Right + Left Twist
The Right and Left Twist is a lovely, decorative knitting technique that puts one stitch in front of another to create a cable-like effect. Here’s our Right and Left Twist tutorial, where we show you how!
RT (Right Twist): Knit into front of second stitch on left needle, leaving stitch on needle, then knit into front of first stitch on left needle and slip the two stitches from needle together.
LT (Left Twist): Knit into the back of second stitch on left needle, leaving stitch on needle, then knit into the front of first stitch on left needle and slip the two stitches from needle together.
NOTE: Like many techniques in knitting, there are multiple ways to create a Right and Left Twist. Check out our Mock Cable Rib Tutorial for another, slightly different version of the Right Twist!

Give this no-fuss, easy-to-do technique a try with our Hopscotch Washcloth + Hand Towel (above), Bramble Wrap or Wild Grass Wrap!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Berry easy to follow demo on front an back twist
I made a mistake and need to undo a LT and a RT- how do I do that? Thanks!
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for your question!
To undo a RT/LT, un-knit the first stitch on your RH needle as you would a regular knit stitch. This is the last stitch you just did (the stitch you fully knit into). Then, un-knit the next stitch. This is the stitch that’s the first step of a RT/LT, where you pulled the yarn through the loop but did not fully knit into it.
The stitches you just undid will be in the wrong order and you will have to move the stitch closest to the tip of your LH needle back so it comes before the other stitch you undid.
To do this, temporarily move the stitch closest to the tip of your LH needle onto your RH needle. Then, move the next stitch on the LH needle off the needle, pinching it or holding it with something like a DPN or crochet hook to make sure it doesn’t fall. Put the stitch you had on your RH needle back on your LH needle, making sure the stitch isn’t twisted. Then, put the stitch you were pinching back on your LH needle, also making sure it’s not twisted. If you did a LT, the stitch you were pinching will be in front of the stitch on your RH needle and if you did a RT, the stitch you’re pinching will be behind the stitch on your RH needle. And with that, you’ve just undone a RT/LT!
I hope this was helpful! If you’re still having trouble, I would recommend signing up for one of our 1-On-1 Project Help sessions so we can provide you with some visual guidance too!
Kindest regards,
Cat