The Right Side Is the Side You Want to Show

The right side of knitting is straightforward the side meant to be seen when you wear or display the finished piece. The wrong side is the back. In most patterns, the right side looks neater, has a more finished texture, and shows the stitch pattern as the designer intended. The wrong side often looks bumpy, loose, or has loose yarn ends and knots visible.

Identifying which is which matters because some stitches look completely different depending on which side you are viewing. A stockinette stitch shows smooth V-shaped columns on the right side but bumpy horizontal ridges on the wrong side. Ribbed stitches look crisp and defined on the right side but flat and loose on the back. If you accidentally seam your pieces with the wrong sides facing out, or bind off on the wrong side, your finished garment will not look the way the pattern intended.

Key Takeaways

  • The right side is the side meant to be visible on the finished garment; the wrong side is the back.
  • Stockinette stitch shows smooth V-columns on the right side and bumpy ridges on the wrong side.
  • Ribbed stitches appear crisp and defined on the right side but flat on the wrong side.
  • Mark your right side with a safety pin or yarn marker as soon as you finish the cast-on row to avoid confusion later.
  • Pattern instructions will tell you when to work on the right side (RS) or wrong side (WS), usually abbreviated as RS and WS.

How Stockinette Stitch Looks on Each Side

Stockinette is the most common stitch in knitting, so learning to spot its right and wrong sides is your fastest way to build confidence. On the right side, you see neat V-shapes stacked in vertical columns. Each V is formed by the top loop of a knit stitch. The texture is smooth and flat, almost like a shop-bought sweater.

On the wrong side, you see horizontal bumps that look like little purl stitches lined up in rows. This bumpy texture is called the purl side or reverse stockinette. If you hold a stockinette piece up to the light, the right side will look shinier and more finished. The wrong side will look duller and rougher.

How Ribbed Stitches Look on Each Side

Ribbed stitches—like 1x1 rib or 2x2 rib—create vertical columns of raised texture. On the right side, these columns stand up clearly and look crisp and defined. The ribs catch light and create shadow lines between them, giving the fabric a three-dimensional look.

On the wrong side of rib, the columns flatten out. Instead of standing up, they look like they are sinking into the fabric. The definition disappears, and the whole piece looks loose and shapeless. This is why ribbing is often used at cuffs and waistbands—the right side looks polished and intentional, while the wrong side would look sloppy if exposed.

Mark Your Right Side when ready After Casting On

The easiest way to avoid confusion is to mark your right side before you knit more than a few rows. Use a safety pin, a stitch marker, or a length of contrasting yarn and pin it to the right side of your work as soon as you finish your cast-on row. This marker stays in place throughout your knitting and tells you at a glance which side is which.

If you forget to mark and you are already several inches in, look at your stitches. Stockinette will show either smooth Vs or bumpy ridges—pick the smooth side. Rib will show either crisp columns or flattened ones—pick the crisp side. If you are still unsure, take a photo of both sides and compare them side by side in good light.

Understanding Pattern Abbreviations for Right and Wrong Sides

Knitting patterns use the abbreviations RS for right side and WS for wrong side. When a pattern says "RS row" or "knit on RS," it means you should work that row while looking at the right side of your fabric. When it says "WS row," you work while looking at the wrong side.

This matters because some stitches are worked differently depending on which side you are on. For example, a pattern might tell you to knit on RS rows and purl on WS rows—this creates stockinette. If you accidentally knit on a WS row when the pattern said to purl, you will create a mistake in your stitch pattern. Checking which side you are on before you start each row prevents these errors.

Why the Wrong Side Matters in Seaming and Finishing

When you seam two pieces together, the pattern instructions will tell you whether to seam with right sides together or wrong sides together. Most patterns ask you to seam with right sides together, which means the wrong sides end up hidden inside the seam. This keeps the neat right side visible on the outside of your finished garment.

If you accidentally seam with wrong sides together, your right sides will be hidden inside and your bumpy, loose-looking wrong sides will be on the outside. The garment will still be wearable, but it will not look the way the designer intended. Double-check your pattern before you start seaming, and if you are unsure which side is which, use your safety pin marker to confirm.

Common Mistakes When Identifying Right and Wrong Sides

The most common mistake is assuming the side you cast on is automatically the right side. It is not. The cast-on edge is just the beginning of your fabric—either side can be the right side depending on the stitch pattern and the designer's choice.

Another mistake is confusing "right side" with "the side that looks better to you." Your personal preference does not matter. The right side is whatever the pattern designer decided it should be. If you are working from a pattern, trust the pattern. If you are designing your own piece, you get to decide which side is right—just pick one and mark it so you remember.

A third mistake is forgetting to check which side you are on before you start a new row. If you knit several rows on the wrong side when you meant to be on the right side, you will create a mistake in your stitch pattern. Make it a habit to glance at your marker or check your stitches before you begin each row.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot tell the difference between the right and wrong sides?

Take your knitting to a window or bright light and hold it up. The right side usually looks shinier and more finished. If you are working stockinette, the right side will show smooth Vs; the wrong side will show bumpy ridges. If you are still unsure, mark one side with a safety pin and treat that as your right side going forward.

Does the right side always look better?

Yes, in most patterns the right side is designed to look more finished and polished. However, some patterns intentionally use the wrong side as the right side—reverse stockinette is an example. Always check your pattern instructions to see which side the designer intended to be visible.

Can I change which side is the right side after I have started knitting?

Technically yes, but it creates extra work. If you have already marked one side and worked several rows, switching now means you will have to rip back and restart. It is easier to pick a side early, mark it, and stick with it.

What if my pattern does not mention right side or wrong side?

Some straightforward patterns do not care which side is visible because both sides look the same or equally acceptable. In that case, pick whichever side you prefer and treat it as your right side. Mark it so you stay consistent when seaming.

Do I need to mark the right side on every piece I knit?

It is a good habit, especially when you are learning. Once you have marked a few pieces, you will get faster at spotting the right side by eye. But marking takes only a few seconds and prevents mistakes, so many experienced knitters still do it.