Ready to learn how to purl? This beginner-friendly guide (with a left-handed video tutorial!) has you covered! Check out all of our other Knitting Tutorials here.
Learning how to purl is like unlocking the other half of knitting’s dynamic duo. With the knit stitch already in your arsenal, adding the purl stitch opens a whole new world of patterns and textures! Whether you’re here for the written guide, the left-handed YouTube tutorial, or just for some friendly knitting banter, let’s dive in.
What is Purling, and Why Does It Matter?
If knitting stitches were a dance, the purl stitch would be the perfect partner to the knit stitch. While the knit stitch creates smooth Vs on one side of your fabric, purl stitches produce those cute, bumpy ridges we all know and love. Together, they allow you to create stockinette, ribbing, and other fabulous textures. Learning how to purl is essential for every knitter’s toolkit—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Materials You’ll Need
Before we start, make sure you have:
- Cascade 220 Superwash yarn (affiliate link)—perfect for practice!
- KnitPicks needles (affiliate link)—because smooth needles make all the difference.
Having the right materials makes learning how to purl so much more enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Purl
Here’s my step-by-step breakdown of the purl stitch. Pour yourself a cup of tea (or coffee if you’re fancy), and let’s get started.
Step 1: Hold Your Yarn
Unlike knitting, where the working yarn is behind your needles, purling requires you to bring the yarn to the front. If you’ve ever wondered why your project has extra loops where they don’t belong, chances are you forgot this crucial step.
Step 2: Insert the Needle
Hold your work in your left hand and insert your right needle from back to front into the first stitch on your left needle. Imagine scooping up a tiny fishhook. This is the foundation of how to purl.
Step 3: Wrap the Yarn
Take the working yarn (that’s the one connected to the ball of yarn) and wrap it around the tip of your right needle counterclockwise. If you’re using that lovely Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link), this part should feel super smooth.
Step 4: Pull the Loop Through
Here’s where the magic happens! Use your right needle to pull the yarn you just wrapped through the stitch on your left needle. You’re creating a new stitch on your right needle.
Step 5: Slip the Stitch Off
Slip the old stitch off the left needle. Congratulations! You’ve completed one purl stitch. Now keep going until you’ve mastered the rhythm of how to purl.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learning how to purl can come with a few hiccups. Here are some common issues and their fixes:
- Twisted Stitches:
- Problem: Your stitches look twisted on the needle.
- Solution: Check your yarn placement. Always wrap counterclockwise!
- Dropped Stitches:
- Problem: A stitch falls off your needle before you’re done.
- Solution: Slow down and make sure each stitch is secure before moving on.
- Tension Troubles:
- Problem: Your stitches are too tight or too loose.
- Solution: Practice makes perfect. Focus on keeping a consistent grip on your yarn.
Practice Patterns to Perfect Your Purl
Once you’ve got the hang of how to purl, try these beginner-friendly patterns to hone your skills:
- Garter Stitch: Alternate rows of knit and purl stitches.
- Ribbing: Create stretchy textures by alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row.
- Stockinette Stitch: Purl one row, knit the next—voilà, a smooth fabric emerges!
Each of these patterns reinforces your understanding of how to purl while giving you something functional to show for it.
Left-Handed Knitters, I’ve Got You Covered
As a left-handed knitter myself, I know the struggle of flipping traditional instructions. That’s why I’ve created a dedicated left-handed YouTube tutorial for how to purl. Check it out and see purling from the perspective that makes the most sense for you!
My First Purling Project
I still remember the first time I learned how to purl. My stitches were uneven, my tension was all over the place, and my finished piece looked… unique. But guess what? That scrappy little swatch became the foundation of my knitting journey.
Pro tip: Practice on a small swatch using Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link). Its smooth texture makes mistakes easier to see and fix. Pair it with your KnitPicks needles (affiliate link) for a smooth ride.
Why Purling Is Worth the Effort
Mastering how to purl might seem daunting at first, but trust me, it’s worth every tangled stitch. It’s your ticket to a world of versatile textures, intricate designs, and projects that will have your friends asking, “Wait, you made that?”
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re practicing your first stitch or purling your way through a cozy scarf, remember this: knitting is a journey, not a race. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t forget to celebrate your progress along the way.
Now that you’ve learned how to purl, what will you create next? Let me know in the comments or tag me in your projects—I’d love to see them!
Affiliate Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!