The purl stitch is the reverse of the knit stitch. In a stockinette stitch, it is visible on the wrong side of the work. It is also noticeable in all textured stitches: garter stitch, seed stitch, moss stitch, and a whole range of patterns that can be created using only knit and purl stitches. According to some knitters, it is a bit more challenging to execute than the knit stitch, but it still claims to be the world’s number two of all knitting stitches!

Purl Stitch
Abbreviation: p
Level: Beginner

The Purl Stitch: Continental Method

Hold the yarn in the left hand and place it in front of the work.

Step 1: Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, passing it through the front loop from right to left.

Step 2: Wrap the yarn around the right needle, passing it to the right of the needle, then behind, and to the front.

Step 3: Bring the right needle back through the stitch, making sure to keep the yarn on the right needle.

Step 4: Drop the stitch off the left needle.

Congratulations! You’ve purled a stitch!
Very soon, you’ll be able to perform these four steps in one fluid motion.

The Purl Stitch: English/American/Throwing Method

Hold the yarn in the right hand and place it in front of the work.

 Step 1: Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, passing it through the front loop from right to left.

Step 2: Wrap the yarn around the right needle, passing it to the right of the needle, then behind, and to the front.

Step 3: Bring the right needle back through the stitch, making sure to keep the yarn on the right needle.

Step 4: Drop the stitch off the left needle.

Congratulations! You’ve purled a stitch!
Very soon, you’ll be able to perform these four steps in one fluid motion.