If you’re new to knitting, you may come across certain terms that seem confusing or unfamiliar. One of these terms is “turn,” which is commonly used in knitting patterns and instructions. If you’ve ever wondered what this term means and how to do it correctly, you’re not alone.
Turning is an essential technique in knitting, and understanding how and when to use it can help you create a variety of different stitch patterns and designs.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the meaning of the term “turn” in knitting and discuss how to execute it in your knitting projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, read on to learn more about this essential knitting technique.
What Is a Turn Stitch?
In knitting, a turn stitch is a technique used when working short rows, which are rows that are not knit all the way across. When working short rows, a turn stitch is used to change the direction of the knitting without knitting all the way to the end of the row.
To work a turning stitch, you simply turn your work around as if you were at the end of the row and start knitting back in the opposite direction. This creates a gap or hole in your knitting, which can then be closed later using various techniques, such as picking up stitches or using a wrap-and-turn method.
Turn stitches are commonly used in shaping garments, such as creating curves in socks or adding extra length to the back of a sweater. By using turn stitches, you can create interesting patterns and textures in your knitting while also adding structure and shape to your projects.
How Do You Make a Turn in Knitting?
To incorporate the wrap-and-turn technique into your knitting, first work your way to the designated turning point. Once you reach this point, set aside the remaining stitches on your left-hand needle and prepare to work with the next stitch.
Slip this stitch from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle in a purlwise direction, ensuring that the yarn is positioned at the back of your work. Next, bring the yarn to your work’s front and slip it back from the needle on your right hand to the left-hand needle.
This will complete the wrap and turn for this stitch, allowing you to continue knitting in the opposite direction with ease. To achieve this, simply turn your work around so that the needle with the stitches you just worked is now in your left hand, while the empty needle is in your right hand.
With the yarn at the back of your work, bring it between the needles to the front before you slip the next one in a purlwise direction from the left hand holding the needle to the right-hand needle.
Note that when you turn your work, you may notice a small gap or hole between the stitch just worked and the next stitch. This is normal and can be closed later using various techniques, such as picking up stitches or using a wrap-and-turn method.
Practice this technique on a small swatch to get the hang of it before trying it on a larger project. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to turn your work seamlessly and create interesting shapes and textures in your knitting.
What Is Knitting Wrap and Turn?
Knitting wrap and turn (often abbreviated as W&T) is a technique used in short row knitting to prevent gaps or holes from forming when turning your work. When working a turn in knitting, the yarn can sometimes leave a gap or hole between the stitch just worked and the next stitch, especially when working in stockinette stitch or other smooth fabric.
By wrapping the stitch and turning, the yarn is carried over the stitch and effectively closed the gap that could have formed. When you come back to the wrapped stitch later, you can either knit it together with its wrap to hide it or pick up the wrap and knit it together with the stitch to create a decorative effect.
What Projects Does Wrap and Turn Work Best?
Wrap and turn knitting is a technique that is commonly used in a variety of projects, including garments, shawls, scarves, and blankets. It is especially useful when creating garments that require shaping, such as sweaters or cardigans.
Wrap and turn knitting can be used to create short rows, which can add depth and dimension to your work, allowing you to create more complex shapes and designs. It is also a great technique to use when working with yarns that have a tendency to unravel or split, as it helps to secure the stitches and prevent any loose ends from popping out.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, wrap and turn knitting is a valuable technique to have in your knitting toolbox, and can be used to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any project.
The wrap and turn technique is an essential tool for creating smooth, gap-free short rows in your knitting projects. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to use this technique to create interesting shapes and designs in your knitting.
Does Wrap and Turn Increase Knit Stitch?
No, a wrap and turn (W&T) does not increase the number of knit stitches in your knitting. Rather, it is a technique used to create short rows, which can help shape your knitting project.
In fact, when you work a W&T, you are actually decreasing the number of knit stitches temporarily since you are leaving a stitch unworked and wrapping the yarn around it instead. This creates an additional loop on the needle that is not a part of the original stitch count.
Later on, when you work back over the wrapped stitch, you either pick up the wrap and knit it together with the stitch to create a decorative effect or knit the wrap and stitch together to hide the wrap. This will return the stitch count to its original number.
So, while a W&T doesn’t increase the number of knit stitches, it is a helpful technique for shaping your knitting project and creating interesting designs.
Can Beginners Easily Learn How to Wrap and Turn?
While the wrap and turn (W&T) technique may seem a bit daunting at first, beginners can certainly learn how to do it with some practice and patience.
It’s important to note that the W&T is an intermediate knitting technique, so it’s best to have a solid understanding of the basic stitches and techniques before attempting it. It’s also helpful to have some experience knitting in the round or back and forth in rows before attempting short rows with W&Ts.
Here are some tips to make learning the W&T easier:
- Start with a small project: Practice the W&T technique on a small project, such as a swatch or a dishcloth. This will help you get a feel for the technique without committing to a larger project.
- Follow a tutorial: Watch video tutorials or read written instructions to help you understand the steps involved in a W&T. There are many great resources available online that can guide you through the process.
- Practice on scrap yarn: Before trying the technique on your project, practice on a piece of scrap yarn. This will give you the opportunity to experiment and make mistakes without ruining your project.
- Take your time: Don’t rush the process; take your time to understand the technique and practice until you feel comfortable with it.
With practice and patience, beginners can certainly learn how to do a W&T and incorporate it into their knitting projects to add shaping and interest.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the wrap and turn (W&T) technique is a valuable tool for intermediate knitters looking to add shaping and interest to their knitting projects. While it may take some practice and patience to master, beginners can certainly learn the technique with the help of tutorials, practice, and taking their time.
It’s important to remember that the W&T is a short-row technique that can be used to create curves, darts, or other shaping in your project. It can also be used to add visual interest and texture to your knitting, as the wraps can create unique patterns when worked together with the stitches.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, mastering the wrap and turn technique can help you take your knitting to the next level and create beautifully shaped and textured projects. So take the time to practice and experiment with this technique, and see what interesting shapes and designs you can create in your knitting.
If you enjoyed learning about the turning technique and want to discover more about knitting, be sure to check out our other knitting articles on this website. From basic techniques to advanced tips and tricks, we have a variety of articles to help you improve your knitting skills and tackle new projects.
So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, be sure to explore our website for more knitting content. And if you have any questions or suggestions for future articles, feel free to reach out and let us know. Happy knitting!
