Knitting backwards saves time since you don’t have to change hands – especially on projects that have short rows.
It takes a little time to learn how to knit backwards but once you get the hang of it, it’s a great time-saver!
Learn how to knit backwards in both English and Continental styles in this video:
Creating Fabric with Knitting Backwards
When you knit backwards, it produces a knit stitch on the right side of your fabric.
To use this technique to create garter stitch, purl the forward (normal) rows and knit the backward rows. To create stockinette stitch, knit the forward and backward rows.
A Word of Caution about Tension
You may want to practice this technique on some scrap yarn before using it in a project. It might take a bit of practice to get your tension to match in both directions.
I’m a Continental knitter and I noticed that my tension was tighter on my backward rows. I suspect that it’s because backwards knitting for a Continental knitter is more like knitting English style, which tends to produce tighter stitches.
I suspect English knitters would have a similar problem, as backwards knitting is more like Continental knitting for them.
Want to Practice Knitting Backwards?
The scarf in the Brady the Snowman pattern is 4 stitches wide and perfect for practicing this skill. Our Brady the Snowman Knit Along includes lessons to guide you step-by-step through the entire project. Check it out at https://knitalongclub.com/course/brady/.
