Is there a secret code in the world of knitting? In order to fully relate to other knitters, who knew we had to learn not only the written pattern abbreviations but also the hidden meanings of acronyms currently winging their way around online knit n chat groups, ravelry forums, and any other chicks with sticks get-togethers. Is it just a matter of convenience? Or is this new-fangled lingo designed to create a close-knit society who can essentially communicate in a secret language?
Here are sixteen of the most common knitting acronyms decoded-
FO – Finished Object (newly finished project).
FOTN – Fresh Off The Needles (the needles are still warm to the touch).
ISO – In Search Of (a term often used on ravelry to signify a yarn search between knitters).
KAL – Knit A Long (a project worked on at the same time by a group of knitters).
KIP – Knit in Public (taking a project to the streets).
LYS – Local Yarn Shop (better than any ice cream or candy shop).
LYSO – Local Yarn Shop Owner (that special someone who gets to rule the yarn castle).
MKAL – Mystery Knit A Long (an organized group project especially popular on ravelry with a series of clues posted over a designated time period).
OTN – On The Needles (current project).
SABLE – Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy (never enough yarn!).
SIP – Sock In Progress (most current sock project).
SSS – Second Sock Syndrome (just like a virus, it hits every sock knitter at some point).
TINK – (KNIT spelled backwards, refers to using both needles to un-knit a project one stitch at a time in order to repair a mistake. Not to be confused with FROGGING, the rip-it, rip-it method of unraveling stitches row-by-row).
TU – Toe Up (a specific type of sock pattern).
UFO – UnFinished Object (the ‘never speak of it again’ project that hides in the shadows).
WIP – Work in Progress (a current project).