The purl stitch is one of the two fundamental techniques in knitting, complementary to the knit stitch. It is worked by inserting the needle into the loop from the back, creating a characteristic horizontal bump on the fabric. Visually, it looks like a small bar or wave, whereas the knit stitch looks like a “V”. These two stitches are the basic building blocks from which all other knitting patterns are derived.
When to Use the Purl Stitch
The purl stitch is used whenever you want to create texture or alternate patterns in a project. It is a core component of stockinette stitch, seed stitch, checkerboard stitch, and many other designs. Beginners typically learn the knit stitch first, then move on to the purl stitch to expand their creative possibilities. It is an essential skill to master, even if it requires a bit more concentration at first, as the yarn is positioned differently and the movement feels slightly less intuitive than the knit stitch.
Key Takeaways
- Visual appearance: Looks like a small bump or bar, unlike the smooth appearance of the knit stitch.
- Technique: The needle passes through the loop from the back, and the yarn is wrapped around the needle in a specific direction.
- Essential complement: When combined with the knit stitch, it creates the majority of modern knitting patterns.
- Practical use: Allows for the creation of relief, textured plays, and various patterns without the need for complex techniques.
Related Terms
Knit stitch — The counterpart to the purl stitch; it looks like a small “V” and creates a smooth surface. Together, knitting and purling form the foundation of all stitches.
Stitch — The general term for a single loop of yarn on the needle. It is the basic unit of knitting, and all techniques rely on the manipulation of these stitches.
Stockinette stitch — A very common stitch made by alternating knit and purl rows: a knit row (all knit stitches), followed by a purl row (all purl stitches). This produces a smooth fabric on the right side (knit side) and a bumpy texture on the wrong side (purl side).
Garter stitch — A simpler stitch obtained by knitting every row (or purling every row). This creates a slightly bumpy, consistent texture on both sides of the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the purl stitch harder to learn than the knit stitch? The purl stitch requires the yarn to be positioned differently (usually in front of the work in English style) and the wrapping motion is reversed. With practice, the movement becomes just as natural as the knit stitch.
Can I make an entire project using only purl stitches? Technically yes, but it is rarely done. Purling every stitch produces the same effect as a garter stitch worked entirely in knit stitches. It is mostly used for swatches or personal challenges.
What is the difference between a purl stitch and garter stitch? The purl stitch is a single technique (an individual loop); garter stitch is a fabric pattern composed of multiple rows, all worked in the same stitch (usually all knit). A full project in garter stitch uses only one type of stitch, whereas alternating knit and purl rows creates stockinette stitch.