Welcome to my new blog, knitting through the back loop!
The main focus of this blog is probably pretty obvious from the title – knitting! But the meaning behind the remainder of the title may be a little less clear.
Knitting through the back loop is a simple variant of a standard knit stitch- you simply place your needle through the back rather than the front loop of the stitch. Or as dummies.com puts it:
When knitting through the back of the loop, you’re changing the direction from which the needle enters the stitch. By knitting through the back of the loop (abbreviated ktbl), you deliberately twist the stitch and create a different effect.
Image comparing standard and twisted stitch in stocking stitch/stockinette, taken from interesting discussion on twisted stitches by Amanda Keep at the Berroco blog
This subtle technique plays with the standard formation and orientation of a knit stitch, approaching it from a new angle and producing something different, interesting and and beautiful. It is a great example of the amazing variety that can be produced in knitting with just a few changes to the way yarn is wrapped and pulled through a loop.
In this blog I plan to explore some of the qualities embodied in the ktbl: to celebrate the rich artistry and diversity in knitting, and to consider hand knitting projects and patterns from a slightly different angle. This means looking at knitting as part of a wider world of fashion, arts and social history in the following main categories:
Trending: looking at contemporary fashions in knitwear from the catwalk, high street and knitting patterns
Vintage Update: focus on trends in knitted garments in past decades, looking at vintage patterns and influences on current fashions and designs
Mixed Media: how knitting has been influenced and inspired by other art forms, such as architecture, painting, and wider artistic movements
Made by Hand: exploring approaches to creativity, looking at ideas of individuality, originality and perfectionism
From the Archives: the social history of knitting as a hobby and industry over the centuries
These are all subjects that excite and fascinate me, and I hope I can share some of this enthusiasm with you as the blog progresses. I’d also love to hear from you and share what inspires and interests you about the historic, but ever evolving, art of knitting!
knitting through the back loop 