Quick answer: w&t means wrap the working yarn around the next stitch, turn your work, and knit back the other way. The wrap prevents a hole at the turning point. Pick up wraps later to hide them.
What it means
w&t (wrap and turn) is the traditional method for working short rows. The wrap prevents a gap at the turning point. Short rows add length or shaping to part of the fabric without working across the full row.
When you see it
- Sock heels
- Shoulder shaping in sweaters
- Bust darts and waist shaping
- Curved hems and shawl edgings
How to do it (on a knit row)
- Work to the turning point. Do not knit the next stitch.
- Slip the next stitch purlwise to the right needle.
- Bring yarn to the front.
- Slip the stitch back to the left needle.
- Bring yarn to the back. Turn your work.
- The wrap is now around the base of that stitch.
Picking up the wrap
When you reach a wrapped stitch on a later row: insert needle under the wrap and through the stitch together, then knit both together. The wrap disappears.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to pick up the wrap — leaves a hole or bar
- Picking up the wrap from the wrong side
- Not wrapping tightly — the wrap slips away from the stitch