How to Purl Stitch in Knitting (Beginner Tutorial)

Hey There, thanks for stopping by! I am very excited to share these step-by-step instructions with you to learn how to purl stitch in knitting. Once you know the basics of a knit stitch and purl stitch there are several different knit projects that you can enjoy making.

No matter if you are a new knitter or an experienced knitter, there are a few basic knit stitches that you will need to know in order to start following knitting patterns. The two basic stitches that will get you started making knitting projects are the knit stitch and the purl stitch.

The Basic Stitches

Making a knit row is the basic stitch used in knitting and is likely the first type of stitch you learned how to make when you started to knit. When you make all knitted stitches for the whole row, all of the rows, then you will end up with a project with horizontal ridges on each side of the fabric.

To mix things up you can easily learn how to make a purl stitch. This is what I am going to show you how to do today. It is the opposite of a knit stitch, literally the same just made in the mirror image. The purl stitch is the second basic stitch in knitting.

What is a Purl Stitch?

A purl stitch is another type of knitting stitch. The purl stitch is made the reverse of a knit stitch. When you look at a purl sititch and knit stitch next to each other, you will notice that the purl stitch is like looking at the back side of a knit stitch.

Purling Vs Knitting

A purl row compared to a knit row has the appearance of the back of the stitch made by using a knit stitch. This is because it is made using the reverse motions. When you look at a purl stitch, the purl stitch looks like the back of a knit stitch, with a little bump.

Because the purl row and knit row stitches are so similar, you can easily alternate them, or create projects using the two to make several different stitch types. This allows you to make may project using these two basic stitches.

Are you ready to get started? Grab your favorite knitting needles and a ball of yarn, then let’s get started making your first purl stitch!

Making a Purl Stitch

When you learn to knit the first type of stitch you usually learn is called the knit stitch, often abbreviated in knitting patterns simply by a “k”. A purl stitch, is the second basic stitch in knitting.

Sometimes, people get intimidated by making a purl stitch. But there isn’t any reason to be apprehensive about learning the purl stitch. This second basic stitch is made by holding your yarn in front rather than the back of your project, and working in the front side of the loop rather than the back. Resulting in the exact opposite stitch as a knitting stitch.

Making a Knitting Project

In making a knitting project of any kind, the basic stitches you will want to know, in order to begin are the knit stitch (k), and the purl stitch (p). Once you get the hang of these two basic knitting stitches, you can begin making different types of knitted projects.

The Basic Purl Stitch Step-By-Step Tutorial

Before you Begin

Before you begin making the purl stitch, you will want to cast on your desired number of stitches.

The Set Up

Before you start making the new stitch, we will first look at the setup for making a purl stitch. Holding in your left hand, you will hold the knitting needle with the cast-on yarn. You will be working the new stitches with the left hand needle.

The yarn placement is very important for the purl stitch as well. The working yarn should be in front of the work. This is different than the knit stitch, where the working yarn is behind.

Making a Purl Stitch

Yarn and Needle Placement

With the cast-on loops on the left-hand needle, move the first loop toward the tip of the left needle for easier access.

Yarn Wrap

Place your index finger on the left-hand needle to gently hold the front stitch in place, so that it doesn’t fall off of the needle.

Step One: Insert the Needle into the Stitch

Move the right-hand needle under the front leg of the stitch at the front of the left needle.

Step Two: Wrap the Yarn around the Needle

Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right needle.

Step Three: Draw the Loop through the Stitch

Pull the new loop on the right-hand needle through the front of the stitch on the left-hand needle to complete your purl stitch. At the same time, you will transfer the new stitch to the right-handed knitting needle.

Step Four: Slide the New Stitch Off the Needle

Pull the new loop onto your right-handed needle, and release the old loop from the left-handed needle as you go.

Repeat this process to make the next stitch until all of your desired purl stitches are made.

Watch this Quick Video

Check out this short video to see a demonstration on how to make this basic knitting stitch, in how to purl knit stitch.

How to Turn Your Work

When you reach the end of your row, in the knitting project, all of your stitch loops will be on one knitting needle. To turn your work, simply chang the empty needle to your right hand, and the needle with your knitting project to your left hand. Then continue to work on your project.

What Does a Purl Stitch Look Like?

A purl stitch is the basic knitting stitch that has little bumps on the front side of the knit fabric. Each of these small bumps represents a purl stitch in the project. When it is turned backward, the purl stitches will look like knit stitches.

Making a Knitting Project

Once you have gotten the hang of making both the purl and knit stitches, you can create several knitted projects using these two stitch methods. You can alternate the stitches, so that the wrong side rows are all the same, and the back of the fabric looks the same. Or you can alternate stitches, and either change the stitch pattern at the end of the row or repeat the same pattern on the next row.

The basic knit stitch and purl stitch will allow you to create knitted projects with several different textures and appearances. These two stitches are a fun and easy way to mix things up when making your knitted projects.

Stitch Patterns Made Using Purl Stitch

Now that you know the basics of a knit and purl stitch, here are a few different types of stitch patterns you might enjoy trying out.

A Closer Look at Garter Stitch Pattern

The garter stitch pattern is made using all knit stitches. This stitch pattern will create rows or stitches that are horizontal to your knitting needles.

Moss Stitch

In knitting, the moss stitch pattern is made by creating a row of alternating knit and purl stitches. This pattern is made by creating two rows with the same stitches, and then the next two rows of the alternating stitches.

To make this stitch first cast on an even number of stitches then the first row will be made by making a knit and purl stitch alternated. The second row is made by turning, then repeating the same knit one, purl one stitch pattern. Row three is where things get changed up a little bit. Row three and four will be the same, the first stitch will be purl one, then knit one. Repeat these for both rows.

Making these alternating stitch rows gives your knitting a beautiful finish. This gives your knitted fabric a lovely textured appearance.

Stocking Stitch

The stocking stitch pattern, also known as the stockinette stitch pattern, in knitting, is one of my personal favorites. It is made by alternating rows of knit stitches and purl stitches. This makes your knitted project have the same texture on each side of your finished project. Doing this makes your project look like it has all knit stitches on one side, and purl stitches on the other side.

Tips for Knitting the Purl Stitch

Tension Problems

Maintaining Yarn Tension. Being able to maintain an even yarn tension in your knitted projects will go a long way to help your projects have nice even stitches.

Practice Stitches

Create a Practice Swatch. When you are learning a new stitch, it is always a good idea to create a small practice swatch before starting your actual project. This will give you the opportunity to practice and get the hang of the new skill.

Keep Stitches Loose

Make Loose Stitches. When you are knitting, it is important that your stitches aren’t too tight. When they are tight, it makes them much harder to work with. Also, some yarn squeaks when the stitches are too tight, and that is really annoying to work with! Lol For the best results you will want to keep the yarn nice and loose but even, so that it’s not falling off the knitting needles.

What if the loop consistently slips from your needle as you try to pull it through?

Likely if you are having difficulty getting the loops to behave, this is most likely a problem with your tension. Try tightening it up a little bit and see if that helps.

stockinette stitch with purl and knit stitch

You dropped a stitch and don’t know how to fix it

The best way to fix a dropped stitch is to grab a crochet hook and fish down through your knitting project with the hook. Then weave the dropped loop up through your project, replacing it on your knitting needle.

What Happens if You Purl Every Row?

If you purl every row, you will have the appearance of the garter stitch, which is the same look as when every row is knitted.

What do I do with my yarn when I’m not wrapping it?

When you are not wrapping your yarn, you will want to hold it so that there is equal tension. This way your stitches will be nice and even when you do wrap the yarn for each stitch.

I ended up with some extra stitches. How did that happen?

Likely if you ended up with extra stitches, you added some as you went across the row. This often happens by stitching in the spaces between stitches. Just remember, you want to only work the stitches that are on your needle to keep your stitch count even.

What is the difference between a purl stitch and a stockinette stitch?

A purl stitch is the name referring to a specific type of stitch made in knitting. Whereas, a stockinette stitch is a name of a knitting stitch made using a purl stitch, and a knit stitch.

To make the stockinette stitch, you will work one row in knit stitches, and the next row in a purl stitch. Then alternate this pattern as you work the project, so that one side of your knitted fabric is smooth, and the other side is all bumpy.

The Purl Stitch: A Knitting Technique

Learning how to master the purl stitch in addition to the knit stitch is a great skill and will allow you to create several different textured knit projects, simply by learning these two basic stitches. With a little practice, you can begin making all kinds of beautiful, knitted projects.

It is my hope that you have found this tutorial for how to purl stitch very helpful! Now that you know how to make a purl stitch, you can begin practicing and make your own project! Thank you so much for stopping by! Happy knitting!

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Once you master the purl knitting stitch, you might enjoy moving on to learn the basic rib knit stitch using your newly learned stitch!

More Knitting Patterns!