In this blog post, I’ll teach you how to knit two together through the back loop (K2TOG TBL). It’s a really easy knitting technique that results in a twisted stitch.
Before I get into the knitting tutorial, let’s talk about what the K2TOG TBL does and why knitters use it. Later on, I’ll share some free patterns to practice knitting two together through the back loop. I’ll even discuss some frequently asked questions about this knitting decrease.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What is the Knit 2 Together Through the Back Loop?
This knitting technique, abbreviated as K2TOG TBL, is a super easy knitting decrease, which creates a twisted stitch. If you know how to K2TOG or how to KTBL, you can easily learn this decrease.
Just as theknitting abbreviation suggests, the K2TOG TBL uses two stitches to decrease to one stitch, or a single decrease, and results in a left-leaning decrease.
Why Should I Use the K2TOG TBL Knitting Decrease?
There are a couple of reasons why you’d want to use the K2TOG TBL knitting decrease in your knitting.
The most common reason to use this technique is if you want to add a textured effect to your knitting, as shown in this knitted swatch below.
In this swatch, I’ve incorporated K2TOG TBL on the right side of the center stitch and K2TOG decreases on the left hand side of the center. As you can see, the K2TOG TBL creates a slightly raised stitch, which adds a little flair to your knitted fabric. This may be the look you’re going for.
Another reason to use the K2TOG TBL is if you’re knitting a twisted stockinette stitch pattern that calls for a knitting decrease. Using the knit 2 together through back loop would incorporate the decrease seamlessly.
Now, let me show you how to K2TOG TBL.
How to Knit 2 Together Through the Back Loop (K2TOG TBL)
For this knitting tutorial, I used Cascade Yarns 220 worsted weight 100% wool yarn and used U.S. Size 9 knitting needles. You can use any yarn weight in any yarn fiber you choose and corresponding knitting needle sizes for practicing. Be sure to check your yarn label if you’re not sure. Ok, here we go.
With the right side (RS) of your work facing you, knit to where you want to place your K2TOG TBL decrease.
Next, insert your right needle through the back loop of the next two stitches on your left needle, as shown above.
Wrap the working yarn around the needle counterclockwise and knit these two stitches together through the back loop as if they were one stitch.
Pull the decreased stitch loop through onto your right needle while simultaneously dropping the two stitches off of your left needle.
Want more knitting practice? Keep on reading.
Free Knitting Patterns to Practice the K2TOG TBL
Here are two free knitting patterns to help you practice this left-leaning knitting decrease.
Semi Circular Shawl
Here’s a free semi-circular shawl pattern for all you shawl lovers! Knit with sport weight yarn in superwash merino wool, it features columns of diamond lace stitches and a saw-toothed edging, which gets sewed on later.
In addition to knits and purls, you’ll get to practice the K2TOG TBL and Make 1 increases (M1). You’ll also need 3.75 mm knitting needles and 3.25 mm circular knitting needles, but you’ll knit flat, not in the round. Be sure to check our knitting needle conversions for more info.
Try Valley Yarns Superwash Sport yarn or Katia Merino Baby yarn for this knitting project.
Birch Trees Scarf
I shared this knitting pattern years ago in this collection of free scarf patterns, but I still feel that it’s such a timeless lace scarf pattern. And if you’re looking to practice your K2TOG and your K2TOG TBL decrease techniques, this scarf is just the thing.
Dive into your yarn stash for your favorite DK weight yarn and US Size 7 knitting needles. I’ve included some yarn recommendations below.
Try Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash DK yarn, Berroco Vintage DK, or Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo for this knitting project.
Now let’s talk about some common FAQs related to the K2TOG TBL decrease in knitting.
Frequently Asked Questions About the K2TOG TBL
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about knitting two together through the back loop.
Is K2TOG TBL the same as K2TOG?
While the K2TOG and the K2TOG TBL are both knitting decreases that use two stitches to decrease one stitch, they are not the same.
The main difference is that the K2TOG is a right-leaning decrease while the K2TOG TBL is a left-leaning decrease. This is due to how you work each decrease.
As we’ve just covered, the K2TOG TBL is a twisted decrease knit through the back loop, which makes it lean to the left. The K2TOG, however, is knit as a normal knit stitch, just two stitches at a time, and ends up leaning right.
The only thing they have in common is that they are both knitting decreases.
What is the Difference between SSK and K2TOG TBL?
The Slip Slip Knit (SSK) and the K2TOG TBL are both left-slanting knitting decreases and both have a twisted stitch element, but these are the similarities. Let me explain how they are different.
With the SSK, you individually slip two stitches knitwise, which results in twisted stitches. However, when you knit the SSK, you work it through the back loop to decrease, which reorients the stitch, i.e. untwists the stitch. You can learn how to slip stitches knitwise here.
With the K2TOG TBL, your goal is to twist the stitch by knitting the decrease through the back loop, and this occurs in a single step.
Well, this wraps up the K2TOG TBL knitting tutorial for this very common decrease. I hope you found the knitting instructions for knitting two together through the back loop (K2TOG TBL) useful and that you also enjoyed the free knitting patterns.
Guaranteed, with a little practice, you’ll definitely feel more confident about using this knitting technique in your next knitting project.
If you have any questions or just want to share a comment, please do so below. I’d love to hear from you!
