With your knitting needles and supplies, you are ready to start a new project. However, the pattern you chose calls for reverse stockinette stitch, a technique you're unfamiliar with. Well, there is no need to worry! Today's blog is tailored to guide you through this stitch, equipping you with the know-how to tackle this technique and expand your knitting repertoire.
First, we must understand the regular stockinette stitch to learn the reverse stockinette stitch.
Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette Stitch is a basic knitting pattern that you learn after garter stitch. It is achieved by knitting one row and then purling the next. This results in a smooth, flat fabric with a "V" pattern on one side (the knit side) and a bumpy texture on the other (the purl side). It's a fundamental stitch in knitting projects.
Reverse Stockinette Stitch
The reverse stockinette stitch is the reverse of the traditional stockinette stitch. In stockinette stitch, you knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side. However, when working in the round, there is no wrong side, so you need to adjust the technique to create the purl bumps on the right side of the fabric.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cast On: Start by casting on the required number of stitches for your project using a circular needle.
Join in the Round:
- Utilize the incredible support of knitting accessories to enhance your craft.
- Before starting, ensure your cast-on stitches are untwisted.
- As you join the work in the round, use a stitch marker to denote the beginning.
- These accessories are crucial in achieving seamless, impeccable knitting experiences.
Purl Every Stitch: To create a reverse stockinette stitch in the round, you will purl every stitch in every round. Unlike working flat, where you would alternate between knitting and purling, working in the round requires you to purl every stitch to achieve the purl bump texture on the right side of the fabric.
Continue Knitting: Once you have purled the first round, continue knitting every subsequent round. The consistent purl stitches will create the reverse stockinette texture on the right side of the fabric.
Working reverse stockinette stitch in rounds instead of rows can offer several advantages:
Seamless Fabric: Working in rounds eliminates the need for seams that would be necessary if you were to work back and forth in rows and then seam the edges together. This creates a seamless fabric, ideal for items like hats, cowls, or sweaters where a smooth, uninterrupted texture is desired.
Consistent Texture: When knitting reverse stockinette stitch in rows, the right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) rows are different. However, when knitting in rounds, every round is worked on the right side, maintaining a consistent texture throughout the project.
Ease of Pattern Design: When working in rounds, creating patterns or designs on reverse stockinette stitch becomes simpler. With no need to switch between knit and purl rows, it's easier to incorporate various stitch patterns or colorwork without the complication of dealing with the wrong side.
Faster Progress: For some knitters, working in the round can be faster and more efficient than working back and forth in rows. The continuous circular motion can lead to a more rhythmic and quicker knitting experience.
Remember, the choice between knitting reverse stockinette stitch in rounds or rows might depend on the specific project or personal preference. But for many, working it in rounds can offer a more streamlined and enjoyable knitting experience.
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