KnitTranslate
Japanese Knitting Pattern Translator
Japanese knitting patterns are some of the most beautiful — and most intimidating — in the world. KnitTranslate turns 表目, 裏目, 増し目 and chart-based instructions into clear English you can knit from.
- Stitch chart support (JIS L 0201 symbols)
- Japanese abbreviations explained
- cm → inches, g → oz conversion
Japanese knitting abbreviations & symbols
A quick reference. KnitTranslate also builds a custom glossary based on the specific abbreviations your uploaded pattern uses.
| Source | English |
|---|---|
表目 (omote-me) | Knit (K) |
裏目 (ura-me) | Purl (P) |
かけ目 (kake-me) | Yarn over (YO) |
増し目 (mashi-me) | Increase (M1) |
減らし目 (herashi-me) | Decrease |
右上2目一度 | SSK — left-leaning decrease |
左上2目一度 | K2tog — right-leaning decrease |
中上3目一度 | Centered double decrease (SK2P) |
すべり目 (suberi-me) | Slip stitch (sl) |
作り目 (tsukuri-me) | Cast on (CO) |
伏せ目 (fuse-me) | Bind off (BO) |
段 (dan) | Row / round |
目 (me) | Stitch (st) |
ゴム編み | Ribbing |
メリヤス編み | Stockinette |
FAQ
Can KnitTranslate read Japanese knitting charts?
Yes — the most common JIS L 0201 symbols (k, p, yo, k2tog, ssk, cables) are recognized and rendered in the English version with a symbol key.
Does it handle Japanese sizing?
Yes. Body measurements stay in cm by default; toggle 'Convert units' on the upload screen for inches.
Skip the glossary — upload your pattern
First translation is free. Get back a clean English PDF with abbreviations explained and measurements converted.
Translate a pattern →