Hi, this is something I’ve wondered about. I seem to remember reading that slipped stitches are always slipped purl wise unless specifically said to be slipped knit wise. Is this correct? And if so, why? Thanks!
Hello
Slipping stitches purl wise keeps them mounted in their correct position for working as a regular knit or purl. If you were to slip them knit wise you’d be adding a twist.
For example slipping stitches into a cable needle you don’t want to twist them so slip purl wise, the leading leg or front leg is positioned to the right and the back leg to the left. When you work the stitch off the cable needle you’d get a correct knit.
There are lots of reasons for slipping stitches though and as you’ve mentioned some do twist the stitch. In some cases the stitch is twisted by slipping knit wise so that it can be worked through the back loop in a decrease, such as SSK.
Note though there are some styles of knitting where the stitches are expected to be twisted and worked differently.
If you have a specific instance in a pattern or a swatch you’re working let us know as someone might be able to answer more accurately for your pattern.
That makes a lot sense, thank you!
1 Like