Do you want to add stunning texture and visual effects to your knitted fabric? You can achieve this tremendous result using knit through a back loop (KTBL). You can easily learn this technique which is slightly different from standard knitting. As you know, the standard process involves inserting the knitting needles through the front loop while KTBL involves knitting the back, resulting in a tighter and more defined texture. This post will explore steps to create the KTBL, when to use it, and tips for getting perfect results.

Knitting Technique KTBL- Unlock Creativity

Before you start making the first project using this superb technique, let’s understand this beautiful stitch. In regular knitting, we insert the needle through the front of the loop. However, when you knit through the back loop, you’re inserting your needle into the back of the stitch, creating a tighter and twisted effect. Incredible right? If you are knitting in the rounds you can go ahead with double-pointed knitting needles, ideal for socks and hats.

Instructions to knit KTBL

Here is the step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Cast on Stitches

• When starting a new project, cast on stitches using your preferred method like long-tail cast-on. In case you already started working on a project and want to add the KTBL technique, continue knitting as usual until you reach a desired point.

Step 2: Adding KTBL technique

• Once you reach the point where you’ll be introducing the back loop, look at the loop on your needle. In regular knitting, as you know, you insert your right-hand needle into the front leg of the loop. However, to knit through the back loop, you’ll need to work into the back loop.

Step 3: So, just insert your right-hand needle through the back loop of the stitch from right to left. This will create a slight twist in the stitch.

Step 4: Wrap your working yarn around the right-hand needle like you do for a knit stitch. Pull the yarn through the back loop. This will give a unique look.

Step 5: Next, slide the stitch from the left-hand needle onto the right one.

Congratulations. You successfully achieved the pattern.

Are you looking to make a bigger project? Use circular needles that can handle many stitches and are perfect for sweaters and blankets.

What is the difference between the two techniques: regular knit and KTBL stitches?

KTBL stitches look similar but they look different on a knitted fabric. The stitches form an ‘X’ while the regular knit a ‘V’ shape. The knitted fabric appears simpler and denser due to the twisted stockinette pattern.

Why and when should you use KTBL in your project?

After understanding the complete KTBL stitches, let’s see why and when to use it.

1. If you find your ribbing stitches too loose during that circumstance, use a KTBL that can tighten up those stitches, making your fabric more textured.
2. Add twisted stitches using a KTBL method and make beautiful patterns, especially in lace and cable work.
3. The technique will help in fixing the holes in your knitting, which are caused by the yarn over. You can easily pick up the stitches using the KTBL method.
4. Make your project more interesting and lovely by adding a 3D effect using the KTBL technique.

Suggestions and tips while using KTBL

Here are some tips when you start using this creative method in your project.

1. When working on the round project, stitch markers are your best friend. To avoid mistakes, place these colorful and tiny markers at the beginning of each round to keep track.
2. KTBL tends to tighten the stitches, make sure you’re not pulling too tightly on your yarn.
3. Sometimes knitting through a back loop looks awkward due to the habit of knitting the front loop. So, practice it as much as possible.

To add variety and sophistication to your knitting projects, it's good to learn the advanced knitting technique. For smaller and more detailed work, this technique will help you create beautifully twisted stitches with structure and style.