How to Knit Left Twist and Right Twist Stitches
Simple stitches like left twists and right twists create intricate patterns that add texture to your knitting. Left twists and right twists are similar to cables. Cables are performed over a series of stitches where you knit the stitches out of order. Left twists and right twists are also performed by knitting the stitches out of order. The good news is that you don’t need a cable needle to perform these stitches.
As the names suggest, a left twist stitch leans to the left and a right twist stitch leans to the right. You can create an endless possibility of patterns by adding these two stitches to a stockinette pattern. You could mix in a few other stitches and create blocks for an afghan. Here are some examples of how putting a left or right twist stitch into your work can create a pattern.
I will demonstrate how to execute these stitches.
RIGHT TWIST
Insert your right hand needle into the first two stitches on your left hand needle as if to knit 2 together
Wrap your yarn and knit them together without taking the stitches off your left hand needle
Insert your needle knitwise into the first stitch
Wrap your yarn and knit it
Remove both stitches from your left hand needle
This demonstrates how to do the right twist.
LEFT TWIST
Slip one stitch as if to knit
Slip the next stitch as if to knit
Slip both stitches back to the left hand needle by inserting the left hand needle into them one at a time from left to right.
Insert your needle into the second stitch through the back loop
Knit the stitch without taking anything off the left hand needle
Insert your right hand needle into both stitches through the back loop
Knit the two stitches together
Remove both stitches from your left hand needle
This demonstrates how to do the left twist.
Both stitches are simple to execute with just a few extra steps to remember on the left twist. Each time you learn a new stitch it boosts your confidence and motivates you to keep trying new things. When you learn new techniques in your knitting you are able to knit more advanced projects. You can also design your own patterns using simple textured stitches. There truly are endless possibilities when it comes to knitting designs and techniques. Be sure to let me know below, in the comments, what you’re currently working on. I do love to hear about your knitting projects.
Knit with Love my Friend,
I think it is helpful but I would recommend a lighter yarn I have trouble with seeing the stitches with the dark yarn
I agree with previous comment. Please use a lighter colored yarn for the photos, and insure that the yarn and needle can be seen against the background color. Larger gauge needles would also be helpful . Thanks for doing the tutorial.
Make 1 With Left Twist (M1L) Insert the left knitting needle from front to back under the strand that runs between the stitch on the right knitting needle and the stitch on the left knitting needle. With the right knitting needle, knit into the back of the loop on the left knitting needle. Make 1 With Left Twist Purl Side Insert the left knitting needle from front to back under the strand that runs between the stitch on the right needle and the stitch on the left needle. With the right knitting needle, purl into the back of the loop on the left knitting needle.