → Sett markør
Place Marker - Place stitch marker
Understanding the Pattern Structure
English patterns typically follow this structure:
1. Materials
List of yarn, needles, and other tools you need. Yardage is often given in yards (1 yard = 0.91 meters).
2. Gauge
Critical information! Given as "X sts and Y rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch". This must match for the garment to be the correct size.
3. Sizes
Sizes are often given as XS (S, M, L, XL) with measurements in inches. The first number applies to the smallest size, numbers in parentheses apply to larger sizes.
4. Instructions
The pattern itself with step-by-step descriptions. Often divided into sections like "Body", "Sleeves", "Finishing".
Units of Measurement: Inches vs. Centimeters
Many English patterns use the imperial system with inches, yards, and ounces. Here are the most important conversions:
| English | Norwegian | Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 2.54 cm | Inches × 2.54 = cm |
| 1 yard | 0.91 meter | Yards × 0.91 = meter |
| 1 ounce (oz) | 28.35 grams | Ounces × 28.35 = grams |
| 4 inches | 10 cm | Standard for gauge |
Use our needle size conversion to convert between US, UK, and metric needle sizes.
Reading Pattern Instructions
English patterns use some special conventions:
Parentheses and Asterisks
Example 1: "K2, *P2, K2; rep from * to end"
Knit 2, *purl 2, knit 2; repeat from * to end
Example 2: "K1 (2, 3, 4)"
Knit 1 stitch for size XS, 2 for S, 3 for M, 4 for L
Example 3: "[K2, P2] 3 times"
Repeat the sequence [knit 2, purl 2] 3 times
Common Phrases
- "Work even" - Continue without increases/decreases
- "At the same time" - Simultaneously (do two things at once)
- "End with RS row" - Finish with a row on the right side
- "Continue in pattern" - Continue in the same pattern
- "Pick up and knit" - Pick up and knit stitches
Gauge - The Most Important Thing!
Gauge is perhaps the most critical element in English patterns. It is usually stated like this:
"20 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch"
20 stitches and 28 rows = 10 cm in stockinette stitch
If your gauge doesn't match, the garment will be the wrong size. Use our gauge calculator to check if you need to adjust needle size.
Important: ALWAYS knit a swatch! Even if you use the correct needle size, your personal gauge may vary.
Yarn Weights (Categories)
In English patterns, yarn is often referred to by weight categories rather than just gauge. Here are the most common categories from thinnest to thickest:
| Category | Typical Gauge | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lace (0) | 32-40 sts | Lace shawls, cobweb knits |
| Fingering / Sock (1) | 27-32 sts | Socks, baby garments |
| Sport (2) | 23-26 sts | Light sweaters, accessories |
| DK (Double Knitting) (3) | 21-24 sts | Sweaters, cardigans (very common) |
| Worsted / Aran (4) | 16-20 sts | Quick knits, warm sweaters |
| Chunky / Bulky (5) | 12-15 sts | Winter hats, scarves |
| Super Bulky (6) | 7-11 sts | Fast accessories, blankets |
Needle Sizes: US vs. Metric
American patterns use US numbering for needles, which is different from metric sizes:
| US | Metric (mm) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2.0 mm | Socks, lace |
| 1 | 2.25 mm | Socks, thin yarn |
| 2 | 2.75 mm | Fingering weight |
| 4 | 3.5 mm | Sport/DK weight |
| 6 | 4.0 mm | DK/worsted |
| 7 | 4.5 mm | Worsted weight |
| 8 | 5.0 mm | Worsted/aran |
| 10 | 6.0 mm | Chunky weight |
Common Pitfalls
Mistake 1: Ignoring gauge
"I'm using the correct needle size, so the gauge must be fine." No! Your personal tension can vary. Always knit a swatch.
Mistake 2: Mixing US and UK crochet terminology
For crochet patterns: US "single crochet" = UK "double crochet". Fortunately, this doesn't apply to knitting!
Mistake 3: Forgetting to convert measurements
Remember that 4 inches = 10 cm. Don't knit 4 cm when the pattern says 4 inches!
Useful Resources
Here are some tools that make it easier to follow English patterns:
Gauge Calculator
Convert gauge and get needle recommendations
Needle Size Conversion
Convert between US, UK, and metric sizes
Yarn Substitution Calculator
Switch from yards to meters
Conclusion
Reading English knitting patterns is easier than you think! With this guide, you have all the tools you need to understand abbreviations, convert measurements, and follow instructions. Start with a simple pattern, keep an abbreviation list handy, and remember to knit a swatch. Soon you'll be reading English patterns as naturally as Norwegian ones!
What is the difference between Norwegian and English knitting patterns?
The main differences are terminology and abbreviations. English patterns use different words for basic techniques (e.g., 'cast on' instead of 'legg opp'), and measurements are often given in inches instead of centimeters. The structure is otherwise quite similar.
Do I need to be fluent in English to follow English patterns?
You don't need to be fluent. Most patterns use standardized abbreviations and simple instructions. With a good abbreviation list and a little practice, it quickly becomes natural.
What does 'gauge' mean in English patterns?
Gauge is the same as strikkefasthet in Norwegian. It tells you how many stitches and rows you should get per 4 inches (10 cm). This is critical for the garment to be the correct size.
How do I convert inches to centimeters?
1 inch = 2.54 cm. To convert inches to cm, multiply by 2.54. To convert cm to inches, divide by 2.54. Many patterns provide both measurements.
What is the difference between US and UK knitting patterns?
The biggest difference is in crochet patterns, where US and UK use different names for the same stitches. For knitting, the terminology is mostly the same, but needle sizes may be given differently (US numbers vs. metric sizes).