What does all of this mean?

I was looking through one of my knitting books, and there are directions to make hats, scarves, sweaters, etc. But what does it all mean? :??: I’ll put a sample of making a hat up here.

[U][CENTER]Rib Stitch Cap[/CENTER][/U]

Knitting needles, 1 pair No. 8.

GAUGE: 6 sts=1 inch;
11 rosw=2 inches.

[B]Be sure to check your gauge before starting cap. Use any size needles which will obtain the stitch gauge above.[/B]

Starting at cuff edge, measure off about 2 1/4 yards of yarn and cast on 84 sts. [B]Row 1:[/B] * K 1, p 1. Repeat from 8 across. Repeat this row for rib pattern until piece measures 11 inches.

[B]Top Shaping: Row 1:[/B] * K 2, k 2, tog. Repeat from * across-63 sts on needle. [B]Row 2:[/B] P across. [B]Row 3:[/B] * K 1, k 2 tog. Repeat from * across-42 sts. [B]Row 4:[/B] P across. [B]Row 5:[/B] Repeat Row 3-28 sts. [B]Row 6:[/B] P across. [B]Row 7:[/B] * K 2 tog. Repeat from * across-14 sts. [B]Row 8:[/B] P across. Break off yarn, leaving a 16-inch length.
Thread the 16-ince length into a blunt-pointed needle, draw it through all sts and pull up tightly. Secure firmly with a few sts, then sew edges together for back seam. Fasten off.

All of that was in my book. Please help! Thanks in advance!!

Loves,
Martina:knitting:

Your book should have, somewhere, a page listing all the abbreviations in the patterns.
There is one here on this site, click on the Glossary tab above. it should help explain a lot of it. (and see new video page also)

I’ll look into all of those things, but maybe not the videos because my computer’s always too slow loading videos and watching them. Thanks loads, Jints!

Loves,
Martina :knitting:

try these ones.
this has good pictures for most common


& this has clear pics
http://learntoknit.lionbrand.com/
This site is a great resource for all sorts knitting links.
http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/instructions.php