How to Knit a Twisted Stitch- How to Knit Through the Back Loop

Twisted stitches are also often known as through back loop- tbl. The video shows the difference in twisted stiches (knit through the back loop of every stitch, every row) compared to garter stitch.

Abbreviation: tbl (through back loop). You might also see it as knit tbl,  ktbl, or ptbl (knit through back loop, purl through back loop).

Twisted stitches are formed by knitting in to the back of the stitch. This is often most obvious when done on stockinette stitch- it is not nearly so noticeable when done in garter stitch.   The stitch looks like a tiny “cross” is formed in the stitch, and the twisting pulls the yarn tighter.

Twisted stitches can be a great way to really make stitches stand out- useful for making cables “pop”, since it pulls in the edges of the stitches.

Why do twisted stitches?

Twisted stitches are usually a variation to that is decorative- i.e. more for looks than necessity. However, some people may knit a row of twisted stitches after pickup up stitches (usually for socks after the heel) to tighten up the stitches and prevent holes.

Most of the time though, twisted stitches are just a nice way to make your fabric look more dynamic. If you knit through the back loops in st st, for example, your fabric will have some “twist” to it- it won’t want to lay quite so flat as regular st st.

Especially useful for: 1x1 and small cables, since the twisted stitch pulls in the edge. To make plain fabric look more interesting (I like a fabric where I knit a row of twisted stitches, then purl back in the usual way with no twisted stitches). For ribbing, twisting all or some (i.e. I often do just the purls in 1x1 or just the knits) helps keep the ribbing from “puffing” out as it is sometimes prone to doing.

This is part of Knit School on Midnightsky Fibers! If you found it helpful, it would be great if you shared it! 

This is part of Knit School on Midnightsky Fibers! If you found it helpful, it would be great if you shared it!