The Purl Stitch Is the Reverse of the Knit Stitch
The purl stitch is a basic knitting stitch that creates a bumpy texture on the side facing you. If you already know how to knit, you already know half of what you need — the purl is straightforward the knit stitch done backwards. The yarn sits in front of your needle instead of behind it, and you insert the needle from right to left instead of left to right.
Most knitting patterns use knit and purl stitches together to create texture and pattern. Stockinette stitch, the smooth fabric you see in most sweaters, is made by alternating rows of knit and purl. Ribbed fabric, which stretches and hugs, is made by knitting and purling in the same row. Learning the purl stitch opens up nearly every pattern you will encounter.
Key Takeaways
- The purl stitch begins with yarn held in front of the needle, unlike the knit stitch where yarn sits in back.
- You insert the right needle from right to left through the loop on the left needle, the opposite direction of a knit stitch.
- The finished purl stitch creates a bump on the front side and a smooth V on the back side.
- Practicing purl on a swatch of garter stitch (all knit rows) helps you see the texture change clearly.
Position Your Yarn in Front Before You Start
Before you insert your needle, move your working yarn to the front of your work. If you just finished a knit stitch, the yarn is already in back — bring it forward between the two needles. The yarn should sit on the side of the needles closest to you, not wrapped around anything.
This positioning is the single biggest difference between knit and purl. If your yarn is in the wrong place, the stitch will not form correctly. Many beginners forget this step and end up with twisted stitches or accidental yarn overs. Check your yarn position before every purl stitch until it becomes automatic.
Insert the Right Needle from Right to Left
Hold the needle with the stitches in your left hand and the working needle in your right hand. Insert the right needle through the loop on the left needle from right to left — the opposite direction of a knit stitch. The tip of the right needle should pass through the loop and come out on the side closest to you.
The needle enters from the right side of the loop and exits on the left side. This creates the characteristic bump texture of a purl stitch. If you insert from left to right, you are doing a knit stitch instead.
Wrap the Yarn and Pull Through
Once the right needle is through the loop, wrap the working yarn around the tip of the right needle from right to left. The yarn should make a complete loop around the needle tip. Pull the right needle back through the loop on the left needle, bringing the new loop with it.
The motion is the same as a knit stitch — wrap and pull. The only difference is the direction the needle enters and the position of the yarn beforehand. If the wrap feels awkward, slow down and make sure the yarn is actually in front of the needles before you wrap.
Slide the Old Loop Off the Left Needle
Once you have pulled the new loop through, slide the old loop off the left needle. You now have one completed purl stitch on the right needle. The bump of the purl stitch should be visible on the side facing you.
Repeat this process for each stitch across the row. Your first few purl stitches may be loose or uneven — this is normal. Tension improves with repetition. Count your stitches after each row to make sure you have not accidentally added or dropped any.
Practice on a Garter Stitch Swatch First
The easiest way to learn purl is to knit a small swatch using garter stitch (knit every row) for the first few rows, then switch to purling every row. This creates a clear visual line where the texture changes from smooth V's to bumps. You can see exactly what the purl stitch looks like and feel the difference in your hands.
Cast on 15 to 20 stitches using a yarn that is straightforward to see — worsted weight in a solid color works well. Knit 6 to 8 rows, then purl 6 to 8 rows. The contrast makes it obvious whether you are executing the stitch correctly. Once you feel comfortable, try alternating knit and purl rows to make stockinette stitch.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The most common error is forgetting to move the yarn to the front before purling. If you purl with yarn in back, you create an accidental yarn over that adds an extra stitch. Count your stitches frequently to catch this early.
Twisted stitches happen when you insert the needle in the wrong direction or wrap the yarn the wrong way. If your stitches look crossed or tilted, check that you are entering from right to left and wrapping from right to left. Loose stitches are usually a tension issue — try holding the yarn slightly tighter as you wrap.
If you drop a stitch, do not panic. Use a crochet hook to pick it back up by inserting the hook through the dropped loop from front to back, then hooking the horizontal strand above it and pulling through. This takes practice but is much faster than ripping back rows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a knit and a purl stitch?
The knit stitch has yarn in back and the needle enters from left to right. The purl stitch has yarn in front and the needle enters from right to left. Both create loops, but they face opposite directions. Knit makes a V on the front; purl makes a bump on the front.
Why does my purl stitch look loose compared to my knit stitch?
Purl stitches often look looser because the yarn has to travel a longer distance around the needle. Try holding the yarn slightly tighter as you wrap, or adjust your tension by pinching the yarn closer to the needle. Consistency comes with practice — your tension will even out after a few rows.
Can I purl on the first row of a new project?
Yes. You can purl on any row. However, beginners usually start with knit rows because the motion feels more natural. Once you are comfortable with purl, you can use it anywhere a pattern calls for it. Many patterns begin with a knit row straightforward because it is easier to learn on.
What happens if I accidentally knit instead of purl?
You will create a knit stitch where a purl should be. In stockinette stitch, this creates a visible bump or hole. In garter stitch, it is less noticeable because both knit and purl create texture. If you notice the mistake when ready, you can drop back and fix it with a crochet hook. If you do not notice until later, you can usually keep going — one misplaced stitch rarely ruins a project.
Do I need to move my yarn between every knit and purl stitch?
Yes. Every time you switch from knit to purl or purl to knit, move the yarn to the correct position. If a pattern calls for knit one, purl one across a row, you will move the yarn back and forth for each stitch. This becomes automatic quickly, and the rhythm of moving yarn and knitting becomes meditative.