Glossary / Wrap and turn
w&tWrap and turn
The short-row move that turns mid-row without leaving a hole.
Also written: wt
How to work it
Slip the next stitch to the right needle, bring the yarn to the other side of the work, slip the stitch back, then turn and work in the other direction. The yarn now wraps the base of that stitch. Later, when you knit across it again, pick the wrap up together with the stitch it hugs and work them as one so the gap closes. Short rows shaped this way add height to sock heels, shoulders, and bust darts.
Common confusions
What does w&t mean?
In knitting patterns, w&t means Wrap and turn. The short-row move that turns mid-row without leaving a hole.
Do I have to pick up the wraps?
In stockinette yes, or you get a visible line of holes. In garter stitch the bumps hide the wraps well enough that many patterns skip it. If your pattern does not mention picking them up, look at a swatch before deciding, because the fabric decides this more than the rule does.
How is this different from German short rows?
They solve the same problem in different ways. Wrap and turn wraps the yarn around a stitch and asks you to hide it later. German short rows pull the stitch into a double stitch instead, with nothing to pick up afterwards. Either can usually substitute for the other if you adjust the counts.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Wrap and turn | w&t |
| Español | Envolver y girar | no standard code |
| Deutsch | Wickeln und wenden | no standard code |
| Français | Envelopper et tourner | no standard code |
| Italiano | Avvolgere e girare | no standard code |
| 日本語 | ラップ＆ターン（引き返し編み） | 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.
Get Worsted