Unraveling the Mystery: Discovering the Right Side of Knitting

Knitting has been around for centuries, passing down through generations as a beloved skill and hobby. However, for those new to the craft, one question may persist: which is the right side of knitting? While this may seem like a simple inquiry, it can actually spark a heated debate among experienced knitters. In this article, we will dive into the intricacies of knitting and explore the concept of right and wrong sides. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, read on to discover the answer to this intriguing question.

Understanding the Basics of Knitting

Knitting is a popular crafting technique that involves creating fabric by interlocking yarn with needles. This technique has been around for centuries and is commonly used for creating a wide variety of items such as clothes, blankets, and accessories. Knitting can be done with one or two needles and can produce different types of stitches to achieve various textures and patterns.

To get started with knitting, it’s essential to understand the basic concepts and techniques involved. This includes knowing how to hold the needles, how to wrap the yarn around the needles, and how to create basic stitches such as knit and purl. These may seem like simple steps, but they require practice and patience to master.

Knitting is also a highly versatile craft that can be done using many types of yarns, including wool, cotton, acrylic, and more. Each type of yarn has its own unique properties, which can affect the appearance and texture of the finished product. It’s important to choose a suitable yarn for your project based on factors such as color selection, fiber content, weight/thickness, and durability.

The Different Sides of Knitting

When talking about knitting, you may come across terms such as “right side” or “wrong side”. These are often used when referring to which side of the fabric should be visible on a completed project. The right side is typically considered the front or public-facing side that will be seen when wearing or displaying the knitted item. The wrong side usually refers to the back or hidden side that will not be visible.

In most cases, one side of knitting will have more pronounced stitches or patterns compared to the other side. This variation in appearance between the two sides is due to how stitches are formed during knitting. For instance, when knitting in stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl stitches), one side will have a smooth, “v” shaped pattern and the other side will have rows of visible purl bumps.

Knowing which side is the right side of knitting is particularly important when working on patterns that involve shaping or colorwork. Following the instructions and keeping track of which side is facing out can ensure that your project turns out as intended.

Determining the Right Side of Knitting

So, how do you know which side is the right side during knitting? The simple answer is, it depends on the type of stitch pattern you are using. However, there are a few ways to identify which side is which, even if you get distracted or put down your project for a while.

Firstly, pay attention to how you are wrapping the yarn around your needles. If you are working on a stockinette stitch, for example, make sure that all knit stitches (which show up as “v”s) are on one side and all purl stitches (which show up as bumps) are on the other. This will help you easily identify which side has the more pronounced pattern.

Another way to determine the right side of knitting is by looking at the edges of your work. In traditional knitting techniques, the first and last stitches in each row will look different than those in between. For instance, if you’re knitting in garter stitch (all knit stitches), both sides will have ridges along one edge and bumps along the other edge. In this case, it’s helpful to keep track of which edge has more ridges.

For more complex patterns or lacework, referring to charts can also help determine which way your work should be facing. Charts provide visual representations of stitch patterns and often indicate whether a row should be worked from right to left (RS) or left to right (WS).

The Importance of Working on the Right Side

Working on the right side is crucial for achieving clean and even stitch patterns on your knitting. As mentioned earlier, some stitches and patterns will appear different on each side, and if not worked on the correct side, the overall look of your project may be affected.

Additionally, working on the right side also ensures that any shaping or color changes are done correctly. For example, let’s say you are knitting a sweater with a patterned yoke. The right side of knitting may require decreases or increases to achieve the desired shape, while the wrong side may involve plain knit or purl stitches. Working on the wrong side in this scenario could result in an incorrect number of stitches or a distorted pattern.

Furthermore, when dealing with multiple colors in a project, working on the correct side is crucial for keeping your color changes neat and tidy. This is especially important in colorwork techniques such as Fair Isle or intarsia.

In conclusion, understanding which is the right side of knitting is essential for achieving successful outcomes in your projects. Knowing how to identify and work on the right side can help you maintain consistency in stitch patterns, shape your project correctly, and create neat colorwork designs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, remember to pay attention to

The Basics of Knitting

Before diving into which side is the right side of knitting, it is important to understand the basic mechanics of knitting. Knitting is a popular craft that involves creating fabric by manipulating loops of yarn using knitting needles or a machine. The two main methods of knitting are the English style, where the yarn is held in the right hand, and the Continental style, where the yarn is held in the left hand.

The Right Side vs. The Wrong Side

When discussing knitting, there are two terms that often confuse beginners – the right side and the wrong side. The right side refers to the front, or public, side of a knitted piece while the wrong side refers to the back, or private, side of a knitted piece. In other words, the right side is what you want people to see and the wrong side is what you want to keep hidden.

Identifying The Right Side

Identifying the right side of your knitting can sometimes be challenging, especially for beginner knitters. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that can help you determine which side is which.

The first thing to look for is any stitch patterns or designs on your piece. These will usually be more visible on one side compared to the other. The more prominent or intricate side will usually be considered as the right side.

Another trick is to look at your cast on edge. If it has a series of bumps or ridges running along it, this means that it is likely your right side. This happens because when starting a knitted piece, most patterns call for a row of knit stitches before moving on to any pattern stitches.

You can also check for any increases or decreases in your stitches. These will often create small holes or gaps on one side but not on both sides.

Lastly, if you are working with a yarn that has a clear difference between the right and wrong side, such as a variegated or self-striping yarn, then the side with more color variation will usually be the right side.

Effects of Working on The Wrong Side

Knitters often wonder if it makes a difference which side they knit on. The short answer is – yes and no. While it may not matter much for plain stockinette stitch, it does make a difference when it comes to stitch patterns or lace designs.

Working on the wrong side can change the look of certain stitches or patterns, resulting in them not turning out as expected. This is especially true when working with lace, where one wrong move on the wrong side can throw off the entire pattern.

It is also important to consider how blocking will affect your project. Blocking is the process of lightly stretching and shaping your finished piece to give it a more defined shape. When blocking, it is important to know which side should be facing outwards to achieve your desired look.

Determining The Right Side In The Round

Working in the round can also present its own challenges when trying to determine which side is which. Unlike flat knitting where you have separate right and wrong sides, circular knitting only has one continuous loop.

To determine the right side when knitting in the round, you can use any of the tips mentioned earlier, such as looking at any stitch patterns or color changes. However, another helpful trick is to place a removable stitch marker on one end of your work. This will help you keep track of which end you started from and which one you are currently working on.

Why It Matters

Now that we have established how to identify which side is which in knitting, you may still be wondering – why does it matter? After all, both sides have stitches and ultimately achieve the same result.

The answer is that it all boils down to personal preference and aesthetics. Some knitters may prefer working on the right side, while others may find it easier to work on the wrong side. Additionally, certain stitch patterns or designs may look better on one side compared to the other.

Knowing which side is which also helps with troubleshooting any mistakes made during knitting. If you notice that your pattern is not turning out correctly, you can quickly identify if you are working on the wrong side and fix any issues.

In summary, identifying the right side in knitting is an important skill that every knitter should have. It can sometimes be tricky, but with practice and patience, it becomes easier over time. Knowing which side is which will not only improve the look of your knitted pieces but also make your knitting experience a more enjoyable one. So next time you pick up your knitting needles, remember to pay attention to which side you are working on – your finished project will thank you!

Q: How do I know which is the right side of knitting?
A: The right side of knitting is the side that will be facing out when the project is finished.

Q: Are there any physical indicators to determine the right side of knitting?
A: Yes, you can usually tell the right side by looking at the stitches. They will appear smoother and neater on the right side compared to the wrong side.

Q: Do different stitches have different right sides?
A: Yes, some stitches like stockinette have a distinct appearance on both sides, making it easy to identify the right and wrong sides. Other stitches may require you to look for other clues such as increases or decreases.

Q: Can I use a stitch marker to keep track of the right and wrong sides while knitting?
A: Yes, using a stitch marker can be helpful in keeping track of which is the right side. Simply place it on one side of your work and make sure it stays in that position throughout your project.

Q: What if I accidentally knit on the wrong side? Will it affect my project?
A: It depends on the stitch pattern you are using. Some stitches, like garter, look identical on both sides so if you accidentally knit on the wrong side, it won’t affect your project. However, if you are using a stitch with a distinct appearance on each side, it might result in a noticeable mistake.

Q: Is there a way to easily check if I am working on the correct side while knitting?
A: One way is to use a row counter or keep count manually as you knit each row. Another method is to pay attention to increases/decreases or any changes in your stitch pattern. If they are consistent with your pattern instructions, then you are likely working on the correct side.

After examining the topic of which is the right side of knitting, it is clear that there are valid arguments for both the knit and purl sides being considered the “right” side. However, many factors such as personal preference, pattern instructions, and intended use of the knitted piece can influence this decision.

It is important for knitters to consider these factors and be aware of their chosen “right” side when following a pattern or knitting a garment. This can help avoid mistakes or confusion in following directions.

Additionally, understanding the differences between the two sides and how they affect the overall appearance of a knitting project is crucial. The knit right side typically has more noticeable stitches while the purl right side may appear smoother. Knowing this can aid in achieving desired aesthetics for a particular project.

Furthermore, while one side may be deemed as the “right” side, it does not necessarily mean that the other side should be ignored or considered wrong. In fact, both sides have their own unique characteristics and can be utilized creatively to add texture and dimension to a piece.

In conclusion, the concept of which is the right side of knitting may seem trivial at first glance but upon further examination, it holds practical and artistic significance for knitters. Personal preferences and project specifications should ultimately dictate which

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.