How to Knit Wrap and Turn Short Rows Flat: Free Step-by-Step Knitting Tutorial
You knit wrap and turn short rows flat by wrapping the yarn around the next stitch, turning your work, and continuing back.
To knit wrap and turn short rows flat, you work back and forth and intentionally stop before the end of the row to shape your fabric. When you reach the point where the short row begins, you bring the yarn to the correct position, slip the next stitch, wrap the yarn around that stitch, turn your work, and continue knitting in the opposite direction. Later, when you come back to that wrapped stitch, you knit or purl it together with its wrap to avoid holes. This knitting technique is commonly used in flat knitting to add gentle shaping to heels, shoulders, busts, and curved hems. Wrap and turn short rows are beginner friendly once broken into clear steps and are a foundational skill in many knitting patterns worked flat.
Introduction: What You’ll Learn and Who This Is For
If you’ve ever followed a knitting pattern that suddenly says something like wrap and turn and thought wait… what, you are in the right place.
In this knitting tutorial, I’m walking you through how to knit wrap and turn short rows flat, step by step, with clear explanations for why each step matters. This is written for beginners and confident beginners who are comfortable with knit and purl stitches but want to understand shaping without stress.
Skill level: beginner friendly
Technique focus: flat knitting, back and forth (not in the round)
By the end, you’ll know exactly how wrap and turn short rows work and how to avoid those annoying holes.
Materials Needed
You do not need anything fancy for this knitting technique. Simple tools are perfect.
- Yarn – Any smooth, light-colored yarn works best for learning. I use Berroco Vintage (affiliate link).
- Knitting needles – Use the needle size recommended for your yarn
- Stitch marker (optional) – Helpful for tracking your turning point
- Scissors – For finishing or practice swatches
- Tapestry needle – Optional, but useful if you want to tidy stitches later
You’ll see these materials referenced naturally throughout the tutorial so you know when and why they’re helpful.
What Are Wrap and Turn Short Rows?
Short rows are partial rows of knitting that do not go all the way across your work. They create shaping by adding height in specific areas.
Wrap and turn (often abbreviated W&T) is one method of working short rows. It prevents holes by wrapping the working yarn around a stitch before turning your work.
This method is commonly used in:
- Sock heels worked flat (especial heel flap toe-up socks like Love Came Down Socks or Cedar Socks)
- Shoulder shaping
- Bust shaping
- Curved hems
- Baby garments and sweaters
We’re focusing only on flat knitting here, meaning your work is turned back and forth, not joined in the round.
Step-by-Step: How to Knit Wrap and Turn Short Rows Flat
Step 1: Knit to the Turning Point
Using your yarn and knitting needles, knit (or purl, depending on the pattern) until you reach the stitch where the short row begins.
This stitch is usually specified in the pattern, such as knit to 5 stitches before the end.
Why this matters:
The turning point determines where the shaping happens. Accuracy here keeps your garment symmetrical.
Common mistake:
Knitting one stitch too far before turning. If you do, simply tink back one stitch and continue.
Step 2: Bring the Yarn to the Front or Back
What you do next depends on whether you’re on a knit row or a purl row.
- On a knit row, bring the yarn to the front
- On a purl row, bring the yarn to the back
Your yarn should move between the needle tips.
Why this matters:
This sets up the wrap correctly so it sits neatly around the stitch.
Tip:
Move the yarn gently. No need to tug or tighten.
Step 3: Slip the Next Stitch Purlwise
Slip the next stitch from the left needle to the right needle purlwise, without knitting it.
Why this matters:
Slipping the stitch allows the yarn to wrap around it cleanly.
Common mistake:
Accidentally slipping knitwise. This can twist the stitch and make the wrap messy later.
Step 4: Wrap the Stitch
Now bring the yarn back to its original position:
- Knit row: bring yarn back to the back (fig 2)
- Purl row: bring yarn back to the front (fig 3)
This motion wraps the yarn around the slipped stitch.
Why this matters:
This wrap prevents a hole when you return to this stitch later.
Step 5: Return the Stitch to the Left Needle
Slip the wrapped stitch back onto the left needle purlwise. (fig 2 and 3)
At this point, the stitch has a visible wrap around its base.
Tip:
Use your stitch marker here if it helps you visually remember where the wrap occurred.
Step 6: Turn Your Work
Turn your knitting around as if you reached the end of the row.
You’ll now knit in the opposite direction.
Why this matters:
This is what creates the short row and adds shaping.
Congratulations. You’ve completed the wrap and turn.
Step 7: Continue Working Short Rows
Repeat Steps 1–6 as instructed in your pattern, each time stopping a little sooner than before.
This layering of short rows builds depth and shape.
Tip:
Go slow. Short rows reward patience.
Step 8: Working the Wrapped Stitch Later
Eventually, you’ll come back to those wrapped stitches.
On a Knit Row:
- Insert your needle under the wrap
- Knit the wrap together with the stitch
On a Purl Row:
- Pick up the wrap from the front
- Purl it together with the stitch
Why this matters:
Combining the wrap with the stitch hides the wrap and prevents gaps.
Common mistake:
Ignoring the wrap and knitting the stitch alone, which leaves a hole.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Practice on a small swatch using leftover yarn
- Use light yarn so you can see the wraps clearly
- Keep your tension relaxed
- Count stitches carefully
- Mark your turning points if needed
This knitting technique gets easier every time you practice it.
Common Wrap and Turn Short Row Mistakes
- Forgetting to wrap the stitch before turning
- Wrapping the wrong stitch
- Twisting the stitch when slipping
- Missing the wrap when knitting back
All of these are normal learning moments. None of them ruin your project.
FAQ: Wrap and Turn Short Rows Flat
No. When worked correctly and picked up properly later, they blend smoothly into the fabric.
Yes. This is one of the most approachable short row methods once you see it step by step.
Only if the pattern calls for it. Different patterns use different short row methods.
Your pattern will tell you exactly where to wrap and turn. Follow stitch counts closely.
That usually improves with practice and consistent tension.
Final Thoughts
Wrap and turn short rows look intimidating on paper, but once you understand the logic behind them, they feel very doable. This step-by-step knitting tutorial is meant to give you clarity and confidence so you can recognize this technique in patterns and know exactly what to do. And Be sure to check out all of our free knitting tutorials on the knitting tutorial page.
If you try this technique, I’d love to hear how it went. Leave a comment with your questions, tips, or experiences so we can learn together.
Affiliate Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The post How to Knit Wrap and Turn Short Rows Flat: Free Step-by-Step Knitting Tutorial appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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