Create interest and texture when you learn how to ptbl (purl through back loop) an easy twisted purl stitch, in your next knitting project!

There are lots of knitting stitches out there, ptbl being one, that you probably will never need to know…until you do. And then you’ll NEED to know it.

If you run across purl through back loop in a pattern, the designer definitely put it in there as a design element because, well honestly, there is not other reason to use it. Purling through the back loop produces a twisted purl stitch. It’s similar to the way its cousin, ktbl, produces a twisted knit stitch.

And both twisted stitches are basically only used to add texture and interest and for design reasons. So if a designer adds ptbl, they MEAN ptbl, don’t just skip it a knit a regular purl stitch, your knitting project will not turn out right.

Twisted stitches like this add some texture and visual interest but they also make for a denser knitted fabric. Either way, ptbl is a good stitch to have in your knitting arsenal so that when you run across it, you know just what to do!

Purling through the back loop is not a very natural feeling motion, so make sure, the first time you try to it, that you have a minute to take your time and practice it. Once you do the motion a couple of times, it will make a lot more sense!

Tips and Tricks for ptbl

• Ptbl may also be written as p1 tbl or “purl through the back of the stitch”
• Practice a few times until the motion feels more natural.
• Whether the row below is knit stitches or purl stitches (more common), the working yarn should be in the FRONT when you ptbl.

How to Purl Through Back Loop

1. Start with your working yarn IN FRONT of your knitting project.
2. Insert the right needle through the BACK loop of the first stitch on the left needle from left to right.
3. Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right knitting needle
4. Pull the yarn through the stitch from front to back
5. Drop the original stitch from the left needle

How to ptbl (Purl Through Back Loop)

Print

Create interest and texture when you learn how to ptbl (purl through back loop) an easy twisted purl stitch, in your next knitting project!

Active Time 1 minute

Total Time 1 minute

Difficulty Intermediate

Estimated Cost $0

Materials

• Yarn

Tools

• Knitting needles

Instructions

1. Start with your working yarn IN FRONT of your knitting project.
2. Insert the right needle through the BACK loop of the first stitch on the left needle from left to right.
3. Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right knitting needle
4. Pull the yarn through the stitch from front to back
5. Drop the original stitch from the left needle

Notes

• Ptbl may also be written as p1 tbl or "purl through the back of the stitch"
• Practice a few times until the motion feels more natural.
• Whether the row below is knit stitches or purl stitches (more common), the working yarn should be in the FRONT when you ptbl.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Lion Brand Yarn 550-150 Pound of Love Yarn, One Size, Oxford Grey
• 
  ChiaoGoo Single Point 9 inch (23cm) Bamboo Dark Patina Knitting Needle Size US 7 (4.5mm) 1031-7

Did you love this?

Follow me on Pinterest and use the pin buttons to pin this post for later!

If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow me

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.

Follow me

Latest posts by Cassie May (see all)

• Easy DIY Knit Halloween Costumes (Just Add Pajamas) - October 10, 2024
• Witchy Black Cat Hat Knitting Pattern - October 7, 2024
• Big Squishy Pumpkin Knitting Pattern - October 2, 2024