The Purl Stitch

The PURL STITCH is one of the two major stitches in knitting. There are a few different ways of purling this stitch:  English and Continental.

The major difference between the English and Continental methods is how you hold the yarn.  With the English method, you hold the yarn in your right hand and you hold the yarn in the left hand for the Continental methods. More about that in just a moment.


Purl stitch swatch also known as reverse stockinette worked in white yarnPurl Stitch (aka Reverse Stockinette Stitch)
Garter knit stitch worked in gold yarnGarter Stitch

The first thing you will notice in the photo above is that the purl stitch looks very similar to the knit stitch or garter stitch (created with only knit stitches).  But it is different.  Often you will see the term, reverse stockinette to describe what the purl stitch looks like.

Purl stitches are generally used with knit stitches to create interesting textures such as stockinette stitch, seed stitch, and rib stitches.  

Knitting the Purl Stitch English Vs. Continental Methods

Learning to knit requires practice and time.  It takes time to develop that muscle memory in order to knit without thinking about every step.  Think about a skill that you do today without even thinking about it - typing on a keyboard or riding a bike.  Both skills were probably hard when you first tried them, but now, you can accomplish them without even thinking.  Knitting is no different.

Most western knitters hold their yarn in either their right or left hands.  Either way is perfectly fine, but when you are just beginning, you will need to try both methods to see which one feels more comfortable to you. 

How to Purl if You are a Continental Knitter

If you like to hold your yarn in the left hand, you are a continental knitter.  Many crocheters trying knitting for the first time will use this method because they hold the yarn in their left hand when crocheting. 

Many people believe that this method allows you to knit faster.  Many people also think that purling or making purl stitches is more difficult with this method.  You be the judge for yourself.

  • May be more comfortable for crocheters
  • May be faster
  • Easier on the wrists
  • Purling may be more difficult for continental knitters
  • Some knitters find this style to be more relaxing, but the same can also be said for English Knitters.
Continental style of knitting is demonstrated with the yarn held in the left handContinental Knitters hold the yarn in the left needle.

Purling Techniques for English Knitters 

Knitters that hold the working yarn in their right hand are known as English knitters.  Some knitters will learn to knit using the English method and then switch to the continental. 

There is a benefit for being able to do both, especially as you progress through your knitting adventure.  Some colorwork knit techniques such as stranded knitting can be done proficiently using both methods, by holding one color of yarn in each hand.

  • May be more comfortable for beginners
  • Some say that tension can be controled better using this method
  • Experienced English knitters may advance to a method called flicking which can be very fast.
  • May cause wrist pain for some
English style knitting is demonstrated with the yarn held in the right hand.

How to Make the Purl Stitch:  English Style

The following photos show how to make the purl stitch using the English method (also known as throwing or holding the yarn in your right hand.

1. Hold Your Working Yarn in Front of the Work

Step-by-step tutorial on making the purl stitch. Step one is shownWith your working yarn held in front of the needle, insert the tip of the right needle into the next stitch from back to front and right to left. It will look like the two needles have formed an x or a T.

2. Wrap the Yarn Around the Right Needle

Step-by-step tutorial on making the purl stitch. This is step 2Wrap the working yarn from behind and around the right needle in a counterclockwise motion as shown in the photo. Keep some tension on the yarn.

3. Tug the Yarn Downward

Step-by-step tutorial on making the purl stitch. This is step 3With a little tension on the wrap of yarn, bring the tip of the right needle with the wrap of yarn down and through the loop on the left needle to the back side of the left needle.

4. Push the old Stitch Off the Left Needle

Step-by-step tutorial for making the purl stitch. This is the fourth and last step for making the purl stitch.Slip the old stitch off the needle. One purl stitch is completed. Repeat this procedure across the row or for the number of purl stitches required on your pattern.

The Purl Stitch Using the Continental Style

Step One:  Inserting the Needle into the Stitch

Step one of making the purl stitch continental styleInsert the right needle through the stitch on the left needle from left to right and front to back.

Step Two: Wrap the Yarn

step two for knitting the purl stitch with the continental methodSlightly rotate the right needle tip to the right while the pad of your left forefinger brings the yarn between the needles from right to left and down between the needles. Please note, that this step is different for continental knitters. Some use their forefinger as described before, but many also use the middle finger or thumb to accomplish this step.

Step Three: Pull Through

step 3 for knitting the purl stitch, continental styleBring the tip of the right needle with its wrap of yarn through the stitch on the left needle to the back and away from you.

Step Four:  Finish the Purl Stitch 

step 4 tutorial for kniting the purl stitch continental styleSlip the old stitch off the left needle, tighten it on the right needle.

Stockinette Stitch

A knitted swatch of stockinette pattern worked in pink woolStockinette Stitch: One row knit stitches, one row purl stitches

The most common way that the purl stitch is combined with the knit stitch is to create the stockinette stitch.  This stitch pattern is created by working one row of knit stitches and then working one row of purl stitches.  These two rows are then worked alternately creating a solid soft textured fabric that is good for a wide variety of projects. 

Take a look at the photo below.

The yellow stitches are the rows of purl stitches.  You will also see the term, reverse stockinette.  This just refers to the technique of knitting purl stitches only.  The blue portion is both knit and purl.  (One row knit, one row purl and then repeated.)

Learn more about the stockinette stitch.

Stockinette stitch vs purl stitch

Knit vs. Purl Stitch: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Knit Stitch Purl Stitch
Yarn Position Held behind the needles Held in front of the needles
Needle Insertion Insert from front to back Insert from back to front
Fabric Texture Creates a smooth “V” shape on the front Creates a bumpy “ridge” on the front
Appearance on Opposite Side Looks like a purl stitch on the back Looks like a knit stitch on the back
Use in Patterns Used in stockinette, garter, ribbing, etc. Used in stockinette, reverse stockinette, ribbing, etc.
Common Challenges Can be hard to keep tension even for beginners Can feel awkward or reversed at first
Goal of Movement Pull working yarn through to the back Pull working yarn through to the front
Learning Tip Often taught first Usually learned right after knit stitch

Tip: The knit and purl stitches are like mirror images. Mastering both gives you the foundation to create nearly every knitting pattern!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Purl Stitch

Why is purl stitch hard?

Many beginners find the purl stitch slightly more awkward at first because of the yarn placement and motion, especially if you are learning to knit continental style where you hold the yarn in the left hand. However, with practice, it becomes just as natural as the knit stitch.

Some knitters even find it easier! The key is repetition and building that muscle memory.  You may want to try both English and Continental methods to see what feels most comfortable for you. In my opinion, purling is easier if you are an English knitter, but there are ways to make the purl stitch, the continental way just as easy.

What is the difference between the knit and purl stitches?

The knit stitch and the purl stitch are the two basic stitches of knitting, but they are made using opposite motions and create different textures:

Knit Stitch: The working yarn is held behind your needles, and the needle is inserted from front to back. The yarn is wrapped around the needle clockwise and the new stitch is pulled through.

Purl Stitch: The working yarn is held in front of your needles, and the needle is inserted from back to front. The yarn is wrapped counterclockwise around the needle, pulled through and slid off the left needle.

What is the purpose of the purl stitch in knitting?

The purl stitch is one of the two foundational stitches in knitting, along with the knit stitch. Without the purl stitch, you are limited to creating projects solely with the knit stitch or garter stitch pattern.  There's nothing wrong with that and I've created an entire page of free patterns using only the knit stitch.  Garter Stitch Patterns.

When you incorporate the purl stitch into your knitting repretoire, there's no turning back.  It's used to create texture and contrast in your fabric. When combined with knit stitches, it forms patterns like stockinette, ribbing, and seed stitch. The sky's the limit.

Why does my purl stitch look uneven and not like the photos I've seen online?

A twisted or uneven purl stitch usually happens when:

  • You may be wrapping the yarn in the wrong direction.  Be sure you are wrapping the yarn in a counterclockwise way.
  • You may not have achieved an even tension.  This is common and just requires more practice.
  • The stitch may be mounted incorrectly on the needle.  
    Stitches should sit on the left needle with the leg of the stitch facing you 

More Ideas

There are more variations for the purl stitch than I have room to show on this page.  Please check on my knit and purl stitches for more ideas.

The Purl Stitch:  Pin Now, Knit Later

Pin Image showing the purl stitch and how to make itHow to Make the Purl Stitch, Purl Stitch Tutorial Pin Image, THEN, Try this stitch and tag us on Pinterest!

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