Within the structured world of textile crafts, the sequence "rs" functions as a fundamental pillar of instruction clarity. For anyone interpreting a pattern, whether a beginner following a first scarf or an experienced knitter tackling a complex sweater, understanding this abbreviation is non-negotiable. It directs the crafter to work on the right side of the fabric, ensuring that all visual motifs and textures align with the designer's vision. This specific directional cue eliminates ambiguity, allowing the knitter to focus on rhythm and technique rather than deciphering cryptic notes.
Defining the Right Side in Knitting
The concept of the "right side" in knitting refers to the face of the fabric that is intended to be visible on the finished garment. This side typically showcases the pattern or the most polished appearance of the stitches. Conversely, the "wrong side" faces inward, against the body, and often displays the reverse texture, such as the horizontal strands of purl stitches instead of the vertical columns of knit stitches. When a pattern explicitly states "rs," it is instructing the knitter to perform the next row or round as if they are looking at the garment's public-facing exterior.
Visual Identification of the Right Side
Identifying the right side of the work is a skill that develops with experience, but there are reliable indicators for newcomers. On stockinette stitch, the right side is distinguished by the smooth, vertical lines of V-shaped knit stitches, while the wrong side displays the bumpy, horizontal purl stitches. For patterned stitches like ribbing or cables, the right side usually presents the intricate design element, such as the twisted columns of a 2x2 rib or the complex braid of a cable cross. The "rs" notation ensures the knitter is working on this visually dominant plane.
Common Patterns and Their Instructions
Knitting patterns utilize "rs" in a variety of contexts to maintain the integrity of the design. It is frequently used in row-by-row instructions to specify which side of the fabric is being worked at that moment. This is critical for maintaining the correct orientation of directional patterns like chevrons or waves. Furthermore, shaping instructions for necklines or armholes often reference the right side to indicate where decreases or specific stitch manipulations should occur to create the desired contour without twisting the fabric.
Technique and Execution on the RS
Executing techniques on the right side requires specific mechanical actions to achieve the correct result. Standard knitting stitches are created with the yarn held behind the work, while purl stitches are created with the yarn in front. When working on the rs of a stockinette piece, the knitter is primarily performing knit stitches. If the pattern calls for a slipped stitch colorwork technique or a specific texture like Brioche on the rs, the crafter must adjust their tension and yarn positioning accordingly to maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic of the pattern.
Differentiating RS from WS in Text
To avoid confusion in complex patterns, designers employ a strict lexicon that distinguishes between the right side and the wrong side. "RS" is the standard abbreviation for the right side, while "WS" consistently denotes the wrong side. You will also encounter variations such as "facing" or "public side," but these terms are synonymous with the right side. Understanding this terminology is essential for tracking one's progress, especially in garments where the pattern changes midway, such as a jacket that flips to reveal a lining or contrasting color on the inside.
Advanced Considerations: Circular Knitting and RS
In circular knitting, where the fabric is formed in a continuous spiral without turning the work, the concept of the right side remains consistent but requires a shift in perspective. Because the knitter is always working on the outside of the tube, they are perpetually working on the right side of the fabric. This means that instructions that involve alternating between "rs" and "ws" in flat knitting are often omitted in circular patterns. However, the knitter must still be aware of the "rs" to ensure that joins are made correctly and that texture patterns remain aligned throughout the circumference.
