Reverse stockinette stitch

             On the right side, reverse stockinette stitch resembles garter stitch, but because the back is made up of a row of knit stitches followed by a row of purl stitches, it appears different. That is exactly what it sounds like: the stockinette stitch reversed.

 

         Why therefore, instead of merely stockinette stitch, do some patterns specify reverse stockinette stitch? The goal is to give the top the appearance of garter stitch.

The little v-shapes on the right side of the stockinette stitch would be on top if the pattern required it.