Wrap and Turn (w&t) technique in knitting

The wrap and turn (w&t) technique in knitting is used to create short rows for shaping. It helps in forming curves or angles in the fabric without creating holes. Here's a high-level guide on how to perform a wrap and turn:

  1. Knit to the Specified Stitch: Follow your pattern until you reach the stitch that you need to wrap.
  2. Wrapping the Stitch: When you reach the stitch to wrap, if you're on the knit side, bring the yarn to the front as if you're going to purl. If you're on the purl side, you'd keep your yarn in front.
  3. Slipping the Stitch: Slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle.
  4. Moving the Yarn: Move the yarn to the opposite side of the work:
    • If you were on the knit side and you brought the yarn to the front, now take it to the back.
    • If you were on the purl side with the yarn in front, bring the yarn to the back, as if to knit.
  5. Slip the Stitch Back: Slip the same stitch back onto the left needle.
  6. Turning the Work: Turn your work around so the opposite side is facing you.
  7. Completing the Row: Move the yarn to the correct position for the next stitch (to the front for purl, to the back for knit) and continue knitting as the pattern directs.

I found several helpful video tutorials that can guide you through the wrap and turn knitting technique:

  1. One is a step-by-step tutorial on YouTube that teaches you how to wrap and turn stitches for short rows. It's a quick video, taking just a few minutes to explain the process clearly, and is a great starting point if you're new to this technique provided by The Knitting Circle: Wrap & Turn Short Rows.
  2. Purl Soho also has a wrap and turn tutorial on YouTube. They explain short rows and the wrap and turn method, helping you to create those triangles or wedges within your knitting that add shape to your projects: Short Rows Wrap + Turn Tutorial.
  3. Elizabeth Smith Knits offers tutorials for wrap and turn short rows in both stockinette and garter stitch on YouTube. These tutorials can be particularly helpful if you want to see how the technique differs slightly between different stitch patterns: How to work wrap and turn short rows.

These resources should help you understand and practice the wrap and turn technique. Enjoy your knitting!

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