Want to know how to bind off knitting purlwise? Learn the technique step-by-step below and then check out more tutorials on my Knitting Tutorial Page.
If you’ve been following along with my Beginner Knitting Series, we’ve already gone through casting on, knit stitches, purl stitches, and even how to bind off knitting knitwise. Now it’s time to master how to bind off knitting purlwise, and trust me—this one’s just as simple, with a few small tweaks.
So grab your yarn (I’m using KnitPicks Heatherly Sport in the tutorial—affiliate link) and a set of needles, and let’s dive right into how to bind off knitting purlwise together.
Why Learn How to Bind Off Knitting Purlwise?
There’s a very good reason I dedicated an entire post to how to bind off knitting purlwise—and it’s not just to check off another box in our knitting journey.
Sometimes, you’ll be ending a project that was worked entirely or mostly in purl stitches, like ribbing, reverse stockinette, or seed stitch. In these cases, using a knitwise bind off can leave an awkward little ridge or tension mismatch. Learning how to bind off knitting purlwise gives your finished edge a smooth, coordinated look with the rest of the fabric. It’s neat, it’s tidy, and it finishes your project with polish.
Materials You’ll Need
Here’s what I used in the tutorial video and photos:
- Yarn: KnitPicks Heatherly Sport (affiliate link)
- Needles: The same size you used for your project
- Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends later (optional but handy)
If you haven’t worked with Heatherly Sport before, it’s soft, smooth, and just the right thickness for practicing techniques without feeling too bulky or too thin. It’s become one of my favorites to recommend to beginner knitters.
Step-by-Step: How to Bind Off Knitting Purlwise
Alright, let’s walk through how to bind off knitting purlwise with some nice, easy-to-follow steps.
Start purling
Purl the first two stitches on your row like normal. You’ll now have two stitches on your right needle.
Lift the first stitch over
Insert your left needle into the first stitch (the one farthest to the right) on your right needle. Carefully lift it up and over the second stitch and off the needle.
Continue purling
Purl the next stitch on your left needle. Again, you’ll have two stitches on your right needle. Repeat the lift-over motion.
Repeat until you have one stitch left
Keep working across your row, purling one stitch at a time and passing the previous stitch over the new one, until there’s just one stitch left.
Finish off
Cut your yarn, leaving a few inches for weaving in. Pull it through the final loop and tug it snug.
Boom! You’ve just learned how to bind off knitting purlwise.
When Should You Use a Purlwise Bind Off?
I usually reach for this technique any time I’m working a piece that ends on a purl row or has purl texture, like:
- Ribbed brims on hats or sleeves
- Reverse stockinette cowls
- Garter stitch pieces where the last row was purled
- Projects where I want a cleaner edge on the “wrong side” of the fabric
Learning how to bind off knitting purlwise will give your work that next-level look—like you know what you’re doing, even if you’re brand new.
Left-Handed Tutorial: How to Bind Off Knitting Purlwise
As a left-handed knitter myself, I know how frustrating it can be to follow along with right-handed tutorials. That’s why I’ve made a left-handed YouTube video that walks through how to bind off knitting purlwise from start to finish. It’s up close, slowed down, and designed so you can easily follow along at your own pace.
You can find the full video on youtube, where I keep all my step-by-step videos and pattern help organized.
How to Bind Off Knitting Purlwise vs Knitwise: What’s the Difference?
Great question! You already learned how to bind off knitting knitwise in Part 15, so let’s compare the two.
- Knitwise bind off: Creates a slightly raised, braided edge that pairs well with stockinette or garter stitch.
- Purlwise bind off: Results in a softer, flatter edge that blends beautifully with purl-heavy textures.
So if you’re working on something that ends on a knit row or looks best from the right side, you’ll probably use knitwise. If you’re finishing a piece with lots of purls or you want a gentler edge, go with how to bind off knitting purlwise.
It’s not that one is “better”—they’re just tools in your toolbox. The more you knit, the more naturally you’ll reach for the one that fits your project best.
Quick Recap: How to Bind Off Knitting Purlwise
Let’s hit those key points one more time so it really sticks:
- Purl two stitches
- Lift the first stitch over the second
- Purl the next stitch, repeat the lift
- Continue to the end of the row
- Cut yarn and pull through the final loop
That’s it! That’s all there is to how to bind off knitting purlwise.
Extra Tips for Success
I’ve learned a few things the hard way over the years (you should see my first attempts at bind-offs…), so here are some bonus tips to keep in mind while you’re practicing how to bind off knitting purlwise:
- Keep your tension loose. It’s super easy to pull too tightly and end up with a stiff edge that puckers. Relax those hands!
- Use a larger needle. If you tend to bind off tightly, go up one or two needle sizes just for the bind off row.
- Practice on a swatch. If you’re new to how to bind off knitting purlwise, try it out on a practice piece before doing it on your actual project.
- Don’t rush. This is one of those techniques where slow and steady really does win the race.
Practicing with a Project
Now that you’ve learned how to bind off knitting purlwise, want a few projects where you can put it to good use?
Try these:
- A ribbed dishcloth
- A baby hat with a purl brim
- A scarf that ends with purl rows
- A swatch sampler for building skills
The goal is progress, not perfection. Every stitch you make gets you closer to becoming a confident knitter.
Add This Skill to Your Knitting Toolbox
Learning how to bind off knitting purlwise might seem like a small thing, but every skill you pick up adds to your confidence and creativity as a knitter. I still remember the first time I figured it out—it opened up a whole new world of polished finishes and thoughtful design choices. Now, it’s second nature.
Whether you’re wrapping up a cozy scarf or finishing a baby hat, knowing how to bind off knitting purlwise gives your work that smooth, seamless finish it deserves.
Want to Try the Knitwise Version Too?
If you haven’t already, go check out Part 15: How to Bind Off Knitting Knitwise. It’s another great technique that pairs well with this one—and gives you options for all kinds of projects!
Let’s Chat in the Comments!
Did you try how to bind off knitting purlwise on one of your projects? Have any questions or tips of your own? I’d love to hear how it went! Leave me a comment below and let’s talk knitting.
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