Knitting Right Side and Wrong Side example

Stitching Secrets: Unveiling Right vs. Wrong in Knitting

Foster Ruby

Embarking on your knitting journey introduces you to a realm of creativity, where every stitch weaves a tale of craftsmanship. As you transition from beginner’s coasters to intricate patterns, the dichotomy between the right side and the wrong side becomes a puzzle. This tutorial aims to unravel the mysteries, offering five foolproof tricks and debunking common knitting myths. Join us on a journey to master the art of discerning the right side from the wrong side, ensuring your projects mirror perfection.

How to Tell the Wrong Side from the Right Side

Determining the wrong side from the right side in knitting is important, especially when following a pattern that specifies different stitch patterns or when working on projects like garments where the appearance of the fabric matters. Here are some tips to help you identify the right side and wrong side in knitting:

  • Pattern Instructions. The first and most reliable source of information is the pattern instructions. Patterns often specify which side is considered the right side. Look for any notes or symbols that indicate the right side;
  • Stitch Pattern. Sometimes, the stitch pattern itself can provide clues. Certain stitch patterns may look different on the right side compared to the wrong side. Pay attention to the texture, appearance of knit and purl stitches, and any cables or lace patterns;
  • Yarn Tails. If you are using multiple colors or have yarn tails from joining new skeins, they often end up on the wrong side. The side without the tails is likely the right side;
  • Slip Stitch Edges. Some patterns may use slip stitches along the edges to create a neat edge. The slipped stitches are often worked on one side only, indicating the right side;
  • Color Changes. If you’re working with a self-striping or variegated yarn, the color changes may be more pronounced on one side. The side with the more defined color changes is usually considered the right side;
  • Curling Edges. In stockinette stitch, the fabric tends to curl toward the wrong side. If your project is curling, the side that curls inward is the wrong side;
  • Texture and Feel.The right side may feel smoother or have a more polished appearance, while the wrong side might have a slightly rougher texture;
  • Experience and Observation. As you gain more experience with knitting, you’ll become more adept at recognizing stitch patterns and the characteristics of the right side. Take note of how different stitches appear on each side.

Remember that these guidelines are general, and some patterns or stitch patterns may not follow these rules. Always refer to the specific instructions of your pattern to ensure you correctly identify the right side. If in doubt, you can place a stitch marker or use another method to help you keep track of the right side as you work.

What Does “Wrong Side” Mean in Knitting?

In the realm of knitting, the wrong side conceals itself, a hidden canvas behind the masterpiece. Understanding this distinction is crucial, particularly in round projects where turning your work in is not an option. The right side, adorned with the pattern’s splendor, contrasts with the utilitarian wrong side. Unravel the nuances and dispel misconceptions, for the face of your project lies in determining the right side – a subjective choice dictated by the desired outcome.

In knitting, the term “wrong side” refers to the side of the fabric that is not intended to be the visible or outer side of the finished project. The wrong side is usually the interior or hidden side of the fabric, while the “right side” is the side that is meant to be displayed.

When you follow a knitting pattern, it will often specify instructions for both the right side and wrong side of the work. Different stitch patterns or techniques may be used on each side, and it’s crucial to pay attention to these instructions to achieve the desired outcome.

Here are some key points about the wrong side in knitting:

  • Texture Differences: The wrong side may have a different texture compared to the right side. For example, in stockinette stitching, the right side consists of smooth “V” shapes, while the wrong side displays horizontal bumps;
  • Purl Stitches: In many stitch patterns, the wrong side involves working purl stitches. If a row is specified as the wrong side, you might need to purl across that row;
  • Color Changes: If you’re working with multiple colors or using a variegated yarn, the wrong side may show the color changes less prominently than the right side;
  • Seam Placement: If you’re knitting a garment in pieces and then assembling them, the wrong side is often the side where seams will be less visible;
  • Finishing and Weaving Ends: Tasks such as weaving in ends or attaching additional elements (buttons, zippers, etc.) are typically done on the wrong side to keep them hidden.

Always refer to your knitting pattern for guidance on when you are working on the wrong side. Patterns usually indicate which side is the right side and provide instructions for both sides to ensure that the finished project looks as intended. Properly identifying the wrong side is essential for achieving the desired appearance and structure in your knitted items.

Which Side of My Knitting is the Right Side? 5 Tips for Beginners

Mastering the art of distinguishing right from wrong is a skill acquired with experience. For beginners, the journey might seem perplexing, but fear not, for a single glance can unveil the truth. Explore the tips that guide your gaze through the stitches, unraveling the secrets embedded in each project.

  1. Stockinette Stitch and Other Non-Reversible Patterns. Dive into the world of popular stitch patterns, such as stocking stitch and cables. Unravel the mysteries of reversible patterns, where the right side showcases its charm, leaving the wrong side with understated simplicity;
  2. Watch Your Cast-On Tail. The symmetry of reversible stitches beckons attention to the cast-on tail, a silent guide revealing the project’s orientation. An exploration of moss stitch and rib stitch unveils the artistry in the details, guiding you through the labyrinth of right and wrong;
  3. Count Your Rows. The rhythmic dance of odd and even-numbered rows holds the key to identifying the right side. Discover the significance of row counting in intricate lace patterns and twisted stitch designs, ensuring your project unfolds with precision;
  4. Reversible Knitting Pattern – Look Very Closely. Enter the realm of reversible patterns with a closer look at 2×2 rib stitches. Unearth the subtle differences between right and wrong sides, understanding the significance of knit ridges and purl stitches in creating a symphony of stitches;
  5. Colorwork Techniques. Journey into the vibrant world of colorwork, where intarsia and Fair Isle techniques leave distinctive imprints on both sides. Navigate the intricacies of identifying the wrong side in advanced colorwork, where every strand and float tells a unique tale.

Not all projects unfold on a flat canvas; some spiral upward in the round. Explore the dynamics of wrong side knitting in tubular patterns, offering a solution to intricate stitches and a peek into the preferences of English knitters.

Conclusion

As your knitting prowess evolves, unraveling the enigma of right side versus wrong side becomes second nature. Armed with the insights shared in this tutorial, embark on your projects with confidence, knowing that every stitch carries a purpose. The journey from novice to master is paved with the ability to discern the hidden intricacies, ensuring that the right side always faces the world, revealing the true essence of your craft.