How to Purl Backward, or Knit Garter Stitch without Turning

February 14, 2017 by Sarah White 5 Comments

I’ve been working on this sweater for my daughter since before Christmas, and I thought I was almost done (she decided she wanted it 4 inches longer, but that’s a post for another day). The last detail is three little button tabs worked in Garter Stitch.

They’re just 8 stitches across, so I thought this would be a fun time to try knitting Garter Stitch backward, without turning the work.

I will tell you I can’t work back from the right hand needle to the left with the speed that I can knit, turn and knit some more, but it’s a fun mental challenge anyway.

It’s a pretty easy technique once you can get your mind and your hands around it.

Insert the left-hand needle into the stitch from left to right, wrap the yarn counter-clockwise around the needle, pull the new stitch under and to the back and slide the old stitch off the right-hand needle.

I know, doesn’t sound that easy. It totally is when you get the hang of it, I promise. I made a video to help explain.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5UHyu7IECM&w=560&h=315]

Would you try this technique or have you used it before? I’d love to know what you think.

Also, I may make the videos a regular thing, so if there are topics you would like to see, please let me know!

Want to learn garter stitch? Check out this tutorial on Garter stitch Knitting. We also have these articles to help you find garter stitch patterns.

Start the Year with Easy Garter Stitch Knitting Patterns

Garter Stitch Knitting Patterns for New Knitters

A Simple Chunky Garter Stitch Sweater

Learn How to Knit Stripes in Garter Stitch with the Brightside Cowl

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Comments

Nancy says
February 15, 2017 at 12:45 am
Aren’t you twisting the stitches? I believe you need to come into the stitch from the back to front.
Patrice says
February 15, 2017 at 10:40 am
I learned the technique of knitting backwards from a course on Craftsy called “Improve your knitting”. It was taught by Patty Lyons, from the Lyon brand yarn company. It was pretty mind blowing at first to catch on. I find the skill of purling backwards very helpful when turning heals on socks. It saves time when you don’t have to flip your work around so often. I seem to have a better tension purling backwards, too. Keep those needles clicking. 😉
Cindy S says
February 15, 2017 at 2:12 pm
I agree it looks not very fast. I think I will do better just turning. I’m going to try it though, because I love trying new things. Thanks for the video. 🙂
Sarah White says
February 16, 2017 at 1:50 pm
No, I don’t think so. The wrapping counter-clockwise keeps it from twisting.
Michelle says
September 3, 2017 at 4:14 pm
Now if only you teach this using the Continental method of knitting

Have you read?

Book Review: Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit & Crochet Blankets

Blankets are a great blank slate project that you can change up in a million different ways. From color to stitch pattern to size, the possibilities are almost endless.

Jared Flood, the designer behind Brooklyn Tweed, was inspired by a log cabin quilt his mother made in 1995 to re-create that design in knitting, which led to more blankets and ultimate Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit and Crochet Blankets, which includes 25 patterns from an array of designers using different skills and techniques to make cozy, pretty blankets.

The patterns are divided into three aesthetic themes: traditions, minimalism and colorplay. The patterns are rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest, and there aren’t any pieces rated five. Two blankets are rated one, 14 are two, eight are three and one is four.

In addition, three of the 25 patterns are crocheted, but they either use single crochet or granny stitch, so they are pretty easy even if you don’t do a lot of crochet. You can see all the patterns on Ravelry.

Some of my favorites include Rattan by Rastus Hsu, a chunky blanket worked in knits and purls with simple crossing stitches to make a raised woven look; Homewood by Seth Richardson, covers in dramatic, loopy cables; Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Tessellate, one of the beginner projects that doesn’t really look beginner but is totally worked in knit and purl stitches; Warp + Weft by Aist? Butkevi?ien?, which is mostly knits and purls but makes a fun woven look fabric that blew my mind a little bit; and the same designer’s Canyonland, a multicolored blanket with wavy stripes.

The patterns tell you how to resize them for different dimensions and include information on pattern repeats where it is possible to make a totally custom size.

Many different techniques are included here such as cables, lace, shadow knitting, intarsia and other colorwork techniques, as well as modular knitting and lots of sewing pieces together. The patterns are all presented with charts, but there are line by line written instructions available on the Brooklyn Tweed website if you need them.

The book ends with a deep dive into log cabin knitting, telling the story of the quilt Jared’s mom made and how he made it in knitting, as well as the multitude of variations you can make if you want your own log cabin style design.

The back of the book includes a little written information about some of the special techniques needed, but there are no photos.

This is a lovely book full of inspiration for knitting and crochet blankets for any skill level. If you like to make blankets as gifts or aspire to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house, these designs would be a great place to start.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 25 patterns. Published 2024 by Abrams Books, suggested retail price $24.99.

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