Tutorial: Knitting Backwards

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Since figuring out how to knit backwards for the Miss Winkle Knitalong, I've been surprised quite how useful this skill has become. Two of my latest projects have been made much easier thanks to this quick and easy way of working back and forth along a row without turning the work. In effect, it's just purling with the right side facing. When it was discussed previously, it seemed some were reticent, thinking it to be difficult, so today's post aims to show you just how simple it is - if you can purl, you can do it!

Knitting Backwards

Knitting Backwards

Knitting Backwards

Knitting Backwards

Knitting Backwards

Knitting Backwards

Although I usually knit 'Continental style', this is one of the rare exceptions (binding off is another) when the English/throwing style works better for me as it gives more control over the tension of the reverse stitches - if you knit both ways, you might like to see whether you get the same result.

There are a few more tutorials coming up which build upon this method of knitting. It's especially useful for any project where only a few stitches need to be worked in reverse, such as on short rows, bobbles, entrelac and so on.

If you haven't already tried it I do hope this will encourage you to give it a go, and if you are already using this method, I'd love to hear what you find it to be most useful for. 

11 comments

  1. When I knit backwards (I knit continental style too) I just switch the yarn to my right hand and hold it the same way I would in my left. I find it works really well.

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  2. I'm going to try this! Great post Sarah, Thankyou :)

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  3. I have done this for a long time. It may come easy to me because I am left handed.
    My reasons for knitting backwards is when I have to work back on a small amount of sts. Like when I am working short rows or on the arms or legs of a small toy. Learning to knit backwards is rewarding skill to have in your 'knit bag' ; )

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    Replies
    1. My mum also learned to knit this way because she's left handed. Until the kal I didn't really see much point, but you're right- it's a very useful skil!

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  4. I'm going to try this :) Thank you!

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  5. Interesting! I've never even thought this was a possibility - next bit of knitting I do I'm giving this s go. Thanks (this is my learn something new every day thing for today I think!)

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  6. This saves a lot of fiddly turning when making bobbles! That, alone, makes it worthwhile to learn. It makes life easier, though, any time you would have to turn your work frequently, as in potato chip scarves, for instance.

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