How to lt in knitting

What does 'lt' mean in knitting?

In knitting, abbreviations are used to make patterns more concise. 'lt' is a common abbreviation that stands for 'knit two stitches together through the back loop'. This is a specific type of decrease, meaning it reduces the number of stitches on your needle. Understanding how to execute an 'lt' is essential for following many knitting patterns, especially those involving shaping, lace, or intricate stitch designs.

How to perform an 'lt' decrease

The 'lt' (knit two together through the back loop) is a decrease that slants to the left. To perform it, you will insert your right needle into the back loops of the next two stitches on your left needle, as if you were going to knit them, but you do this from back to front. Then, you will wrap your yarn around the right needle and pull it through both stitches. Finally, you will slip both stitches off the left needle together. This process effectively combines two stitches into one, creating a decrease.

Why use an 'lt' decrease?

The 'lt' decrease is particularly useful for several reasons:

• Direction of Lean: It creates a decrease that leans to the left. This is important for symmetry and visual appeal in patterns. For example, if you have a central stitch or a cable that needs to be framed by decreases, using 'lt' on one side and its counterpart 'rt' (knit two together, which leans right) on the other side creates a balanced look.
• Appearance: When worked correctly, the 'lt' decrease creates a neat, relatively unobtrusive hole or bar. This can be desirable in lace patterns where you want the eyelets to be distinct but not overly bulky.
• Pattern Requirements: Many designers specifically call for 'lt' to achieve a particular aesthetic or to control the drape and fit of a garment. Following these instructions precisely ensures that your finished item matches the designer's vision.

When to use 'lt'

You'll encounter the 'lt' decrease in a variety of knitting projects:

• Lace Knitting: This is perhaps the most common place to find 'lt'. Lace patterns often rely on increases and decreases to create openwork motifs, and 'lt' is frequently used to decrease stitches at the edges of these motifs or to shape the overall fabric.
• Shaping Garments: When you need to decrease stitches to shape areas like the neckline, armholes, or the waist of a sweater, 'lt' can be employed. The left-leaning nature of the decrease can be used strategically to follow the contours of the body or to create specific design lines.
• Cables: Sometimes, cables are framed by decreases, and the direction of the decrease can be important for the overall visual harmony of the cable panel.
• Edgings and Borders: Certain decorative edgings might incorporate 'lt' to create a specific texture or to taper the edge.

Common Mistakes and Tips

While 'lt' is a fundamental technique, beginners might encounter a few issues:

• Tension: Inconsistent tension can make the decrease look messy. Try to maintain even tension throughout the process, ensuring both stitches are worked with the same firmness.
• Stitch Orientation: Make sure you are indeed inserting your needle through the *back loops* of both stitches. If you go through the front loops, you'll create a different decrease (knit two together, 'k2tog') which leans to the right and looks different.
• Tangled Yarn: When working two stitches together, especially if they are already a bit twisted, the yarn can sometimes get tangled. Be patient and gently guide the yarn.
• Identifying 'lt' vs. 'rt': It's crucial to distinguish between left-leaning ('lt') and right-leaning ('rt' or 'k2tog') decreases. They serve different visual purposes and are not interchangeable in most patterns. The 'lt' will naturally slant towards the left side of your needle, and the 'rt' will slant towards the right.

Mastering the 'lt' decrease is a valuable skill for any knitter looking to expand their pattern repertoire and create more complex and beautifully designed knitted items. Practice it on a swatch until you feel comfortable with the motion and can achieve a neat, consistent result.