Short Rows: Wrap and Turn
Wrap-and-turn (w&t) is the traditional short-row method: at each turn, the working yarn wraps around the next stitch before turning. On the next row, the wrap is picked up and worked with the wrapped stitch to close the turn invisibly.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
Method (RS rows)
Knit to the turn point. Slip the next stitch purlwise to the right needle. Bring the yarn to the front. Slip the stitch back to the left needle. Turn the work. The wrap now sits at the base of the stitch on the wrong side.
Method (WS rows)
Purl to the turn point. Slip the next stitch purlwise to the right needle. Bring the yarn to the back. Slip the stitch back to the left needle. Turn the work.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Picking up the wrap
On the next row, when you reach the wrapped stitch, pick up the wrap from below the stitch and work it together with the stitch (knitwise on RS rows, purlwise on WS rows). This hides the wrap.
When to use
Patterns that specify w&t. Otherwise, modern patterns generally prefer German or Japanese short rows for their simplicity.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| w&t | wrap and turn |
| sl | slip purlwise |
Tips
- Always pick up the wrap before working the wrapped stitch — otherwise a small hole appears at the turn.
- For garter stitch, you can skip picking up the wrap — it disappears in the texture.
- Modern patterns mostly use German short rows, but old patterns and some sock patterns still use w&t.
In depth
Wrap-and-turn was the dominant short-row method until the 2010s, when German short rows largely replaced it. The wrap mechanic prevents holes at the turn but adds an extra step (picking up the wrap on the next row), which is why simpler methods have overtaken it.