Decoding Your Stitches: The "Right vs. Wrong Side" in Knitting Explained
Ever started a knitting project, blissfully purling and knitting along, only to squint at your work later and wonder, "Wait, which side is which?" Or maybe a pattern says "Row 1 (RS): Knit" and you're thinking, "RS? What in the world is an RS?" If any of this sounds familiar, my friend, you're officially diving into one of the most fundamental (and sometimes most confusing) concepts in knitting: the right side vs. wrong side.
Don't sweat it if it feels a bit murky right now. You're not alone! Every knitter, from absolute beginner to seasoned pro, has faced this riddle. It's not some secret handshake; it's a core piece of information that helps you understand your fabric, follow patterns, and ultimately create the beautiful pieces you envision. So, let's untangle this mystery together, shall we?
What Exactly Are the Right and Wrong Sides?
Okay, let's break it down in simple terms.
The Right Side (RS) of your knitting is typically the "public-facing" side. It's the side you want everyone to see, the pretty side, the exterior of your garment. Think of it like the front of a beautifully wrapped present – that's the side meant for display. In most patterns, the instructions are written assuming you're looking at or working from the right side of your fabric, unless otherwise specified.
The Wrong Side (WS), conversely, is the "back" of the fabric, the side that will likely be hidden, facing your body, or tucked away. It's not inherently "wrong" in a bad sense; it's simply the other side. Imagine the inside of that wrapped present – functional, but not the primary aesthetic focus.
Now, here's a crucial point that often trips people up: the terms "right" and "wrong" don't always mean one side is inherently better than the other. Sometimes, the "wrong" side of a stitch pattern can be quite beautiful and intentionally used as a design element! It's more about designation and consistency than moral judgment. We designate one side as the RS to help us keep track and follow instructions correctly.
Why Does This Even Matter So Much?
You might be thinking, "Can't I just knit and whatever happens, happens?" Well, yes, you can, especially for super simple projects like a garter stitch scarf. But for anything more involved, knowing your RS from your WS becomes incredibly important.
Pattern Interpretation and Accuracy
This is probably the biggest reason. Almost every knitting pattern assumes you know which side you're on. Instructions like "Row 3 (RS): Knit 5, purl to last 5 stitches, knit 5" or "Begin decrease rows on the next WS row" are meaningless if you can't identify your working side. Misinterpreting this can lead to mistakes in stitch patterns, shaping, and overall design, making your finished object look… well, a bit wonky.
Fabric Appearance and Stitch Patterns
Many stitch patterns look distinctively different on the right side versus the wrong side. * Stockinette Stitch: This is the quintessential example. On the right side, you see smooth, V-shaped stitches. Flip it over to the wrong side, and you'll see horizontal bumps (the purl side). If you accidentally knit on the purl side when you should have purled, you'll break the stockinette fabric. * Cables: Cables are usually designed to pop out on the right side of the fabric. Working a cable twist on the wrong side often looks awkward and incorrect. * Lace: The intricate eyelets and designs of lace patterns are meant to be showcased on the right side. * Colorwork: Whether it's Fair Isle or intarsia, the main design is always on the right side, while the floats or color changes are managed on the wrong side.
Understanding these differences helps you identify errors quickly and ensures your stitch pattern looks exactly as intended.
Shaping, Seaming, and Finishing
When you're shaping a garment (like armholes, necklines, or sleeves), increases and decreases are often strategically placed on specific sides to be less visible or to create a particular aesthetic effect. Similarly, when you seam pieces together, knowing the RS helps you ensure clean, consistent seams that lie flat and look professional.
Keeping Your Bearings
Honestly, sometimes it's just about not getting lost! When you pick up a project after a break, quickly identifying the RS helps you reorient yourself and pick up exactly where you left off.
How to Tell the Difference: Practical Tips and Tricks
Alright, so how do we actually know which side we're on? Here are some tried-and-true methods:
The Cast-On Tail: This is often the first clue! For many common cast-ons (like the long-tail cast-on), the short yarn tail left over will be on the left side when the right side of your work is facing you and you're ready to knit. Conversely, if the tail is on the right, you're likely looking at the wrong side. Be aware: this isn't 100% foolproof for every cast-on or every knitter, but it's a good general guideline.
The Stitch Marker Trick: This is, hands down, the best and simplest method, especially for beginners. When you start your project and have worked the first row or two, determine which side is your RS (usually the pattern will tell you, or you can go by the cast-on tail). Then, simply clip a removable stitch marker onto a stitch on that right side. Every time you pick up your knitting, if the stitch marker is facing you, you're on the right side. If it's on the back of your work, you're on the wrong side. Genius, right?
Recognize Your Stitches: As you gain experience, you'll start to "read" your knitting.
- Stockinette: As mentioned, V's are RS, bumps are WS.
- Garter Stitch: This is a bit of a trickster! Garter stitch looks the same on both sides (all those lovely ridges). So, while you still designate an RS for pattern tracking, visually it won't help you much. This is where the stitch marker is invaluable.
- Ribbing (1x1, 2x2, etc.): Often symmetrical-ish, but if you have an odd number of stitches, you might see a clear difference. Still, the marker is your friend.
- Cables & Lace: These patterns usually have a clear "front" where the design pops and a less defined "back."
Follow the Pattern's Cues: Many patterns will explicitly state "Row 1 (RS): Knit" or "The first row after the cast-on is a WS row." Pay close attention to these initial instructions! They are your roadmap.
When It Doesn't Really Matter (and When It Still Does)
There are times when the right vs. wrong side distinction feels less critical, but even then, it's good to be aware.
For projects entirely in Garter Stitch, for example, the fabric looks identical on both sides. So, aesthetically, it doesn't matter which side you call "right." However, if your garter stitch scarf suddenly introduces a pocket in stockinette, you'll still need to know which side is your designated RS to correctly place that pocket!
Similarly, some patterns create reversible fabrics that are designed to look great on both sides (think double knitting or specific reversible rib patterns). In these cases, the terms "right" and "wrong" are less about appearance and more about helping you keep track of where you are in the pattern sequence. You still need to designate one side as the RS to follow the instructions accurately, even if the result looks symmetrical.
A Little Personal Aside
I once knit an entire sweater panel, happily chugging along, convinced I was doing everything right. It wasn't until I went to seam it to another panel that I realized I had somehow flipped my designated right side halfway through and was knitting stockinette inside out for a good chunk of the project! Talk about a head-smacker moment. I ended up having to unravel a significant portion. If only I had used a simple stitch marker from the start! It's a mistake I've never made again, and it taught me the immense value of that tiny, unassuming piece of plastic.
Bringing It All Together
Understanding the concept of the right vs. wrong side in knitting is truly a foundational skill. It's not about memorizing complex rules, but rather about developing an awareness of your fabric and how it relates to your pattern. Think of it as knowing which way is up!
So, next time you cast on, take a moment. Decide which side is your right side, clip on that trusty stitch marker, and proceed with confidence. As you gain more experience, "reading" your knitting will become second nature, and you'll find yourself effortlessly navigating patterns and creating beautiful, consistent, and intentional fabric. Happy knitting, my friend!