PTBL Knitting: How To Purl Through The Back Loop

Learn PTBL knitting, also known as purl through the back loop, with this easy step-by-step tutorial.

PTBL is a knitting technique where you purl a stitch through the back loop instead of the front loop.

This twists the stitch and creates a different texture in your knitted fabric.

If you have seen PTBL in a knitting pattern and wondered what it means, this guide will walk you through the technique slowly and clearly.

You’ll learn what PTBL means, how to purl through the back loop, when to use it, and how it compares to KTBL, which means knit through the back loop.

PTBL - How to purl through the back loop

Quick Answer: What Does PTBL Mean In Knitting?

PTBL means purl through the back loop.

Instead of inserting your right-hand needle into the front of the stitch as you would for a regular purl stitch, you insert it into the back loop of the stitch and purl it from there.

This twists the stitch and changes how it sits in the fabric.

PTBL is often used in twisted ribbing, textured stitch patterns, and knitting instructions where the designer wants a twisted purl stitch.

PTBL At A Glance

Detail	Information
Abbreviation	PTBL
Meaning	Purl through the back loop
Type of stitch	Twisted purl stitch
Worked as	A purl stitch
Yarn position	Front of the work
Commonly used in	Twisted ribbing, texture patterns, stitch patterns
Related technique	KTBL
Main effect	Twists the stitch

PTBL Knitting - Purl through the back loop

Before You Start

Before learning PTBL, it helps if you already know how to:

Work the purl stitch
Recognize the front loop and back loop of a stitch
Hold the yarn at the front of your work
Keep an even tension
Read basic knitting abbreviations

PTBL can feel a little awkward at first because the back loop is harder to reach from the purl side.

Take your time and use a smooth, light-colored yarn while practicing so you can see the stitch clearly.

What Is PTBL In Knitting?

PTBL is a way of purling into the back loop of a stitch.

In a regular purl stitch, you insert the right-hand needle into the front loop of the next stitch on the left-hand needle.

With PTBL, you insert the right-hand needle into the back loop instead.

This twists the stitch and creates a tighter, more defined look in the fabric.

You may see PTBL used in:

Twisted ribbing
Decorative stitch patterns
Textured knitting
Pattern repeats
Stitch patterns that use twisted stitches
Instructions that pair KTBL and PTBL together

PTBL Abbreviation

In knitting patterns, you may see this written as:

PTBL
ptbl
P tbl
Purl through back loop
Purl through the back loop
Purl into the back loop
Purl one through the back loop

These usually refer to the same technique.

Always check your pattern notes if the designer gives a specific explanation, especially in textured stitch patterns or twisted ribbing.

How To Purl Through The Back Loop

To work PTBL:

Bring the yarn to the front of your work, as you normally would for a purl stitch.
Look at the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
Insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of that stitch.
Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle as you would for a regular purl stitch.
Pull the yarn through the back loop.
Slide the old stitch off the left-hand needle.

You have now worked one PTBL stitch.

The stitch has been purled through the back loop and will sit twisted in the fabric.

Video Tutorial: How To PTBL

Watch the video tutorial below to see how to purl through the back loop step by step.

This will show you how to find the back loop, place the right-hand needle correctly, wrap the yarn, and complete the PTBL stitch.

Step-By-Step PTBL Instructions

Here is the PTBL stitch broken down more slowly.

Step 1: Bring the yarn to the front

PTBL is still a purl stitch, so the yarn should be at the front of your work.

Hold the yarn as you normally would when purling.

Step 2: Find the back loop

Look at the next stitch on the left-hand needle.

The front loop is the part of the stitch closest to you.

The back loop is the part of the stitch behind the needle, farther away from you.

For PTBL, you will work into the back loop instead of the front loop.

Step 3: Insert the right-hand needle into the back loop

Insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of the next stitch on the left-hand needle.

This can feel a little tighter than a regular purl stitch because you are working into the back of the stitch.

Move slowly and try not to pull the stitch too tight.

Step 4: Wrap the yarn

Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle as you would for a normal purl stitch.

Keep the yarn at the front of the work.

Step 5: Pull the yarn through

Pull the wrapped yarn through the back loop of the stitch.

You should now have one new stitch on the right-hand needle.

Step 6: Slide the old stitch off

Slide the old stitch off the left-hand needle.

You have now worked one PTBL stitch.

Easy Way To Remember PTBL

A simple way to remember PTBL is:

Purl through the back loop.

It is worked like a purl stitch, but instead of using the front loop, you work into the back loop.

This twists the stitch and gives it a different look from a regular purl stitch.

What Does PTBL Look Like?

PTBL creates a twisted purl stitch.

Because the stitch is worked through the back loop, it sits differently in the fabric from a regular purl stitch.

On the purl side, it can look tighter and more twisted.

On the knit side, the stitch may appear twisted or more defined, depending on the stitch pattern.

This is why PTBL is often used in twisted ribbing and textured knitting patterns.

PTBL Vs Purl Stitch: What Is The Difference?

A regular purl stitch is worked through the front loop.

PTBL is worked through the back loop.

Both are purl stitches, but they create different results.

Stitch	How It Is Worked	Finished Look
Purl stitch	Worked through the front loop	Regular purl stitch
PTBL	Worked through the back loop	Twisted purl stitch

If your pattern says PTBL, do not work a normal purl stitch unless you are intentionally changing the texture.

KTBL Vs PTBL: What Is The Difference?

KTBL means knit through the back loop.
PTBL means purl through the back loop.

Both techniques twist the stitch by working into the back loop instead of the front loop.

The main difference is how the stitch is worked.

KTBL is worked as a knit stitch, usually with the yarn at the back.
PTBL is worked as a purl stitch, with the yarn at the front.

Abbreviation	Meaning	Yarn Position	Type Of Stitch
KTBL	Knit through the back loop	Back	Twisted knit stitch
PTBL	Purl through the back loop	Front	Twisted purl stitch

KTBL and PTBL are often used together in twisted ribbing or textured stitch patterns.

When Should You Use PTBL?

Use PTBL when your knitting pattern tells you to purl through the back loop.

You may see PTBL in:

Twisted ribbing
Rib stitch patterns
Textured stitch patterns
Decorative knitting patterns
Cable and texture designs
Stitch patterns that use twisted stitches
Patterns that pair KTBL and PTBL together

If your pattern includes PTBL, the designer usually wants the twisted stitch effect, so it is best to follow the instruction as written.

Is PTBL Hard For Beginners?

PTBL can feel a little tricky for beginners because the back loop is harder to reach on a purl stitch.

The movement may feel awkward at first, especially if your stitches are tight.

However, if you already know how to purl, you can learn PTBL with practice.

Using relaxed tension will make it much easier to insert the needle into the back loop.

Common PTBL Mistakes

Working a regular purl stitch instead

PTBL is not the same as a regular purl stitch.

Make sure you insert the right-hand needle into the back loop, not the front loop.

Forgetting to bring the yarn to the front

PTBL is worked as a purl stitch, so the yarn should be at the front of your work before you begin.

Pulling the stitch too tight

Purling through the back loop can feel tight.

Try to keep your tension relaxed so the right-hand needle can move through the stitch more easily.

Twisting the wrong stitch

Make sure you are working into the next stitch on the left-hand needle.

If you accidentally skip a stitch or work into the wrong loop, your stitch pattern may look uneven.

Confusing PTBL with KTBL

PTBL and KTBL both use the back loop, but they are not the same.

PTBL is worked as a purl stitch with the yarn in front.

KTBL is worked as a knit stitch with the yarn at the back.

PTBL Practice Swatch

If you are new to PTBL, try practicing on a small swatch.

Cast on 20 stitches.

Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: Purl all stitches.
Row 3: Knit all stitches.
Row 4: Purl 2, PTBL to last 2 stitches, purl 2.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 a few times.

This will help you practice purling through the back loop while keeping a small garter-style edge at each side.

For a twisted rib practice swatch, try:

Cast on an even number of stitches.

Row 1: *K1tbl, P1tbl; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2: *K1tbl, P1tbl; repeat from * to end of row.

Repeat these two rows to practice KTBL and PTBL together.

PTBL Knitting FAQs

What does PTBL mean in knitting?

PTBL means purl through the back loop.

It is a purl stitch worked through the back loop instead of the front loop.

How do you PTBL in knitting?

To PTBL, bring the yarn to the front, insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of the next stitch on the left-hand needle, wrap the yarn, pull it through, and slide the old stitch off the needle.

Is PTBL the same as a purl stitch?

No, PTBL is different from a regular purl stitch.

A normal purl stitch is worked through the front loop, while PTBL is worked through the back loop.

Does PTBL twist the stitch?

Yes, PTBL twists the stitch because it is worked through the back loop.

What is the difference between KTBL and PTBL?

KTBL means knit through the back loop, while PTBL means purl through the back loop.

KTBL is worked as a knit stitch, and PTBL is worked as a purl stitch.

When do you use PTBL?

Use PTBL when your pattern asks you to purl through the back loop.

It is often used in twisted ribbing, textured stitch patterns, and decorative knitting patterns.

Why is PTBL difficult?

PTBL can feel difficult because the back loop is harder to reach from the purl side.

Keeping your tension relaxed can make the stitch easier to work.

Can beginners learn PTBL?

Yes, beginners can learn PTBL if they already know how to purl.

It may feel awkward at first, but it gets easier with practice.