Page "Knitting" Paragraph 22

Both knit and purl stitches may be twisted: usually once if at all, but sometimes twice and ( very rarely ) thrice.

When seen from above, the twist can be clockwise ( right yarn over left ) or counterclockwise ( left yarn over right ); these are denoted as right-and left-plaited stitches, respectively.

Hand-knitters generally produce right-plaited stitches by knitting or purling through the back loops, i. e., passing the needle through the initial stitch in an unusual way, but wrapping the yarn as usual.

By contrast, the left-plaited stitch is generally formed by hand-knitters by wrapping the yarn in the opposite way, rather than by any change in the needle.

Although they are mirror images in form, right-and left-plaited stitches are functionally equivalent.

Both types of plaited stitches give a subtle but interesting visual texture, and tend to draw the fabric inwards, making it stiffer.

Plaited stitches are a common method for knitting jewelry from fine metal wire.