Learn to Knit – Left Twist (LT) and Right Twist (RT)

Learn how to knit the simple crossing faux-cable stitches left twist (LT and right twist (RT) with this easy tutorial!

If you love the look of cable knitting but the idea of knitting cables scares you silly, then left twist stitch (LT) and right twist stitch (RT) are for you!

When you knit these twist stitches (not the same as twisted stitches) you’ll put one stitch in front of another in a way that looks like a single cable. Essentially you knit the stitches on the left needle out of order, but you do not need to rearrange the stitches or use a cable needle to do it.

What do RT and LT mean in knitting?

RT is the abbreviation for right twist stitch. LT is the abbreviation for left twist stitch.

Why do you need to learn right twist (RT) and left twist (LT) in knitting?

Left twist and right twist are great ways to add texture and interest to a knitting pattern. I’ve used them in several patterns including my Petal hat knitting pattern and my Rib Zag hat knitting pattern. These patterns create all of the cool details in those hats with only left twist and right twist stitches!

They also can be used as an alternative to cable stitches and the advantage is that they are a lot easier to knit.

How to knit a left twist stitch (LT):

1. Skip the 1st stitch on the left needle and knit into the BACK of the 2nd, leaving both stitches on the left needle.
   
   
   
2. Then knit the 1st stitch that you skipped.
   
   
   
3. Drop both stitches from the left needle.
   

How to knit a right twist stitch (RT):

1. Skip the 1st stitch on the left needle and knit into the FRONT of the 2nd, leaving both stitches on the left needle.
   
   
   
   
2. Then knit the 1st stitch that you skipped.
   
   
   
3. Drop both stitches from the left needle.
   

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Cassie May

Craft and Knitwear Designer at Little Red Window Design

Welcome to Little Red Window! I’m Cassie, a professional craft and knitwear designer working in the field for more than 10 years. I have a degree in Art History from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Architecture and Design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've designed more than 300 separate knitting patterns, hundreds of craft projects, and I love to bring joy to your crafts and knitting with well-designed, easy to understand tutorials and patterns.

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