The abbreviation YB stands for yarn backward or yarn back. It tells the knitter to bring the working strand between the needles to the side facing away from them. This movement is required when switching from purling to knitting, or when slipping a stitch with the yarn held behind the work to create a specific texture.
Heard on the job
You missed the YB before slipping the next stitch, which is why you have that horizontal bar floating across the front of your ribbing.
Insider tip
Always move the yarn between the tips of the needles, not over the top of the needle, to avoid creating an accidental yarnover.
Also heard as
- yarn back
- yarn backward