Quick answer: SM means slip marker. When you reach a stitch marker on your needle, slide it from the left needle to the right needle without working into it, then continue knitting.
What it means
SM is the most common marker instruction in knitting patterns. Markers mark pattern repeat boundaries, decrease lines, or the beginning of a round. SM just means: move it to the other needle and keep going.
Related abbreviations
- PM — place marker (add a new marker here)
- SM — slip marker (move existing marker to right needle)
- RM — remove marker (take it off entirely)
How to do it
- Knit up to the stitch marker.
- Slide the marker ring from the left needle to the right needle.
- Continue knitting — the marker is now correctly positioned.
Common mistakes
- Knitting into the marker as if it's a stitch — markers are never worked
- Dropping the marker — replace it in the correct position if dropped
- Using one colour for all markers — use different colours for BOR vs pattern-section markers