Learn how to wrap and turn in knitting

Kniттing is a versatile craft that allows you to create beautiful fabric and garments. One of the techniques used in knitting is the wrap and turn method, which is commonly used in shaping garments such as socks, sleeves, and shawls. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore the wrap and turn technique and how to execute it in your knitting projects.

The wrap and turn technique is used to create short rows, a technique used to add extra fabric in specific areas of a knitted piece. It involves knitting part of the row, then wrapping the yarn around the next stitch to create a “wrap”. This wrap is then turned to work back in the opposite direction, creating a gap in the fabric. When the fabric is later joined, the gap is closed, creating a subtle shaping effect.

To execute the wrap and turn method, follow these steps:

Knit to the stitch where the wrap should be created.
Slip the next stitch purlwise onto the right-hand needle.
Bring the yarn to the front of the work.
Slip the slipped stitch back onto the left-hand needle. The yarn should be wrapped around the slipped stitch.
Turn the work to the wrong side.
Purl across to the next wrapped stitch.
Slip the wrapped stitch purlwise onto the right-hand needle.
Bring the yarn to the back of the work.
Slip the slipped stitch back onto the left-hand needle. The wrap should now be secured.
Continue with the next instruction or stitch pattern.

With these steps, you will be able to successfully execute the wrap and turn technique in your knitting projects. Experiment with this technique in different patterns and projects, and you will discover the endless possibilities it can bring to your designs. Happy knitting!

Learn How to Wrap and Turn in Knitting

Wrapping and turning, often abbreviated as W&T, is a technique used in knitting to create short rows. Short rows are rows that don’t extend all the way across the width of the knitting project, and they are commonly used to shape certain parts of a garment, such as the bustline or the shoulders.

To execute the wrap and turn technique, follow these steps:

Knit to the specified stitch where the wrap and turn should occur.
Slip the next stitch purlwise from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle.
Bring the yarn from the back to the front between the needles.
Slip the same stitch back onto the left-hand needle.
Turn the work around to start working on the wrong side.
Purl to the specified stitch where the wrap and turn should occur.
Slip the next stitch purlwise from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle.
Bring the yarn from the front to the back between the needles.
Slip the same stitch back onto the left-hand needle.
Turn the work around to start working on the right side.

After completing these steps, you will see that there is now a small “wrapped” stitch next to the stitch where the wrap and turn took place. This wrapped stitch helps to prevent a hole in the knitted fabric when working short rows.

When you come back to the wrapped stitch later in the pattern, you will need to work the wrap together with the wrapped stitch. This can be done by slipping the wrap onto the right-hand needle, and then knitting or purling it together with the wrapped stitch.

Using the wrap and turn technique can be a little tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes easier to execute. Wrapping and turning is an essential technique to learn for knitters who want to increase their skill level and tackle more advanced knitting projects.

Understanding Wrapping and Turning in Knitting

Wrapping and turning (abbreviated as W&T) is a technique used in knitting to create short rows and add shaping to your project. Short rows are rows that are not worked across the entire width of the knitting, and instead leave a gap or hole in the fabric. By wrapping and turning, you can create curves, angles, and darts in your knitting.

How it Works:

When you come to a point in your knitting where you want to create a short row, you will stop working across the full row and turn your work before reaching the end. Before turning, you will wrap the working yarn around the base of the stitch that you have just knit or purled, and then continue knitting or purling in the opposite direction.

Why Wrap and Turn:

Wrapping and turning creates a bridge of yarn across the gap or hole formed by the short row. This bridge of yarn helps prevent the fabric from developing holes or gaps in the transition between the full row and the short row. It also creates a smooth and seamless transition in the fabric, giving it a more professional and polished look.

Steps to Wrap and Turn:

1. Knit or purl to the stitch where you want to create the short row.
2. Slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle without knitting or purling it.
3. Bring the yarn to the front of the work for a purl stitch, or to the back for a knit stitch.
4. Slip the stitch back from the right needle to the left needle.
5. Turn the work around to the opposite side, so the wrong side becomes the right side.
6. Begin working back in the opposite direction, either knitting or purling the next row.

Managing Wraps:

When you reach the wrapped stitch on the next row, you will encounter a “wrapped stitch” or a “double stitch.” This stitch consists of the original stitch that was wrapped, as well as the wrap itself. To prevent holes or gaps in the fabric, you need to hide or eliminate this double stitch. There are different methods to manage wraps, including knitting them together, picking up wraps with the stitch, or lifting the wrap over the stitch. The choice of method depends on the pattern and the desired effect.

Finding Patterns:

Many knitting patterns will include instructions for wrapping and turning when needed. Look for patterns that have shaping, darts, or curves, as these are common areas where short rows and wraps may be utilized. Understanding the technique of wrapping and turning allows you to explore a wider range of patterns and add interesting design elements to your knitting projects.

Choosing the Right Yarn and Needles for Wrap and Turn

When learning how to wrap and turn in knitting, it’s important to choose the right yarn and needles to ensure success with the technique. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your materials:

Yarn Weight: The weight of the yarn determines the thickness of the fabric. For wrap and turn, it’s best to use a yarn that is not too bulky or too delicate. A medium weight yarn (also known as worsted weight or aran weight) is a good choice.
Fiber Content: Different yarn fibers have different properties. Wool is a popular choice for knitting because of its elasticity and memory, which make it easier to work with for wrap and turn. Acrylic blend yarns can also work well, providing a soft and durable material.
Needle Size: The size of the needles affects the tension of your stitches. For wrap and turn, use the needle size recommended on your yarn label. This will help ensure that your stitches are the right size and that the fabric remains even and consistent throughout the project.
Needle Type: There are different types of knitting needles, such as straight, circular, or double-pointed needles. For wrap and turn, straight or circular needles are typically used. Choose the type that you find most comfortable and that works best with your chosen yarn.

Remember, the key to successful wrap and turn technique lies in finding the right combination of yarn and needles that work well together. Experiment with different options until you find the perfect match for your project. Happy knitting!

Casting On and Knitting the First Few Rows

To begin knitting, you first need to cast on stitches onto your knitting needle. There are several methods to cast on, but the most common one is the Long Tail Cast On method. Here’s how to do it:

Start with a slip knot on your needle. To make a slip knot, make a loop with the yarn, leaving a tail that is long enough to cast on the desired number of stitches.
Insert the needle into the slip knot loop, from front to back, and pull the loop snug around the needle.
Hold the needle with the slip knot in your right hand and the tail yarn in your left hand.
With your left hand, position the yarn so that it wraps around your thumb and index finger. This will create a “V” shape.
Bring the needle under the yarn between your thumb and index finger, from back to front.
With your right hand, bring the needle over the top of the yarn and under it, to catch the yarn and create a new loop on the needle. This is the first cast on stitch.
Repeat steps 4-6 to cast on the desired number of stitches. Each time you make a new loop on the needle, make sure to adjust the tension to keep the stitches even.

Once you have cast on the desired number of stitches, you are ready to start knitting the first few rows. Here’s how:

Hold the needle with the cast on stitches in your right hand and the empty needle in your left hand.
Insert the empty needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle, from left to right.
With your right hand, bring the yarn over and behind the right-hand needle, so that the yarn is in position to make a knit stitch. The working yarn should be at the back of your work.
With your right-hand needle, catch the working yarn and pull it through the first stitch on the left-hand needle, creating a new stitch on the right-hand needle.
Slide the stitch from the left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle.
Repeat steps 2-5 to knit the remaining stitches on the left-hand needle. The knit stitches will start to form a row on the right-hand needle.
Continue knitting in this manner, knitting each stitch from the left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle, until you have completed the desired number of rows.

Now you know how to cast on and knit the first few rows. With practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful knitted projects!

Identifying the Wrap and Turn Point

Before you can perform a wrap and turn in knitting, it’s important to know where to place the wrap and turn point. This point is typically indicated in knitting patterns and can be found by carefully reading the instructions.

In most patterns, the wrap and turn point is indicated with specific stitch or row markers. These markers can be yarn scraps, removable stitch markers, or even safety pins. Placing a marker at the wrap and turn point helps you easily identify where the wrap and turn is needed.

To identify the wrap and turn point, follow these steps:

Carefully read the pattern instructions to find the wrap and turn point. It may be indicated as “W&T” or “wrap and turn”.
Look for any stitch or row markers that are specifically mentioned in the pattern. These markers will indicate the wrap and turn point.
If there are no mentioned markers, look for any changes in the stitch pattern or stitch count. These changes often indicate the wrap and turn point.
Once you have identified the wrap and turn point, place a marker at that point to make it easier to find later.

Having a clear understanding of where the wrap and turn point is located will ensure that you perform the technique correctly and achieve the desired shaping in your knitting project.

Wrapping the Stitch

Wrapping the stitch is an essential technique in knitting that helps create short rows and shape the fabric. It involves adding extra yarn to the working stitch to prevent gaps or holes.

To wrap a stitch, follow these steps:

Work to the stitch that needs to be wrapped.
Slip the next stitch onto the right-hand needle without knitting or purling it.
Bring the yarn to the front of the work if it’s not already there.
Slip the same stitch back onto the left-hand needle.
Turn the work around and start working in the opposite direction.

By doing this, you have effectively added an extra loop of yarn around the stitch, which prevents it from unraveling or creating gaps when you work the next row.

It’s important to note that there are different ways to wrap a stitch depending on the direction you’re turning and the pattern you’re working on. Some patterns may specify a different wrapping technique, so always refer to the pattern instructions for guidance.

Wrapping the stitch is a simple but useful technique that can be used in various knitting projects, such as shaping the neckline of a sweater or creating a ruffled edge on a shawl. By mastering the art of wrapping, you can take your knitting skills to the next level and create beautifully shaped garments and accessories.

Turning the Work

After completing the necessary number of wraps and turns, you will need to turn your work around to continue knitting in the opposite direction.

To turn the work, follow these steps:

Slide the right-hand needle, holding the wrapped stitch, into the next stitch on the left-hand needle as if to purl.
Hold the working yarn in the back and bring the right-hand needle and wrapped stitch through to the right-hand side of the work.

Now, you are ready to continue knitting in the opposite direction with the wrong side of the work facing you.

Remember, when you are working on a project that requires wraps and turns, it is important to follow the pattern instructions carefully to ensure that you are turning the work at the correct points.

Note: Turning the work is a key technique used in short row knitting, which creates shaping in projects such as socks, shawls, and garments.

Purling or Knitting the Wrapped Stitch

After you have wrapped the stitch, it’s time to purl or knit the wrapped stitch. The method you use will depend on the pattern instructions and what kind of stitch you are working with. Here are the steps for both purling and knitting the wrapped stitch:

Purling the Wrapped Stitch

Insert the right needle into the front of the wrapped stitch from right to left.
Wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around the right needle.
With the yarn in front of the work, use the right needle to pull the wrapped stitch through the wrapped portion.
Slip the original stitch off the left needle, leaving the wrapped stitch on the right needle.
Purl the rest of the stitches as instructed in the pattern.
Continue knitting according to the pattern.

Knitting the Wrapped Stitch

Insert the right needle into the front of the wrapped stitch from left to right.
Wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around the right needle.
With the yarn in back of the work, use the right needle to pull the wrapped stitch through the wrapped portion.
Slip the original stitch off the left needle, leaving the wrapped stitch on the right needle.
Knit the rest of the stitches as instructed in the pattern.
Continue purling according to the pattern.

Remember to always follow the pattern instructions for wrapping and turning, as different patterns may have specific techniques or variations. With practice, you’ll become comfortable with wrapping and turning in your knitting projects!

Using Wrap and Turn in Different Knitting Patterns

Once you have mastered the basic technique of wrap and turn in knitting, you can incorporate it into various knitting patterns to create beautiful designs. Here are a few examples of how wrap and turn can be used in different knitting patterns:

1. Wrap and Turn in Garter Stitch Scarf:

In a garter stitch scarf, you can use wrap and turn for shaping. For example, if you want to create a short row section in the middle of the scarf, knit to the desired stitch, wrap the next stitch, turn, and knit back. This will create a gap in the fabric, which can be closed later.

2. Wrap and Turn in Lace Knitting:

In lace knitting, wrap and turn can be used to create short row shaping in intricate lace patterns. For example, if you have a lace pattern that includes yarn overs and decreases, you can use the wrap and turn technique to shape specific sections of the pattern. This will create beautiful curves and angles in the lace design.

3. Wrap and Turn in Sweater Shaping:

Wrap and turn can also be used for shaping in sweater patterns. For example, if you are knitting a raglan sweater, you can use wrap and turn to create the shoulder shaping. Knit to the desired stitch, wrap the next stitch, turn, and knit back. This will create a short row section that shapes the shoulder area of the sweater.

4. Wrap and Turn in Sock Heels:

In sock knitting, wrap and turn is commonly used to shape the heel. It creates a cup shape that fits snugly around the heel of the foot. By incorporating wrap and turn into the heel flap and gusset sections of the sock pattern, you can create a comfortable and well-fitting sock.

5. Wrap and Turn in Cabled Patterns:

Even in cabled knitting patterns, wrap and turn can be used to shape the cable sections. It can create interesting twists and turns in the cables, adding extra texture and dimension to the design.

Remember, the wrap and turn technique can be adapted and used in various knitting patterns to add shaping and create unique designs. Experiment with different patterns and techniques to see how wrap and turn can enhance your knitting projects!

FAQ:

What is a wrap and turn in knitting?

A wrap and turn is a knitting technique used to create short rows in your work. It involves wrapping the yarn around a stitch and then turning your work to knit or purl back in the opposite direction.

Why would I need to use a wrap and turn in my knitting?

A wrap and turn is often used in knitting to create shaping, such as in shaping the bust or hips of a sweater. It allows you to add extra rows or sections to specific areas of your work, without having to work the entire row.