Switching Sides
Finding Beauty in the Unexpected
When we work from a pattern, we are usually focused on the designated "right side" of the fabric. Knitting and crochet guidelines naturally direct us to keep our eyes on the front, inside or outside. But if you take a moment to turn your work over, you might find that the wrong side is exactly what your project needs.
Switching the sides of a project is a simple way to find unexpected texture and structures. Let's look at how the reverse side of common stitches can transform your fabric.
The Hidden Texture of Crochet Spike Stitches
Take the central panel of the crochet shawl shown above. It uses a variation of the spike stitch. In crochet, a standard spike stitch is worked by inserting the hook into a row below the working row, pulling up a long loop, and securing it. On the right side, this creates long, defined vertical lines.
However, the reverse side of this stitch behaves differently. When you work a spike stitch, the back of the stitch forms a denser, slightly raised bump. In this shawl, the textured reverse panel actually had more visual depth and structural interest than the front, so we deliberately chose to make the "wrong" side the public face of the shawl.
The Morse Code Effect in Slip Stitch Knitting
Knitting offers similar opportunities. When you work slip stitch patterns—where you pass a stitch from the left needle to the right without working it—the working yarn floats across the back of the fabric. On the wrong side of the fabric, these floats form neat, horizontal bars and loops, reminiscent of dots and dashes in Morse code.
Rather than hiding these floats inside a garment, you can celebrate them. Using the reverse side of a slip stitch design as the public face adds a rugged, tactile texture that works beautifully for a winter jumper, a warm beanie, or a structured scarf. If you are learning the fundamentals, understanding the anatomy of a stitch can help you see how these structural loops are formed.
Making the Most of Reversible Fabrics
Designating the wrong side as the right side is especially valuable for items that naturally show both sides, such as blankets, cowls, and scarves. By selecting stitches that have appealing textures on both faces, you build functional value and structural stability into your creations. You do not have to worry about a scarf flipping over in the wind if both sides look deliberate and neat.
Before casting on, it is also helpful to make sure your yarn selection is correct. Refer to the ultimate yarn weight guide to ensure your chosen organic cotton or bamboo yarn will give you the right drape for these textured fabrics.
So, the next time you finish a row or a round, flip your piece over. Take a look at the reverse side, and examine the structure. You might just realise that the wrong side is the perfect front for your design.
Further Reading
A series of articles on Knitted Ribbing - a truly reversible stitch. This starts with a Guide to Ribbing Techniques moving on to Mastering the Knitted Rib and Decorative options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any knitting or crochet pattern be made reversible?
While you can use the reverse side of almost any fabric as the public face, some patterns are structurally better suited for it. Stitches with floats, textured ridges, or balanced knit-and-purl structures tend to look the most cohesive when flipped.
How do I handle loose ends when the wrong side is the right side?
If you plan to use the reverse side of your work as the public face, weave in your yarn tails with extra care. Weave them through the centre of the yarn strands using a tapestry needle, splitting the fibres to secure the tail invisibly within the fabric structure.
Does using the reverse side affect the sizing or gauge of a project?
Does using the reverse side affect the sizing or gauge of a project? No, turning the fabric inside out or using the wrong side as the public face does not change the physical dimensions or gauge. The number of stitches and rows remains identical; only the outward visual texture is different.