Garter Stitch

A basic knitting pattern in which every row is knit. The fabric looks like a series of ridges with flatter rows between, and looks the same on both sides. It is the most basic pattern in knitting.
Also Known As: Knit every row.

Purl Stitch
Purling is usually the second stitch a new knitter learns. The knit stitch and purl stitch work together to make the pattern of your knitted fabric.

Purling is often thought to be the opposite of knitting. The stitch is formed the same way except that the stitch is worked from back to front instead of from front to back, and the working yarn is in front instead of in back when the stitch is made.

Purl stitches make bumps in the knitted fabric. Combined with alternating rows of knitting, purling helps you make the famous stockinette/stocking stitch.
Also Known As: P (in patterns)

For simplicity, most of the abbreviations have been taken out of the Lifegate Knitting Sisterhood patterns, but below are a few that you may see in our knitting patterns.

ST or STS means stitches

K means knit, the most basic stitch. Patterns for beginners may be all knit, also known as garter stitch.

P means purl, the second-most-common stitch and essentially the opposite of knitting. Many basic patterns employ alternating rows of knitting and purling, also known as the stockinette/stocking stitch.

STST means stocking stitch, alternating rows of knitting and purling

No. means number

Rib means vertical columns of knit and purl stitches, side by side, as in K1, P1 ribbing