Rechtsmaschen

Rechtsmaschen are knit stitches in German knitting terminology. The term translates literally to “right-side stitches,” with Rechtsmasche meaning a single knit stitch. They are the stitches formed on the right side of the fabric and contrast with Linksmaschen, the purl stitches formed on the wrong side. In many patterns, Rechtsmaschen are the primary stitches used on the right side, while Linksmaschen are used on the wrong side to create texture and pattern.

A Rechtsmasche is the standard knit stitch. To work one, insert the right needle from left to right into the front of the next stitch on the left needle, wrap the working yarn around the right needle, pull the loop through, and slip the old stitch off the left needle. The resulting fabric surface on the right side is smooth and flat, which is why Rechtsmaschen are a core component of common fabrics such as stockinette and garter when knit in the forward direction.

In pattern notation, instructions may specify a number of stitches to be knitted as “X Rechtsmaschen” or simply “X Maschen rechts.” The concept is used across a wide range of hand-knitting projects, including sweaters, scarves, hats, and socks. While the exact wording varies by language and pattern tradition, the knitting community in German-speaking regions generally uses Rechtsmaschen to denote knit stitches on the right side, and distinguishes them from Linksmaschen for the purl stitches on the wrong side.