Knitting Term: Main Color
The color of yarn that you or the pattern designer has designated as the main color. This color doesn’t necessarily have to be more dominant in the pattern than any other color. It’s just important to keep straight which one is which, usually by writing it down.
Knitting Term: Turn Work
To flip your knitting so that the other side is facing you. On flat knitting, you have to turn your work after you finish every row. In pattern instructions, “turn your work” is shortened to “turn.”
Knitting Term: Multiple (Noun)
The number of stitches in a repeating section of a stitch pattern. Multiples are used to calculate various options for cast-on numbers, so that you can knit a stitch pattern in more than one width.
Knitting Term: Getting Gauge
Achieving the gauge called for in your pattern. To do so, make a swatch and check your gauge. If it does not match the gauge specified in your pattern, adjust your needle size up or down and knit a new swatch. Repeat this process until your gauge matches the target gauge.
Knitting Term: Stitch
A stitch is
- Any loop of yarn that is on your needle or
- Any loop of yarn that was on your needle and is now part of the knitted fabric.
In knitting patterns, “stitch” is abbreviated as “st” and “stitches” is abbreviated as “sts.”
Knitting Term: Contrasting Color
The color of yarn that is not the main color. Often this is a secondary accent color, but not always. See main color, above.
Knitting Term: Wrong Side
The side of your knitting intended to be hidden when the project is worn
Knitting Term: Right Side
The side of your knitting intended to be visible when the project is worn.
