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MC: Main colour

The principal yarn colour in a colourwork or striped pattern. Colour abbreviations tell you which yarn to use. They are usually defined at the start of the pattern.

How to work MC

The principal yarn colour in a colourwork or striped pattern.

Common mistake

Mixing up MC and CC after a colour change.

Effect on your stitch count

It does not change the stitch count by itself.

Related abbreviations

All terms are in the knitting abbreviations list, and in the app's Glossary, which works offline.

Frequently asked questions

What does MC stand for?

MC stands for main colour.

Does MC change the number of stitches?

It does not change the stitch count by itself.

Last updated 7 November 2026. Stitchlight is an independent app; this page is written for readers, not for search engines. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

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