Newbie question

[tbeardsl]

What does 4X mean in a pattern? For ex. the pattern says :
K4 *P6, K2* 4X, K4
Thanks, I really appreciate any help. I just started knitting a few weeks ago.

[Ingrid]

It means 4 times. So you repeat whatever is between the * * 4 times.

Welcome to the forum and to knitting!

[tbeardsl]

Thanks, Ingrid! I have just started knitting and started with a project that was a little advanced for me. I have now gone to making a dishcloth. THe other project was a multi-dimensional scarf and as soon as I would leave and go home from the lesson, things would take a turn for the worst! However, I am bound and determined to become a knitter and am eager to learn as much as I can. I love it in spite of my rather frustrating first attempt. The dishcloth I am making now is so much easier and helping me practice basic stitches. Thanks for your encouragement. I appreciate it!

[fatoldladyinpjs]

It's one of those abbreviations that's been around a while. Young people may not know about that one. We old people sometimes use that and other antiquated abbreviations like 1st,2nd, 3rd, and 4th for first, second, third, and fourth. You might see that in patterns every so often.

Sometimes they would abbreviate names, too. Like Robt for Robert, Jms for James, Wm for William, Chas for Charles. Married women back in the 50s and 60s never went by their first names. It was Mrs. James Stewart, for example. Or when writing a letter, Mrs. Jms Stewart. The Women's Liberation movement changed all that. Trivia and I'm getting off track here.