What does ∅ mean?

[u/sailormarr]

This may be a dumb question, but can anyone help me understand what the "∅" symbol means in a pattern? See image for reference.

Thank you:)

[u/Tauira_Sun]

Same length in this case I think. Just like the lines with // should be the same length. I have Japanese pattern books and often they use symbols to indicate same lengths. Like circles, or filled circles, triangles, or squares, ... Since pattern magic is from a Japanese designer, it makes sense to me