What are "WYIB” and "WYIF" in Knitting?

Have you ever thought for a while that you are reading some digital code when reading knitting patterns or acronyms? There are many oddball abbreviations and terms that you will find in knitting. These are useful, and you must learn them so that you can use them in your patterns. WYIB is working yarn in back, and WYIF means working yarn in front. Let's discover more about this technique, its uses in slip stitches, and how to use it in your project.

What do you understand by WYIB?

WYIb stands for with yarn in back. You will notice this technique in colorwork or slip stitch patterns. In this, the working yarn must be positioned behind the needle as you slip stitch, generally purlwise, unless specified. This will produce specific effects in your creations. Learn how to slip stitch in knitting.

Note: 'Back', here, does not mean wrong side(WS) in knitting, it just means the side you are looking at.

How to create it?

If you are knitting,

1. The working yarn is already at the back of the needles; if it's not, then slip it back. 
2. Slip the stitch from LH to RH circular knitting needles, purlwise without moving the working yarn between the needles.

If you are purling,

1. It is the opposite of WYIF on the knit side. When purling, your yarn should be in the front.

For example: (WS): *P1, sl1 WYIB*, repeat to end.

This means purling one stitch and then slipping the next one with the yarn held in the back. This will create a smooth and clean look in your fabric.

What do you understand by WYIF?

WYIF stands for with yarn in front; this acronym appears on the incorrect side of your work or when using slipped stitches to add texture. In this technique, while using Destiny circular needles from Lantern Moon, bring the yarn in front of the needles when slipping a stitch. This is often used in the mosaic pattern.

Note: 'Front', here, does not mean right side(RS) in knitting, it just means the side you are looking at.

How to create it?

If you are knitting,

1. You need to move the working yarn to the front of the knitting needles. For sl1WYIF, move your working yarn to the front of the double-pointed knitting needles.
2. Slip the stitch purlwise, from LH to RH.
3. Resume the knitting, move the working yarn to the back of the knitting needles.

If you're purling,

1. As the working yarn is already in the front, for sl1 WYIF on the purl side, simply slip the stitch purlwise from LH to RH.

For example: (RS): *P1, sl1 WYIF*, repeat to end

This means you’re purling one stitch, then slipping the next while keeping the yarn in front. It’s a small movement that has a big visual impact.

Let's Summarise WYIF and WYIB in a Table

Why Yarn Position Matters?

This is the crucial step when following WYIF and WYIB because the way it appears on the pattern will determine whether your yarn is held in the front or back. If in case, you place the yarn in the incorrect position, it could result in the incorrect bar, and you will get a distorted shape in your pattern.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone makes mistakes, but enough knowledge and skill will help you to avoid them easily:

1. Slipping the stitch knitwise, instead of purlwise that can mess your pattern, unless it's specified; always slip stitches purlwise.
2. This is the most common mistake that knitters make, forgetting to move the yarn to the correct position (back or front) before slipping the stitch.
3. Right Side (RS) and Wrong Side (WS) matter! Keep the stitch markers on the right side to help you focus, especially when switching between WYIB and WYIF every row.

Despite difficulty understanding these acronyms, "WYIB" and "WYIF" have significant implications for your knitting journey. Most importantly, knowledge of yarn placement paves the way for beautiful final pieces with complex colorwork and textures. After mastering the art of slipping stitches, you will be confidently working on the stitches.