This page is just in the beginning of it’s life. I will be adding to it weekly.
The most basic ‘stitch’ in knitting upon which just about everything else is a variation. The craft is called knitting and the basic stitch is called the knit stitch. Don’t let it confuse you when a pattern says something about knitting an entire row. It’s the same word but it means using the knit stitch across the entire row, not just what craft you are doing.
A set of directions written out in a special format so that when you follow all the directions you will end up with a finished piece/garment. Knitting patterns utilize special abbreviations and notations that enable the pattern reader to understand easily without having to keep their eyes on the pattern all the time. Usually a row of 100 knit stitches would be noted as such: Row 1: K. If it were written out without abbreviation or special notations it would look more like this: Row 1: KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. I don’t think anyone could keep track of their place on this line, forget about if it were a special repeat like this: Row 1: K2, P3, K1, P4. NO THANK YOU.
Ribbing is alternating between knit and purl stitches in a repeated pattern (K2, P2 is a popular repeat), it makes for a stretchy yet sturdy edge. Often found on a cuff and necks of sweaters, at the tops of socks and the brims of hats. It stretches to accomodate a larger size but shrinks back down to stay in place.
A series of stitches used in a row or repeated rows to create a pattern in the fabric of your knitting. It is made up of more than one individual stitches such as the knit or purl stitch and other variations of those. Stockinette and Garter stitches are examples of stitch patterns even though they have the word “stitch” in their name. Ribbing is another kind of stitch pattern.
When knitting a project, you want it to fit. Knitting a gauge is the best (really the only way) to do it.