KTBL Knit Through the Back Loop

This KTBL Knit Through the Back Loop technique creates one twisted knit stitch. This is accomplished by entering the needle into the stitch in the opposite direction. Patterns include this technique when tightening stitches like ribbing, or creating decorative ridges and mock cables.

Below, my written instructions with close-up photos help you easily understand this knitting tip. I’ve also included video tutorials for both right and left-handed knitters.

Demonstration of KTBL Knit Through the Back Loop technique with hands, yarn, and needles.

Knit Through the Back Loop: KTBL

In my demonstration, my working yarn is in the color white to help you best differentiate the old and new stitches.

Check out my Stitch Glossary to easily find knitting abbreviations in your favorite pattern’s required techniques.


Right-Handed Knitting Instructions

STEP 1: INSERT NEEDLE. With the yarn in back, insert your right needle into the first stitch from right to left. Your right needle is resting behind your left.

Insert needle into first loop knitwise.

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STEP 2: WRAP YARN. Wrap your yarn around the right needle counterclockwise from back to front, so it rests between the two needles.

Right-handed demonstration of wrapping yarn counterclockwise around needle.

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STEP 3: KNIT THROUGH. Knit your new stitch through by sliding the right needle down and bring the point forward, bringing the yarn with it.

Right-handed demonstration of knitting through the back loop.

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STEP 4: DROP OFF OLD STITCH. Bring your new stitch through and drop your old stitch off to knit a twisted stitch on your right needle.

Right-handed demonstration of a finished twisted knit stitch.

Watch Right-Handed Knitting Video Tutorial

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Left-Handed Knitting Instructions

STEP 1: INSERT NEEDLE. With the yarn in back, insert your left needle into the first stitch from left to right. Your left needle is resting behind your right.

Left-handed demonstration of inserting needle knitwise into the back loop.

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STEP 2: WRAP YARN. Wrap your yarn around the left needle clockwise from back to front, so it rests between the two needles.

Left-handed demonstration of wrapping yarn counterclockwise around needle.

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STEP 3: KNIT THROUGH. Knit your new stitch through by sliding the right needle down and bring the point forward, bringing the yarn with it.

Left-handed demonstration of knitting through the back loop.

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STEP 4: DROP OFF OLD STITCH. Bring your new stitch through and drop your old stitch off to knit a twisted stitch on your right needle.

Left-handed demonstration of a finished twisted knit stitch.

Watch Left-Handed Knitting Video Tutorial


KFB Knitting Front and Back

You will use this knitting increase in KFB Knit Front and Back. It uses this back loop technique when creating the second stitch on your needle.

Two hands holding knitting needles demonstrating the Knit Front and Back technique.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Demonstration of the KTBL Knit Through the Back Loop technique with hands, yarn, and needles.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Learn how to Knit Through the Back Loop (KTBL) in 4 easy steps.

Makes: KTBL Knit Through the Back Loop
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Difficulty: Experienced Beginner

Materials

  • Yarn - Any Gauge

Tools

  • Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn

Instructions

4 STEPS TO KNIT THROUGH BACK LOOP

  1. INSERT NEEDLE: With the yarn in back, insert your right needle into the first stitch from right to left. Your right needle is resting behind your left.
  2. WRAP YARN: Wrap your yarn around the right needle counterclockwise from back to front, so it rests between the two needles.
  3. KNIT THROUGH: Knit your new stitch through by sliding the right needle down and bring the point forward, bringing the yarn with it.
  4. DROP OFF OLD STITCH: Bring your new stitch through and dropping your old stitch off to knit a twisted stitch on your right needle.

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I hope you are inspired to try new techniques like knitting through the back loop with confidence in your next project!

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