How Do I Do the Purl Stitch? A Beginner's Guide

The Purl Stitch

If you've just gotten comfortable with the knit stitch, the thought of learning a new motion can feel like starting over. But the purl stitch is simply the other side of the coin, and mastering it is the key to unlocking a massive world of new patterns and textures in your knitting.

Think of it this way: the knit stitch creates a smooth "V," while the purl stitch creates a bumpy ridge. Together, they are the yin and yang of knitting.

The One Big Difference: Yarn in Front

The biggest change from a knit stitch is your yarn placement.

• For a knit stitch, your working yarn stays in the back.
• For a purl stitch, you must bring your working yarn to the front before you make the stitch.

This single change is what creates the different stitch structure.

A Quick Note on Tension

As you concentrate on these new movements, you might notice your stitches becoming too tight or too loose. This is completely normal! Don't worry if your first few rows look a little uneven. Consistent tension comes with muscle memory and practice. Just try to be mindful and aim for a relaxed, even pressure.

The 4 Steps of a Purl Stitch

Start with the needle holding your stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right.

1. YARN IN FRONT: Before you do anything else, make sure your working yarn is hanging in front of your work, between the two needles.
2. INSERT: Insert the tip of your right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, going from right to left (this is sometimes called inserting "purlwise").
3. WRAP: Wrap the yarn counter-clockwise around the tip of the right needle.
4. PULL & SLIDE: Use the right needle to gently pull the new loop of yarn back through the stitch, and then slide the original stitch off the left needle.

That's it! You've completed one purl stitch. Repeat these steps to the end of the row.

Why You Should Learn to Purl

Learning to purl transforms your knitting from one-dimensional to multi-dimensional, allowing you to create the most classic and beloved knitted fabrics.