Repeats are how patterns avoid writing out every stitch across a 200-stitch row. Instead of “k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2…” twenty-five times over, the pattern writes “*k2, p2; rep from * to end.” Same result, far less space.
In knitting patterns, repeats use asterisks (*), brackets [], or parentheses () to mark a section of stitches that gets worked multiple times across the row. The notation is efficient once you’re used to it. But the first few encounters with nested repeats or asterisks with remainders can feel like reading a language you almost speak.
Asterisk repeats
The most common format. An asterisk marks the start of the repeating section.
Simple: “*K3, p1; rep from * to end.”
Knit 3, purl 1, go back to the asterisk, knit 3, purl 1, keep going until the row is done. Your total stitch count needs to be a multiple of 4 (the repeat unit: k3 + p1).
With remainders: “K1, *k2, p2; rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.”
Knit 1 before the repeat starts, then repeat k2, p2 across the row, and when 3 stitches are left (not enough for a full repeat), knit those 3. The stitches outside the asterisk section are called balancing stitches or edge stitches. They make the pattern start and end symmetrically.
With a count: “*Yo, k2tog; rep from * 5 more times.”
“5 more times” means you work the section once initially, then repeat it 5 additional times, for 6 total. This trips people up. “Rep 5 more times” = 6 total. “Rep 5 times” can go either way. Most patterns mean 5 total, but if your stitch count doesn’t work out, try reading it as 5 additional and see if the math fits.
Bracket and parenthesis repeats
More visual than asterisks.
Brackets: “[K1, p1] 4 times.”
Knit 1, purl 1, four times total. Eight stitches (4 repeats of 2). Brackets are unambiguous: the number is always the total count.
Parentheses: “(K2tog, yo) across.”
Same idea. The section in parentheses repeats across the entire row.
Mixed notation: “K2, [k1, p1] 3 times, *k4, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.”
Both brackets and asterisks in one row. Read left to right: knit 2, work k1/p1 three times (6 stitches), then repeat k4/p2 to the end, finishing with k2. The bracket repeat happens once in a fixed position. The asterisk repeat fills the remaining width.
Nested repeats
Sometimes a repeat lives inside another repeat. Usually in complex lace or colorwork.
”*[K1, p1] 3 times, k2tog, yo; rep from * to end.”
The inner repeat [k1, p1] 3 times produces 6 stitches of ribbing. Then k2tog uses 2 stitches and produces 1, and yo adds a new stitch. The full repeat unit consumes 8 stitches from the left needle and puts 8 back on the right. The whole unit repeats across the row.
Read nested repeats from the inside out. Resolve the bracket first, then treat the full asterisk section as your repeating unit.
Multi-row repeats
Some patterns group several rows into a block.
“Rows 1–4: *K2, p2; rep from * to end. Row 5: Knit. Row 6: Purl. Rep Rows 1–6 until piece measures 10 inches.”
Work the 6-row sequence as a unit, repeating the whole block to the target length. Rows 1 through 4 are ribbing, rows 5 and 6 are the contrast, and the whole thing loops.
Common in textured patterns, stripe sequences, and lace. A row counter helps here. KnitTools’ Row Counter tracks position within repeating sections, which saves the mental overhead of remembering whether you’re on row 3 or row 4 of the current block.
When the math doesn’t work
If you follow the repeat and end up with leftover stitches (or run out too early), something’s off.
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Check your stitch count. Count live stitches on the needle. Does it match what the pattern says for your size?
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Check the repeat unit. If the repeat is *k3, p2 (5 stitches), your total minus any balancing stitches should be a multiple of 5.
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Check the size notation. In a multi-size pattern, it’s easy to grab the wrong number from a parenthetical string.
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Check errata. If the math genuinely doesn’t work with the right stitch count, the pattern may have an error. Look at the designer’s errata page or Ravelry notes.
For the broader context on reading knitting patterns, including sizes, abbreviations, and charts, that’s covered separately.
FAQ
What does “rep from * to last X sts” mean? Keep repeating until you have X stitches left on the left needle. Those remaining get worked according to whatever follows (usually plain knit or purl, or a partial repeat for balance).
Do I count the first time through? Yes. “Rep from * 3 more times” = 4 total (1 initial + 3 more). “Rep 3 times” without “more” usually means 3 total. Stitch count math tells you which reading is right when the wording is ambiguous.
How do I track my place in a long repeat? Stitch markers between repeat units. When you hit a marker, you’re starting fresh. For multi-row repeats, a row counter or tick marks on paper.
Why asterisks vs brackets? Designer preference. Brackets are more explicit (the number is always the total). Asterisks are traditional and compact. Some designers use both: asterisks for the main repeat, brackets for sub-repeats.