Glossary / Through the back loop
tblThrough the back loop
Working into the far side of a stitch, which twists it at the base.
How to work it
Instead of entering the stitch through the near leg as usual, insert the right needle through the leg at the back of the left needle, then knit or purl as instructed. The stitch comes out crossed at its base, which makes it look tighter and more defined. Patterns use tbl deliberately for twisted ribbing and crisp cables, and also to correct a stitch that was mounted backwards.
Common confusions
What does tbl mean?
In knitting patterns, tbl means Through the back loop. Working into the far side of a stitch, which twists it at the base.
Is tbl a mistake or on purpose?
On purpose when a pattern asks for it, and a mistake when it happens by accident. Accidentally knitting tbl is what produces a row of twisted stitches that look tighter than the rest. If your fabric has one oddly crisp row, an unintended tbl is the usual cause.
Why does M1 tell me to knit tbl?
To close the hole. M1 lifts the loose strand between two stitches, and knitting that strand normally would leave a gap. Working it through the back loop twists it shut, which is the entire reason M1 is a nearly invisible increase.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Through the back loop | tbl |
| Español | Por la hebra trasera | no standard code |
| Deutsch | Durch das hintere Maschenglied | re verschr. |
| Français | Par le brin arrière | no standard code |
| Italiano | Nell’asola posteriore | no standard code |
| 日本語 | ねじり目（向こう側の足から編む） | no standard code |
Related stitches
Keep your place while you work this stitch. Worsted counts your rows and rounds and remembers your spot in the pattern, for crochet and knitting.
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