Why is knitting backwards so great?

Well, if you can master it, you never have to purl or turn your work during stockinette stitch. This makes stockinette stitch a breeze!

How do you do it? Simple...

First, all your stitches should be on the right needle with the right side (knit side) facing you. Stick your left needle into the back loop of the first stitch.

Next, wrap the yarn over the top (from the back) and around the left needle.

Finally, using the right needle, lift the old stitch over and off the left needle.

Viola! You've knitted backwards!! Let's try it again.

Stick the left needle through the back loop of the next stitch.

Wrap the yarn over the top (from the back) and around.

Lastly, lift the old stitch up and off the left needle.

Continue all the way across the row and you've knitted a row backwards!!

IMPORTANT TIPS!!

1. Practice on a scarf or a swatch before you attempt knitting backwards on a sweater or something you want to look great. Why? Well, just like when you first started knitting, you're stitches are going to be uneven and your tension will be a bit off. Practice, practice, practice... and you'll find knitting backwards to be faster than purling and with an even tension.

2. Don't be surprised (even after you get good) if the edge stitches are a bit loose. It isn't a big deal, especially on a sweater, because they get sewn in anyway! One easy fix is to slip the first stitch of every row.

If you have any questions about knitting backwards, just email me!

Yarn in the Right hand?

For those of you who hold your yarn in your right hand, the steps are the same...