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If you want to learn to knit this is a key stitch to master

The purl stitch is a fundamental technique in knitting that is used to create a wide range of textures and patterns.

It's a stitch that can be used to create everything from simple ribbing to more complex stitch patterns like seed stitch, moss stitch,and basketweave stitch. This simple stitch is perfect for a wide range of projects, from hats and scarves to blankets and sweaters.

When combined with the knit stitch, the purl stitch allows you to create a myriad of beautiful and intricate designs, making it an essential skill for any knitter.

Purl stitch is essentially a mirrored knit stitch and an important stitch to know for knitting patterns. Take a moment to sit and watch your hands doing a purl stitch from the back of your work using a mirror – it will soon make sense. It will look like you’re doing a knit stitch. Because essentially – you are! The difference between a knit stitch and a purl stitch is that it's just the other way around.

If you're learning how to knit, it's worth knowing that everything you do when you’re knitting any project ever, is going to be made up of some variation of knit and purl stitches. It’s how you use them that makes the difference.

While the knit stitch alone will create a garter stitch, alternating knit and purl will create textured stitches such as moss stitch or seed stitch, or rib stitch. Whole rows of purl to work alternated with knit rows creates stocking stitch which makes a knitted fabric with a smooth, flat surface on one side and a bumpy texture on the other. All of these are used in knitting projects.

Yes, you’ll need your purl stitches when you get to cable stitch and chances are, your colourwork knitting patterns will have some thrown in somewhere too.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting, learning how to purl stitch is a crucial skill that will open up a whole world of possibilities in your knitting. With its versatility and range of applications, the purl stitch is an essential tool in any knitter's repertoire. And the best bit is, it's super easy to learn!

What you need to do a purl stitch

Not much – just some needles and yarn. Depending on what you’re making, two straight needles for a flat piece of knitting will do just fine when paired up with a yarn recommending the size you have in-hand, on the label.

how to knit purl stitch
Everything you do when you’re knitting any project ever, is going to be made up of some variation of knit and purl stitches.Hearst Owned

If you’re knitting something tubular, you might find that circular needles or a set of five double-pointed needles are coming into play. But if you’re not there yet, don’t fret – learn how to purl first. The rest comes later.

How to do purl stitch: step-by-step guide with pictures

You’re better off practising purl stitch with at least 15-20 stitches cast on. If nothing more, it will give you a better feel of the fabric, whereas a smaller numbers of stitches can feel fiddly and cumbersome.

Purl stitch does precisely what is says on the tin – it’s a stitch. One stitch, in amongst others. So let’s take it one stitch at a time.

Make sure your working yarn is in front of your work

purl stitch
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This is important. With knit stitches, your yarn is always held at the back. If you’re moving between a knit and a purl stitch in the middle of a row, you’ll need to bring your working yarn between the needles to the front of the work. And vice versa if you’re going from a purl to a knit.

Insert the right needle from back to front through the first stitch on your left-hand needle

purl stitch
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So your needle moves from behind your work, poking under and through the first unworked stitch available and toward you.

At the front of your work, wrap your yarn counter clockwise around the right-hand needle tip

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That’s upwards first, over to the left and then down and to the right where you can hold it comfortably in your right hand for the time being, maintaining a little tension for the next bit.

Retract your right-hand needle through the stitch, and away from you

purl stitch
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Making sure not to lose that precious loop of yarn, carefully move it away from you and through the stitch you’d previously poked through.

Carefully slip the now worked stitch off your left-hand needle

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And that’s it! You’ve purled one stitch. Keep your yarn at the front of the work if your next stitch is a purl stitch, and repeat these steps to your heart’s content.

purl stitch
Purl stitch is absolutely a skill you’ll need to master – and thankfully it’s easy!Hearst Owned

Onwards and upwards! Now that you’ve got your head around the purl stitch, try it in a stitch pattern with our easy-to-follow moss stitch tutorial.

Or why not check out these easy knitting projects for beginners, and practise the stitches you've learned!


Do you love knitting? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!

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