käänteissilmukka

Käänteissilmukka, known in English as a reverse loop or purl stitch, is a fundamental technique in knitting. It is the counterpart to the knit stitch and is essential for creating textured fabrics and patterns. When a knitter performs a reverse loop, the yarn is brought to the front of the work before the needle is inserted into the stitch from back to front. The working yarn is then wrapped around the needle in the opposite direction compared to a knit stitch. This results in a loop that appears as a "bump" or "V" on the purl side of the fabric, while the knit side shows the characteristic "V" shape of the knit stitch.

The reverse loop stitch is the basis for many common knitting patterns. For example, garter stitch, one of the simplest knitting fabrics, is created by alternating rows of knit stitches and reverse loop stitches. Ribbing, which provides elasticity to knitted garments, is formed by alternating columns of knit and reverse loop stitches. Seed stitch, another textured pattern, is made by alternating knit and reverse loop stitches within the same row. Understanding and mastering the reverse loop is therefore crucial for any knitter wishing to progress beyond basic garter stitch. The tension and appearance of the reverse loop stitch can vary depending on the yarn, needles, and the knitter's technique, contributing to the unique character of knitted items.