Before, Beginning of Round, Place, Remove, Slip Markers
Also Place Marker in Fabric or Mark RS/WS of Knitting
“PM / pm”, the abbreviation for place marker, is quite common in knitting. Markers are used to mark your knitting on the needles, and come in two varieties – fixed, and locking. Fixed markers, also called stitch markers, are solid circles (or other shapes) and cannot be opened. Locking markers, also called row markers or pin markers, are markers that can be opened and closed (locked). There are also open markers which do not lock that can be substituted for any of the markers.
Before Marker
Before marker is not usually abbreviated.
This refers to stopping before a marker previously placed. The instructions might say “work to X sts before marker”. This instruction is usually followed by an instruction to increase or decrease, or to perform some action.
Beginning of Round Marker
Abbreviation BOR / bor.
This is used in circular knitting where it is important to be aware of a new round starting. It is usually a marker that differs in color, shape, or style from other markers being used.
Place Marker – Stitch Marker
Abbreviation: PM / pm
PM usually refers to placing a marker on the right needle. This marks a position and will be referenced in instructions in the pattern. When a marker is placed on the needle, it will be encountered on every subsequent row or round. When the marker is encountered on the left needle, slip the marker from the left needle onto the right needle and continue working.
Markers can be used to mark stitch repeats, positions, or other actions to be taken.
Remove Marker
Abbreviation RM / rm.
The relevant marker is taken off the left needle when it is encountered in the knitting. Sometimes the instruction will be to “RM / rm, do X, PM / pm” or “RM / rm, do X, slip stitch just worked to left needle, PM / pm, and return stitch to right needle”. Also just RM / rm when marker(s) are being removed.
Slip Marker
Abbreviation: SM / sm
When a marker is encountered in knitting, slip the marker from the left needle to the right needle and continue.
I don’t ever say this in my patterns because I find it annoying. Please assume that every marker is slipped as described unless otherwise stated.
Place Marker – in Fabric
Abbreviation: PM / pm or not abbreviated.
Use a locking pin marker or other marker in the fabric as designated.
Mark Right Side of Knitting
Place a marker into the fabric on the RS.
Though your pattern often tells you to mark the right side of your fabric, it may also tell you to mark the wrong side of your fabric. If your pattern tells you to mark the wrong side of your fabric, simply mark the wrong side, rather than the right side.
