Every knitting project starts with CO. In a pattern, CO = cast on.
It is the instruction that tells you how many stitches to load onto your needle before you can even begin. Think of it as the first ingredients in a recipe. Without them, you cannot start cooking.
👉 Example: “CO 30” means “cast on thirty stitches.”
The Real Meaning of CO in Knitting
Casting on creates the very first row of stitches. It sets the foundation and stitch count for your whole project.
How to Start Your Knitting – The Long-Tail Cast On for Beginners
There are a few different cast on methods (long-tail, knitted, cable), but they all do the same thing: get stitches on your needles so you can start knitting. Many knitters even say casting on is the hardest part. Once you clear that hurdle, the rest gets easier.
Yes, casting on can feel fiddly. Your yarn twists, your fingers forget what they are doing, and you start thinking, “If this is the first step, how will I ever knit a sweater?”
That is when you remind yourself: CO = can’t overthink. The first row does not need to be perfect. It just needs to exist. Once you have stitches on the needle, you are on your way.
Why CO Matters for Beginners
Once you have cast on, you can start anything. Scarves, blankets, hats, socks—you name it. It is the universal starting point.
✨ Want to practice? Try these beginner-friendly projects:
Now that you know CO = cast on (and sometimes can’t overthink), you are ready to keep exploring the knitting shorthand. Next up: k = knit and p = purl, the stitches you will use most.
👉 Don’t miss the rest of the series. Sign up for my email updates below and I will send the next lesson straight to your inbox!
When I pick up my needles, I’m not just making a scarf or a cozy washcloth. I’m slipping into what researchers call a flow state: a space where everyday stress softens, worries melt, and the world feels lighter stitch by stitch. In my cozy home at PurlsAndPixels, knitting is more than craft; it’s therapy spun from yarn. And the best part? Science agrees. Knitting, wellness, and flow go hand in hand.
The Brain on Knitting
Knitting is a form of mindful handwork. That gentle rhythm – knit, purl, knit, purl – activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress and calming the body, as shown in a study by Riley and colleagues. Translation: your heart rate steadies, your breath evens out, and suddenly you’re not the frazzled squirrel who misplaced her acorn stash.
Scientists studying activities that require “just the right amount” of challenge, like music practice or martial arts, call this balance flow. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi found that flow sparks happiness, builds resilience, and strengthens learning. Knitting hits the sweet spot: engaging enough to keep your mind busy but repetitive enough to soothe.
Knitting as Moving Meditation
Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting cross-legged trying not to think about what’s for dinner. Knitting is mindfulness in motion. A study on textile crafts found that 81% of knitters felt happier after a session, with many noticing less stress and sharper clarity.
I can tell you from experience: when life feels noisy, my needles ground me. Each row reminds me that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be powerful.
The Knitting Wellness Benefits, Stitch by Stitch
Here’s why knitting deserves a spot in your self-care routine:
Stress reduction: Repetitive stitching lowers cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, according to a study by Riley and colleagues.
Mood boost: Flow activities release dopamine, the “feel-good” brain chemical Csikszentmihalyi, 1990.
Cognitive support: Counting stitches and reading patterns keep your memory sharp and flexible Corkhill et al., 2014.
Community connection:Community connection: Knitting circles knit more than yarn; they build social ties that protect long-term health Park et al., 2014.
Crossing the midline:Crossing the midline: Many knitting movements involve hands crossing the body’s centerline, which occupational therapists highlight as a way to support coordination and brain integration (Math & Movement article).
Every project is secretly a brain workout and a spa day rolled into one. 💪 🛁
Making Flow Work for You
Want to capture that sweet knitting calm? Try this:
Pick a Goldilocks project. Too easy and you’ll drift. Too hard and you’ll tense up. Choose a just-right challenge. (My Gratitude Blanket Pattern is a great place to start)
Create your nest. Good light, a comfy chair, and maybe tea (or wine – I’m not here to judge).
Let go of perfection. Flow is about being absorbed, not flawless edges or magazine-worthy tension.
The Bottom Line
Knitting isn’t just craft; it’s self-care disguised as creativity. Whether you’re learning your first stitches or casting on a complicated lace shawl, you’re giving your brain a reset while making something beautiful. Around here, I call that staying sharp with pointy sticks.
A Little Disclaimer
I am a knitter, not a doctor. The information above is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have health concerns, please consult a licensed healthcare provider. 💞
Decoding knitting abbreviations doesn’t need to overwhelm like cracking the Rosetta Stone. You’ve already mastered “k.” The very next abbreviation you’ll meet is “p,” and once you learn it, whole new textures and possibilities open up.
So, what does “p” mean in knitting? Let’s find out.
The Real Meaning of “p” in Knitting
In a knitting pattern, p = purl stitch.
If you see “p3,” that means “purl three stitches.” If you see “p to end,” that means “purl every stitch across the row.”
The purl stitch is the companion to the knit stitch: you’ll use it just as often, and together, knit and purl are the foundation of almost every pattern you’ll ever try.
Of course, knitters know there’s a second meaning to “p.”
p = please skedaddle.
Why? Because when you’re counting stitches, nothing throws you off faster than someone talking to you. That’s when you whisper, “please skedaddle, I’m counting.” A true knitter’s plea.
Why “p” Matters for Beginners
Once you know how to purl, you unlock the ability to create textures and patterns that go beyond the basics. Stockinette, ribbing, seed stitch: all of these rely on purl stitches.
✨ Ready to practice? Try these beginner-friendly patterns that mix knits and purls:
Now that you know p = purl stitch (and sometimes please skedaddle), you’re ready to keep exploring the knitting shorthand. Next up: CO = cast on, the very beginning of every project.
👉 Don’t miss the rest of the series. Sign up for my email updates below and I’ll send the next lesson straight to your inbox!
Learning to read a knitting pattern can feel like cracking a secret code. Every letter stands for something, and one of the first you’ll bump into is “k.”
So, what does “k” mean in knitting? Let’s break it down.
The Real Meaning of “k” in Knitting
In a knitting pattern, k = knit stitch.
It’s the most basic, most common stitch in the knitting world. If you see “k3,” that means “knit three stitches.” If you see “k to end,” that means “knit every stitch across the row.”
Once you know how to make a knit stitch, you’ve unlocked half the knitting universe. (The other half? Purl stitch. We’ll talk about that one soon 😉).
👉 Want help reading knitting patterns faster? Check out my full guide: How to Read Knitting Patterns. It walks you through every abbreviation, symbol, and stitch.
Of course, knitters know there’s a second meaning to “k.”
k = knot screaming.
If you’ve ever been happily working through a skein of yarn only to find a giant knot in the middle, you know exactly what I mean. There’s nothing like hitting a tangle when you’re counting stitches to make you want to throw your needles across the room!
But don’t worry. Those moments happen to all of us. The important thing is to laugh, unknot, and keep going. 💞
Why “k” Is a Big Deal for Beginners
Learning the knit stitch is your first step into the world of reading patterns with confidence. Once you’ve got it down, you’ll be able to tackle scarves, blankets, hats, and so much more.
✨ Want to practice? Grab one of my simple beginner-friendly patterns:
Ever open a knitting pattern and feel like you’ve wandered into a scene from A Beautiful Mind? Symbols float, letters jumble, and suddenly you’re convinced you need a chalkboard wall and a piece of string to map it all out. Welcome to the world of knitting abbreviations! It’s our very own secret language. But don’t worry, you don’t actually need a PhD in cryptography. Here, we are going to untangle the confusing hieroglyphics while muttering, “ugh, not another knot!” or whispering, “please skedaddle, I’m counting.” Let’s decode the knitting shorthand into plain English. I’ll sprinkle in a few jokes and make sure you leave feeling more “I’ve got this” than “where’s my decoder ring?”
This page is your central knitting abbreviations guidebook. Think of it as the place you bookmark, pin, or save to keep track of the whole series. Each individual post will break down one abbreviation in detail, but this index is where you can find them all.
Next up: co (cast on, the starting line of every project), ** (repeat the pattern between the asterisks), sl1pwyif (slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in front), sl1pwyib (slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in back), and sl (shorthand for sl1pwyib). Because knitting patterns never stop speaking in code.
Why Abbreviations Matter
At first, abbreviations feel like stumbling into a spy school exam. But once you crack the code, life gets easier and a lot more fun. You’ll:
Read patterns without having to pause and Google every other line
Tackle bigger projects with confidence instead of dread
Roll your eyes and laugh at the shorthand that once made you want to scream into your yarn ball
And here’s the best part: the more abbreviations you decode, the less you’ll feel like that frazzled, exasperated knitter at the top of this page… and the more you’ll start to look like the happy knitter at the bottom—project finished, needles down, and a gorgeous hat in hand.
This index will keep growing as the series expands. Every time a new abbreviation post goes live, it’ll show up here, ready for you to decode at your own pace.
👉 Want the complete guide instead of piecing it together clue by clue? Check out my full walkthrough: How to Read Knitting Patterns.
Stay in the Loop
Make this page your bookmark-worthy Rosetta Stone for knitting abbreviations. Or, if you’d rather skip the detective work, join my email list and I’ll send you updates whenever a new abbreviation gets cracked.
Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌
Summer is ending and fall is creeping in. Cool mornings, crunchy leaves, and that little voice telling you it is time to knit something cozy! I will admit it: I love fall so much that I like to fast-forward by knitting pumpkin-season projects before the leaves even turn. If you start a late-summer knitting project now, you’ll be bundled in handmade warmth by the time the first pumpkin spice latte hits your hands. Here are five easy, quick, and fun fall knitting patterns from PurlsAndPixels.com that are simple enough to start today and cozy enough to keep you smiling all season.
1. Easy Chunky Knit Boot Cuffs 👢
Want to look like you have your life together without actually trying? Knit boot cuffs. They are fast, beginner-friendly, and give you instant fall fashion cred. Slip them over your jeans, slide on boots, and you are Pinterest-ready. Bonus: they are easier than remembering which size pumpkin spice latte you ordered. Honestly, these are the little warm-ups I knit while daydreaming about crunchy leaves and cider stands. It is the perfect quick boot cuff knitting pattern to get started with.
Stripes are trending hard, and this scarf is proof you do not need complicated charts to look chic. One row does the trick: no colorwork panic here. Pick moody fall tones or go bold with pumpkin orange and plum purple. Think of it as knitting your own pumpkin patch: without the hay fever. I love starting scarves like this in September so that by October I can wrap myself up and feel smugly prepared for bonfire nights. This striped scarf knitting pattern is one of my go-to fall favorites.
Cold ears? Not on my watch. This chunky ribbed hat knits up faster than you can say “I will just do one more row.” Big needles, fat yarn, and instant gratification: you will have it done before your cider cools down. Perfect for hiding bedhead on those chilly mornings when coffee is not enough. I knit these hats while daydreaming about the first frost, because nothing feels more “fall” than pulling a fresh knit over cold ears. Try this chunky hat knitting pattern for instant cozy vibes.
Leaf piles, pumpkin patches, apple cider walks: mittens make them better. My simple mitten pattern is easy enough for beginners and cozy enough that you will actually wear them. Knit a pair for yourself, then brace yourself: family members will want them too, and unlike pumpkin pie, you cannot just bake more overnight. I like casting these on in late summer so that when the leaves finally fall, I already have pockets full of warm, handmade comfort. This simple mitten knitting pattern is perfect for first-timers.
Want a project that screams cozy but does not scream complicated? Try the rice stitch blanket. It is squishy, textured, and perfect for curling up with tea and Netflix. Knit one square at a time or go all in: either way, it is more satisfying than finishing a fall candle before Halloween. I start blankets early because I know myself: the minute the wind shifts, I want to be wrapped up in something handmade. This rice stitch blanket knitting pattern will keep your needles and your home warm.
If you are the type who goes all in on pumpkin season (guilty 🙋♀️), you will love my pumpkin hat and matching gloves knitting pattern. The hat is cozy and cheeky with its pumpkin-inspired design, and the gloves add the perfect seasonal finish. Whether you wear them to the pumpkin patch or just to sip pumpkin spice at home, this set is pure autumn joy.
Fall does not wait, and cozy does not knit itself. By starting these projects now, you will be wrapped in handmade warmth just as sweater weather arrives. Plus, chunky knits, stripes, and cozy neutrals are gorgeous knitting trends of 2025, and you can say you were ahead of the curve. I am already casting on because for me, knitting is like hitting the fast-forward button to my favorite season.
What do you knit in the summer? I’ve got a hat on the needles in my cozy pool of sunshine today. ☀️
Stich Summer into Fall
Ready to be the cozy one at the cider stand? Cast on today, during the last days of summer, finish before the frost, and strut into fall wearing knits you made yourself. Every pattern here is waiting for you on PurlsAndPixels.com: because why just buy cozy when you can knit it and sneak a little extra fall into your life early.
Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌
Most stripe patterns make you cut the yarn after each row, turning your scarf into a fringe-factory. But if you’re looking for a way to knit stripes without cutting yarn, here’s the secret: slide your stitches to the other end of your circular needles between rows. This simple trick lets you keep both yarns attached and alternate rows cleanly, with no snipping required.
This striped scarf is quick to knit, easy to memorize, and uses just two yarns to make a bold, modern accessory. It’s beginner-friendly but feels a bit magical when you get it right.
Prefer to knit offline?
Download Printable Knitting Pattern
This pattern is free to read below, but if you’d rather print it or save it for later, I’ve created a clean, ad-free PDF version for you.
By using my color-changing trick and keeping it simple with garter stitch, this scarf ends up cozy, clever, and easy to finish. It’s the perfect project for gift knitting or stash-busting your favorite color combos.
How this Single-Row Striped Scarf Free Knitting Pattern is Made
This scarf is knit flat in rows, but the yarn is never cut. Instead, you slide your work to the other end of your circular needles to change colors every row.
Two 315-yard (6 ounce) skeins of worsted weight yarn* (shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn), in your choice of color.
one standard scarf uses about 514.5 yards (9.8 oz.)
one extra-wide scarf uses about 624.75 yards (11.9 oz.)
*Shown in Caron Simply Soft Yarn. Weights estimated with Caron Simply Soft yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 21 yards (0.4 oz.).
(5 inches x 6 feet [12.7 cm x 1.8288 m] or desired length)
Knit flat. To help avoid tangling the working yarn, turn your work counterclockwise when instructed to “turn.” Hold Color 1 in front of the work when switching to Color 2.
[With Color 1] Row 1: Cast on 24 stitches. Turn.
[With Color 2] Row 2: k 24. (24 stitches) Do not turn; slide all live stitches to the left-hand needle tip.
[With Color 1] Row 3: k 24. (24 stitches) Turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until scarf measures 6 feet or your desired length.
[With Color 2] Row 2: k 24. (24 stitches) Do not turn; slide all stitches to the left-hand needle tip.
[With Color 1] Bind off loosely. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through.
(7 inches x 6 feet [17.78 cm x 1.8288 m] or desired length)
Knit flat. To help avoid tangling the working yarn, turn your work counterclockwise when instructed to “turn.” Hold Color 1 in front of the work when switching to Color 2.
[With Color 1] Row 1: Cast on 32 stitches. Turn.
[With Color 2] Row 2: k 32. (32 stitches) Do not turn; slide all live stitches to the left-hand needle tip.
[With Color 1] Row 3: k 32. (32 stitches) Turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until scarf measures 6 feet or your desired length.
[With Color 2] Row 2: k 32. (32 stitches) Do not turn; slide all live stitches to the left-hand needle tip.
[With Color 1] Bind off loosely. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through.
(9 inches x 6 feet [2.7432 cm x 1.8288 m] or desired length)
Knit flat. To help avoid tangling the working yarn, turn your work counterclockwise when instructed to “turn.” Hold Color 1 in front of the work when switching to Color 2.
[With Color 1] Row 1: Cast on 40 stitches. Turn.
[With Color 2] Row 2: k 40. (40 stitches) Do not turn; slide all live stitches to the left-hand needle tip.
[With Color 1] Row 3: k 40. (40 stitches) Turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until scarf measures 6 feet or your desired length.
[With Color 2] Row 2: k 40. (40 stitches) Do not turn; slide all live stitches to the left-hand needle tip.
[With Color 1] Bind off loosely. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through.
If you use the materials listed above, your scarf will be machine washable. For best results, hand wash or use a delicate cycle in cold water. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to help.
Tag @PurlsAndPixels on Instagram or Twitter to show off your finished scarf!
Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌
Have you heard of meadowscaping? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. Until I accidentally created a thriving native wildflower patch, I had no idea this would be the simplest and most satisfying corner of my garden.
When I moved to my little patch of high-desert Colorado, I had big plans. Rows of squash. Seas of kale. Raised beds galore.
But while I was making lists, one quirky garden bed decided to write its own story. No irrigation. No mulch. Just a riot of wildflowers and what some might call “weeds.”
And smack in the middle? My pet dandelion.
Yes, I said pet dandelion 🌼
It wasn’t planned. It kept popping up, year after year, like a little golden guest who refused to leave. Finally, I decided anything that strong deserved to survive. I let it stay. Then I let everything else around it stay.
And just like that, I had a meadowscape.
What Is Meadowscaping?
Meadowscaping is a cheerful rebellion against tidy, high-maintenance gardening. Instead of fighting nature, you team up with it:
Let native wildflowers and grasses do their thing
Skip the pesticides and the mower
Invite pollinators in and give them a place to stay
It’s sustainable. It’s hands-off. And it brings instant joy the moment you spot your first bee doing a happy little dance in your goldenrod.
How to Start a Meadowscape Garden (and Still Look Like You Know What You’re Doing)
You don’t need a prairie. I started with one oddly shaped 4×8 bed and a willingness to stop yanking up every unfamiliar plant.
Step 1: Observe Before You Weed Spend a few days just watching. If something’s blooming and buzzing, it might already be a pollinator hero in disguise.
Step 2: Give It a Frame I edged my bed with chunky cedar branches from the yard. It says, “Yes, this is on purpose,” even when the asters go full sprawl-mode.
Step 3: Add a Little Structure Stepping stones, a log pile, or a birdbath can give your bed a cozy focal point. It also tricks your brain into thinking the chaos is curated (because it is).
What’s Growing in My Wildflower Bed?
I’d love to add more to this little patch, like the wild Penstemon and Adam’s Needle that live peacefully among my trees. And these sunny wild sunflowers that grow carefree along my driveway? I’d move them too if they’d let me. But every time I try, they throw a fit and refuse to thrive. So I leave them be. This bed just has to be what it is: no forcing, no fussing, just admiration.
These native (and native-ish) plants are thriving here in southwest Colorado, no watering required:
Rocky Mountain Aster Gorgeous and a little dramatic. Sprawling, blooming, and stealing the spotlight like it’s their job.
Goldenrod Non-stop bee party. Also: not the cause of your allergies. Just pretty. Let it live.
Common Yarrow Delicate-looking, but tough as nails. Grows anywhere, asks for nothing, makes everything prettier.
Tools I Actually Use in My Meadowscape
Literally nothing.
I meant to cultivate the bed, truly. But as the wildflowers filled in and the bees moved in, I didn’t see the point in disturbing them. Nature was clearly doing just fine without my interference.
