Knitting intentional twisted stitches? It’s not crazy, it’s art. In a knitting pattern, you may come across an instruction to knit twisted stitches. The instruction in a pattern is usually for a purpose, such as to add to the texture. Twisted stitches form because the stitches do not sit correctly on the knitting needles. There are two types of twisted stitches: the kind you make by accident and the kind you create on purpose. Intentional twisted stitches are beautifully textured, enhancing the overall look, such as a pattern of twisted stockinette stitches. The knitting mistakes are easy to prevent and fix with a few tricks. However, this blog is all about knitting twisted stitches. KnitPro guides you with what, how and where to use twisted stitches.
What is a Twisted Stitch?
As the name suggests, a twisted stitch is simply a knit or purl stitch twisted intentionally for a cause. Think of a knit stitch as having two legs, seated on the knitting needles like a person on horseback with the right leg in front (or facing towards you) and the left leg in the back (away from you). Now they should face the same way regardless of whether you just worked a knit or purl row. Whether you work on the project's front or back side, you will insert your needle into the "leg" of the stitch that's coming over the top of the knitting needle and is closest to you.
What if your stitches are facing the other way? Inserting the needle tip on the leg away from you results in twisted stitches. The most likely culprit is that you are wrapping your yarn the wrong way around your needle on either the knit side, the purl side, or both. Whatever be the cause, the result is a stitch that stands out from its neighbours.
Twisted stitches are also one of the common knitting mistakes, but when done right they steal the spotlight. If you’ve fumbled and twisted a stitch, then you have to fix or let it be a part of the design. You can work twisted stitches with any knitting needles. However, if you’re working a twisted stockinette pattern to make a sweater, you can work with circular needles or with a pair of straight needles, making the project in parts and seaming them later. With practice, the stitch pattern can be worked for knitting in the round with DPNs.
Instructions on How to Knit Twisted Stitches
It’s quite simple to knit twisted stitches. Instead of letting the stitch sit correctly on the needles, give it a twist. Start with cast-on stitches.
Step 1: Work regular stitches till you get to the stitch where you need to work the twisted stitch. Place a stitch marker. Insert the needle tip into the back loop of the stitch, the part of the stitch away from you.
Step 2: Wrap the yarn around the needle tip counter-clockwise for knit or clockwise for a purl stitch, and pull the loop through. Take the stitch from the left needle tip to the right.
You have a twisted stitch on the needle. It may seem awkward but trust the process, the stitch will add beauty and functionality.
If you're following a pattern, pay attention to the specific instructions. For repeats, remember the marker and work in next rows and rounds.
For intentional twisted stitches Knit Through the Back Loop (KTBL), the most common method is to insert your needle tip into the back of the stitch instead of the front. Another is Purl Through the Back Loop (PTBL). For a textured result, work twisted ribbing, where you can knit through the back of the loop on the right side and purl through the back of the loop on the wrong side of your work. Compared to regular rib stitches, they are stretchier, neater and more efficient.
Why Would You Knit Twisted Stitches?
Coming to the question, why would you knit twisted stitches? Well, it has a better effect in a few projects and patterns.
- Stretchiness, elasticity and neatness as compared to regular stitches: It’s suitable for edges like sock cuffs, necklines and hat brims that need to be strong and hold their shape.
- Decorative texture as they stand out: With a twist in the regular stitches, you have a decorative, unique, or zigzag pattern within your knitting. This can be seen in specific stitch patterns, like twisted ribbing or textured blankets.
- Managing yarn tension when working with slippery yarns: Sometimes, while working with a yarn, you may find it difficult to manage tension; here twisted stitches come in handy.
- Pattern Instructions or designer recommendations: For a "slanted knitting stitch" or other intentional twisted stitches, a designer can ask you to work this technique.
Ready to knit twisted stitches? With this guide, you can try them in your patterns. Get ready for endless crafting possibilities. Whether you prefer bamboo or wood, stainless steel or aluminium, carbon fiber or acrylic, choose KnitPro knitting needles for materials that feel comfortable to work with. Browse the collection for individual sizes and lengths or choose knitting needle sets.
