25+ Knitting Terms Explained for NEW KNITTERS

In this video knitting dictionary, I share knitting words and knitting terminology that beginning knitters will want to know to avoid confusion as they begin their knitting journey. Some knitting words and phrases confused me when I started knitting, so I wanted to share some knitting words to help you avoid that confusion!

Leave a comment below letting me know what words still trip you up!

Video Chapters ------------------------------------------------------------
Acronyms - 0:25
Types of Knitting Needles - 2:36
A Little About Yarn - 3:54
Gauge, Swatching & Blocking - 4:30
Basic Stitch Patterns - 7:00
Undoing Your Work - 8:40

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#knittingwords #knittingterms #beginnerknitter

[sjorchatodman]

The one acronym that stumped me as a new knitter was SSK. My mother had taught me to knit as a child, but I didn't take it back up till many years later. The left leaning decrease she taught me was k2togtbl, (knit 2 together through the back loops). I saw a lace pattern I wanted to knit as a first project and came across SSK, the legend only stated it as Slip, Slip, Knit, which I did, literally. My stitch count was off so the pattern wasn't working out. Lucky for Google's help I was able to understand how too SSk properly, no thanks to that pattern designer for omitting the other half off the instructions legend. I'm a knitting teacher now, there are so many newish knitters coming into the yarn shop having trouble with SSK, when it only says 'slip, slip knit' when it should state, 'Slip 2 stitches individually knitwise to the right needle, return both to the left needle and knit both together through the back loops'. Personally I only use, either the k2togtbl or the 1 move left leaning decrease, 1mld.

[sosewnknits]

I’m so glad you described why it’s called “frogging”. I already knew why, it’s just hilarious to see you explain it. 😂 Great resource video! This would’ve been so helpful when I was first learning!

[bobbirubinstein]

Thanks for this video. I've been meaning to tell you that I'm working on a sweater. I started knitting last May. Several months later I commented on your channel saying my goal was to knit a sweater and you said don't wait too long to start. Jump in. So I've knitted a very bulky, too big sweater last fall and frogged it and turned it into a throw, adding some stash yarn. Now I'm working on a Flax! It's Iteration #2 because I'm learning to read a pattern, watching videos, etc and after too many mistakes I started over. But it's going much better now. I'll send you a comment status report when I'm finished. I've kept your encouragement in mind. Just Do It. Thanks.

[jennibradley]

I just came across your videos on youtube, and I don't see any recent ones! Your videos are so HELPFUL to a beginning knitter ( me) I am self-taught and only been knitting for a little over a year

[rileyallen]

Learned to crochet back in October and now I'm learning to knit! This was a super helpful video.

[PassionedFlower]

The term that stumped me when I was a new knitter was “vanilla socks” - I kept searching for this elusive pattern, when in fact it was just referring to knitting a plain pair of socks based on the individual knitters preferred method and stitch count.

[kristasherian]

I just began knitting after years of crocheting and I'm delighted by tinking.

Also I had stockinette stitch absolutely wrong thought it was knit/purl alternating on the same row. Thank you!

[collady]

I have been knitting for more than 60 years and enjoy your channel very much

[missmarie_]

Ssk or slip slip knit really tripped me up at first, and I didn’t understand why knit 2 together wasn’t always the go to method of decreasing. And then I realized that it’s to help make the fabric lay nicely to have either right or left leaning decreases.

[thizizliz]

Good stuff Caleb. You speak calmly and teach well.

[claudiapino]

Thank you! Spanish speaking knitter here, needed to learn some of the knitting jargon in English to read pattern instructions in English. Very helpful, got my equivalences! Thank you ❤

[kathryngardener]

When making pairs of either socks or mitts i always do both at once. Two sets of needles, knit each stage of both compare length rather than measure, next stage both pieces. When done you have a pair. The only time i didn, t do that was the first sock. I so hated have a finished one but still knitting before i could wear. Now all pairs are knitted in tandem.

[ThePathOfAshes]

Thanks for being out there making content, I dont see/know a lot of men who knit and as a trans-masculine person I'm often a little self conscious about enjoying my fiber arts cuz its engrained in my head that "fiber arts are for women" (clearly, thats bullshit/not the case) so thank you for being out there to help me break that mental association, I really enjoy your content!

[missmarie_]

I just started knitting!! I first picked up the hobby in like 2012, bought a few basic supplies to get started. But I really didn’t actually start to get serious about knitting till about a year ago. I only ever made basic stockinette scarves, and that was it. But this year I finished my first cabled beanie, and I’m hooked!!! I now have interchangeable circulars and every size needle I’d need from US 2-US15! I also have some small DPNs so I can attempt socks at some point. But I’m so glad I found this video because I am definitely still a beginner.

Going to start my first pair of mittens soon. Wish me luck! 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[BeautifulShaving]

Stitch abbreviations can get really confusing for me, especially ones like ssk, psso, K1tbl or K1tfl, etc. Can you please do a video covering stitch abbreviations & what they mean & maybe either demonstrate knitting them or show examples of what each looks like? I'm a dyslexic & ADHD brained knitter, so sometimes it gets confusing; but I love to knit!

[ericamar]

Thanks Caleb…..I would love to see more of you and your videos.

[coffeeshopfit]

I wish I had this video when I started knitting! Thanks Caleb! :)

[cabinboyknits]

Great episode Caleb. A must see for any new knitter.

[lizzie.nicole]

I have been knitting for 11+ years, so I know most of these terms but I absolutely love all of your videos so I had to watch! I am moving to the Chicago area soon and I would love to see a video on all of your fave LYS! Maybe a “how to pick a good LYS near you” video?

[Lawandasu]

Another great episode, Caleb.
Thanks!