Twisted Stitch

Explanation

A twisted stitch (ktbl/ptbl - knit/purl through back loop) is made by inserting the needle into the back loop instead of the usual front loop, which physically twists the stitch and makes it tighter and more defined than a regular stitch. The technique is used deliberately in certain patterns, such as twisted-stitch patterns and some cable variants, to create a denser, more sculpted surface. Twisted stitches can also happen unintentionally, for example from mishandled KFB increases or cast-on stitches, and should then be corrected unless the pattern specifically calls for twisted stitches.