alt
Alternate
Description
Stands for ‘alternate’ or ‘alternately’. It instructs the crocheter to perform a specific action, such as shaping or changing stitches, at every other row or interval rather than continuously.
Detailed explanation
In crochet patterns, this abbreviation specifies that an action should be performed in an alternating sequence, most commonly on every second row. For example, ‘increase at alt rows’ directs the maker to work an increase on the current row, work the next row plain (without increasing), and repeat the increase on the third row. It can also refer to alternating between different stitches, textures, or colors within a row.
Alternate
Description
In knitting, alt stands for alternate or alternately. It instructs the knitter to perform a specific action, such as increasing or decreasing, on every other row or stitch rather than on every single one.
Detailed explanation
This term is essential for garment shaping instructions, often appearing in phrases like ‘decrease at each end of next and alt rows.’ This means the shaping action occurs on the current row, the following row is worked ‘even’ or ‘straight’ without changes, and the action repeats on the subsequent row. This pacing creates gradual slopes for necklines, armholes, or waist shaping.