How to Knit on the Wrong Side
Knitting on the wrong side is an essential skill for any knitter to master. It’s often referred to as “purling” in the United States and “knitting” in the United Kingdom. This technique is used to create the smooth, even texture that is characteristic of knitted garments. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of knitting on the wrong side, ensuring that your projects turn out beautifully.
Understanding the Wrong Side
Before diving into the technique, it’s important to understand what the wrong side of the fabric is. The wrong side is the side of the fabric that is not visible when the garment is worn. It is typically the side that has a looser, more open texture. When you are knitting on the wrong side, you are essentially purling, which creates a different type of stitch than the knit stitch.
Preparation
To begin knitting on the wrong side, you will need your knitting needles, yarn, and a completed piece of knitting that is ready for the wrong-side rows. Make sure you have the correct yarn and needle size for your project.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start with the Right Side Facing: Begin by ensuring that the right side of your knitting is facing you. This is the side with the tighter, more even texture.
2. Insert the Needle: Hold your knitting needles in your left hand and insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, from front to back.
3. Pull the Yarn: With your right hand, pull the yarn through the stitch, creating a new loop on the right needle.
4. Knit the Stitch: Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right needle and pull it through the loop on the left needle. This completes the knit stitch.
5. Repeat: Continue knitting each stitch in this manner until you reach the end of the row.
6. Turn the Work: Once you have completed the row, turn your work over so that the wrong side is facing you. This is where the purling begins.
7. Purl the First Stitch: Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, from back to front.
8. Pull the Yarn: With your right hand, pull the yarn through the stitch, creating a new loop on the right needle.
9. Purl the Stitch: Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right needle and pull it through the loop on the left needle. This completes the purl stitch.
10. Repeat: Continue purling each stitch in this manner until you reach the end of the row.
11. Turn the Work: Once you have completed the row, turn your work over again so that the right side is facing you. Repeat the process for the next row.
Conclusion
Knitting on the wrong side is a fundamental technique that will enhance the quality of your knitted projects. By following these simple steps, you can create a smooth, even texture that will make your garments look professional and well-crafted. Happy knitting!
