How to Purl In Knitting
Purl Stitch Step-By-Step

This page is all about how to purl stitch step-by-step and it's simple to do.

And if you've been practicing the fun and easy knit stitch for awhile then it's time to move on and learn to purl stitch too. 

Besides these two stitches go together like bread and butter.

The best part is, once you know how to knit stitch and purl stitch you can make practically anything. This is when the real fun begins.

Think of the purl stitch as the opposite to the knit stitch. You still hold your knitting needles the same way. 

The difference is that you will hold the yarn in front of your knitting needle as you purl stitches. 

Even though knitting purl stitches is easy to do it will feel a little awkward to work at first but you'll get used to it as you practice. 

Purl stitches tend to get looser so just give them a little tug when you are finished working the stitch or hold your yarn a little tighter.  

I usually hold my yarn a little tighter to purl.                                                                    

How to Purl Stitch Step-By-Step

1.  Before you even begin to purl stitch make sure you place the working yarn in front of your work.

2. Insert the right needle down into the first loop on the left needle starting from the top and then move it up a little bit to catch that first loop.

3. Then take the working yarn and wrap it around the right needle counterclockwise. Snug it up a bit. 

Notice that with the purl stitch the right knitting needle is in front of left needle. (Note: With the knit stitch the right needle is behind the left needle)

4. Now, with right needle and yarn still wrapped around it, slowly slide it down back through that first loop on left needle.

5. Drop first loop on your left needle. That stitch was just worked and the new stitch is on the right needle.

6. Just keep sliding the loop on the left needle off as it has been worked.

7. The new purl stitch now sits on the right needle.

To help you along, I have chosen two excellent how to purl stitch knitting videos, using the English style and Continental style.

How to Purl Stitch Knitting Video - English Style

How to Purl Stitch Knitting Video - Continental Style

So would you like to keep practicing?  Great!  Here's a little practice knitting pattern.

Easy Purl Stitch Practice Pattern

Cast on 35 stitches

Knit 5 rows of Garter stitch. (Knit every row)

Row 6:  Knit 5, Purl 25, Knit 5

Row 7: Knit all stitches

Row 8:  Repeat row 6

Row 9:  Repeat row 7

Continue knitting row 6 and 7 until you have a square or as long as you like it to be.

Finish by knitting 5 rows of garter stitch

Bind off loosely and weave in ends.

Did You Know that this little practice pattern taught you how to knit the Stockinette Stitch pattern? 

Stockinette stitch is created by knitting one row and purling one row.

This little purl stitch knitting pattern can also be your first practice dishcloth. 

Super Easy Knitting Pattern To Practice Purl Stitches

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