Have you ever looked at a piece of knitwear and wondered how it was made? Or maybe you already know how to knit, but you’ve heard people talking about “purling” and you’re not sure what that is. Let’s clear things up: knitting and purling are two common techniques used in hand knitting that create different patterns and textures.
At a basic level, knitting involves creating loops with a long knitting needle and a ball of yarn, then pulling another loop through each loop in turn. It creates a fabric that is made up of “V” shaped stitches. Purling, on the other hand, is the reverse of knitting: instead of pulling loops through the front of the work, the needle is inserted from back to front and the loop is pulled through the back. The resulting stitch looks like a horizontal bar instead of a “V,” and when combined with rows of knitting, creates a textured pattern.
The difference between these two stitches might seem small, but it can make a big difference in the look and feel of a knitted garment. Some patterns call for both knitting and purling in the same row or round to create more complex textures, while others use only one or the other. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, understanding the difference between these two techniques is key to being able to follow patterns and create the finished product you want.
Purling and Knitting Stitches
If you’re new to knitting or just starting out, you may have heard the terms “purling” and “knitting” thrown around. While both are fundamental stitches that form the foundation of many knitting patterns, there are a few key differences between purling and knitting that can impact your project’s outcome.
Purling and Knitting Stitches: The Difference
- Direction: When you knit, you work the yarn from the back to the front of your work. When you purl, you work the yarn from the front to the back of your work. This can change how the stitches look on the finished product.
- Appearance: Purl stitches appear as inverted bumps, while knit stitches form V-shaped patterns. Depending on the pattern you’re following, these differences in appearance can be used to create unique textures on your finished garment.
- Difficulty: Some knitters find purling more difficult than knitting, as the motion of bringing the yarn to the front and then back again can be awkward at first. However, with practice, most knitters find that purling becomes just as easy as knitting.
The Uses of Purling and Knitting Stitches
While both knitting and purling are used to create a wide variety of projects, certain types of fabrics require specific combinations of the two stitches. For example:
- Garter stitch: This pattern is created by knitting every row. The result is a ridged fabric that’s often used for scarves and dishcloths.
- Stockinette stitch: This pattern is created by alternating rows of knit stitches and purl stitches. The result is a smooth, flat fabric that’s perfect for sweaters and other garments.
Common Mistakes When Purling and Knitting
Even experienced knitters can make mistakes when purling and knitting. Here are a few to watch out for:
| Mistake | Description |
|---|---|
| Dropped stitches | When a stitch slips off the needle before it’s supposed to. |
| Twisted stitches | When a stitch is twisted before it’s knitted or purled, resulting in an irregular shape. |
| Inconsistent tension | When your stitches are not of a consistent size, which can impact the overall appearance of the finished product. |
With practice and patience, you can become an expert at both purling and knitting. Whether you’re working on a complicated sweater pattern or just knitting a simple scarf, mastering these two basic stitches is a must for any knitter.
Yarn and Needle Size
When it comes to knitting and purling, yarn and needle size are crucial factors that can greatly affect the finished product. Yarn comes in various sizes and weights, and selecting the right yarn for a project is essential to achieving the desired look and texture. Some factors to consider when selecting yarn include the fiber content, color, texture, and thickness.
- Fiber Content: Different yarns come in different fiber contents, such as wool, cotton, acrylic, silk, and alpaca. Each fiber has unique properties that can influence the texture, drape, and warmth of the finished product.
- Color: The color of yarn can greatly impact the overall appearance of a project and can be used to create different effects, such as stripes, patterns, and textures.
- Texture: The texture of yarn refers to the way it feels when touched. Some yarns are smooth and silky, while others are more fluffy and fuzzy. These textures can create different effects in a project, such as adding depth and dimension.
Additionally, choosing the right needle size can greatly impact the look and feel of a project. Needles come in different materials, such as metal, bamboo, and plastic, and in different sizes. The size of the needle determines the gauge or stitch density, as well as the finished size of the project. Smaller needles create tighter and firmer stitches, while larger needles create looser and softer stitches.
It is important to select the right needle size for the yarn being used to achieve the desired look and texture. For example, a thicker yarn will require a larger needle size, while a finer yarn will require a smaller needle size.
| Yarn Weight | Recommended Needle Size |
|---|---|
| Lace | US 000-1 |
| Fingering | US 1-3 |
| Sport | US 3-5 |
| Dk | US 5-7 |
| Worsted | US 7-9 |
| Bulky | US 9-11 |
| Super Bulky | US 13-19 |
Overall, selecting the right yarn and needle size can greatly impact the success of a knitting or purling project. By considering the fiber content, color, texture, and weight of the yarn and the size and material of the needle, one can achieve the desired look and texture for their finished product.
Continental vs. English Knitting
When it comes to knitting, there are two main techniques: Continental and English. Both techniques produce the same end result, but the way they are executed is different.
- Continental Knitting: This technique involves holding the working yarn in your left hand, and “picking” the yarn with your right-hand needle to create a new stitch. This method is often favored by speed knitters, as it allows for a more fluid motion.
- English Knitting: English knitting involves holding the working yarn in your right hand, and “throwing” the yarn over the right-hand needle to create a new stitch. This method is often favored by beginners, as it is a bit easier to learn and control.
Regardless of which technique you use, it’s important to choose one that feels comfortable for you and stick with it. Trying to switch between techniques in the middle of a project can be confusing and frustrating.
Another thing to keep in mind is that certain patterns may be written with a specific technique in mind. For example, a pattern written using Continental knitting terminology may not make sense if you’re using the English method, and vice versa.
Ultimately, the difference between Continental and English knitting comes down to personal preference. Some knitters prefer the speed and efficiency of Continental knitting, while others value the simplicity of English knitting. No matter which method you choose, the important thing is to enjoy the process and create something beautiful with your own two hands.
Wrap Stitch Table
| Technique | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Continental Knitting | Speed and efficiency | May take some time to get used to |
| English Knitting | Easier to learn and control | Slower than Continental knitting |
Choosing between Continental and English knitting ultimately comes down to personal preference. The table above summarizes the pros and cons of each technique, giving you a better idea of what to expect when you choose one over the other. Regardless of which technique you choose, the important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
Knitting and Purling Tension
When it comes to knitting and purling, tension is crucial. Tension refers to how tightly or loosely you hold the yarn and needles while working the stitches. Proper tension ensures that your finished work looks neat, even, and uniform.
- Knitting Tension: When knitting, tension determines how tightly the stitches are formed. If your tension is too loose, your stitches will be uneven and floppy. If your tension is too tight, your stitches will be small and difficult to work with. Adjust your tension by holding the yarn and needles more tightly or loosely, or by using a different needle size.
- Purling Tension: When purling, tension is just as important as when knitting. Purl stitches are typically looser than knit stitches, so it’s important to maintain consistent tension to avoid gaps or unevenness in your work. Experiment with different needle sizes to find the right tension for your purl stitches.
- Combining Knitting and Purling: When working a knitting pattern that includes both knit and purl stitches, maintaining consistent tension can be more challenging. Pay special attention to your tension when switching between knit and purl stitches to ensure that your finished work looks even and professional.
One useful tool for maintaining consistent tension is a tension ring or guide. This is a small device that slips onto your index finger and holds the working yarn at a consistent tension, making it easier to keep your stitches neat and even.
| Loose Tension | Even Tension | Tight Tension |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
Practice makes perfect when it comes to maintaining consistent tension while knitting and purling. Start with a simple pattern and work slowly and deliberately, paying close attention to your tension. With time and practice, you’ll develop the muscle memory and skill to create beautifully even knits and purls.
Rib stitch vs. Stockinette stitch
When it comes to knitting, there are countless variations you can create by following a few simple techniques and patterns. Two of the most common knitting stitch patterns are rib stitch and stockinette stitch. Knowing the differences between these two stitches can help you choose which stitch to use for your projects and create a custom look you want.
- The rib stitch is a pattern that creates vertical – or horizontally twisted – rows of knit and purl stitches that looks like thick, raised ribbing.
- The stockinette stitch, on the other hand, features columns of smooth V-shaped stitches that alternate with flat knit rows. The pattern gives a smooth, flat look to the knitted fabric.
- One of the main differences between these two stitches is their elasticity. Rib stitches have a lot of stretch to them, making them a great choice for anything that requires snug or form-fitting materials, such as hats, cuffs, and sleeves. Stockinette stitches, on the other hand, don’t have as much elasticity, but they do tend to lay flat and smooth, making them ideal for blankets, scarves, and anything that doesn’t require a tight fit.
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The table below summarizes some of the primary differences between rib and stockinette stitches:
| Stitch | Elasticity | Texture | Appearance | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rib Stitch | High Elasticity | Raised Ribbing | Thick and textured | Cuffs, collars, hats, sleeves |
| Stockinette | Low Elasticity | Smooth and Flat | Sleek and uniform | Scarves, sweaters, blankets, washcloths |
By understanding the differences between rib stitch and stockinette stitch, you’ll be able to choose which one to use based on what you’re making and how you want that project to function. Try experimenting with both stitches to see which you prefer, and don’t be afraid to mix and match them in your projects for added texture and visual interest.
Increases and Decreases in Knitting
Knitting and purling are basic techniques in knitting that create patterns by manipulating the yarn and stitches. However, to make your knitting projects more interesting and complex, you should know how to increase and decrease stitches.
Increases are stitches added to your knitting to make it wider or larger, while decreases are stitches removed to shape your work. Knowing how to increase and decrease stitches will allow you to create various shapes and forms in your work, from shaping sleeves to creating intricate lace patterns.
- Common Increase Techniques:
- Knit Front and Back (KFB) – produces a small bump at the increase point
- Make One (M1) – invisible increase that creates a small hole in your work
- Yarn Over (YO) – creates a decorative hole in your work, commonly used in lace patterns
- Common Decrease Techniques:
- Knit Two Together (K2tog) – reduces two stitches into one, commonly used in shaping
- Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) – reduces two stitches into one, creates a smoother decrease edge compared to K2tog
- Purl Two Together (P2tog) – reduces two stitches into one in purl rows
It is important to note that each increase and decrease technique has its own unique characteristics and effects on your knitting. Experimenting with different techniques can lead to beautiful and diverse results.
Here is a table summarizing the different increase and decrease techniques:
| Technique | Effect | Use |
|---|---|---|
| KFB | Bump/Bar | Decorative increases, shaping |
| M1 | Invisible increase | When a visible increase is not desired |
| YO | Decorative hole | Lace patterns, decorative elements |
| K2tog | Sloped decrease to the right | Shaping, cuffs, hats |
| SSK | Sloped decrease to the left, smoother edge compared to K2tog | Shaping, cuffs, hats |
| P2tog | Sloped decrease on the purl side | Shaping on the purl side |
With these increase and decrease techniques in your knitting arsenal, you can elevate your knitting projects to the next level.
Cables and Texture in Knitting
One of the reasons that knitting has become such a beloved craft is because there are so many different ways to create texture and depth with just a pair of needles and some yarn. Cables and textured stitches are two of the most popular ways to add visual interest to a knitting project.
So, what’s the difference between cables and textured stitches, and how can you use them in your own knitting projects?
Cables vs. Textured Stitches
- Cables are created by transferring a group of stitches to a cable needle and holding them either in front or in back of the work. The knitter then knits or purls the stitches on the cable needle before returning to the stitches left on the main needle.
- Textured stitches, on the other hand, are created using a combination of knit and purl stitches in varying patterns. This can include anything from ribbing to moss stitch to seed stitch and beyond.
Both cables and textured stitches can add a lot of visual interest to a piece of knitting, so how do you choose which one to use?
Choosing the Right Stitch for Your Project
When it comes to choosing between cables and textured stitches, a lot will depend on the look you’re going for with your particular project. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Cables are great for creating intricate patterns that can’t be achieved through simple knit and purl stitches. They’re also great for adding a 3-dimensional element to your knitting, as the cables tend to pop out from the rest of the work.
- Textured stitches are great for adding depth and visual interest to your knitting without necessarily drawing too much attention to themselves. A textured stitch like seed stitch, for example, can be a great way to create a fabric that looks intricate and visually stimulating, without distracting from other elements of the design.
Ultimately, the choice between cables and textured stitches will depend on your personal preference, as well as the needs of the particular project you’re working on. To get inspiration for your next project, take a look at some knitting magazines or browse some knitting blogs to see what other knitters are doing with cables and textured stitches.
Examples of Cable and Textured Knitting Stitches
Here are a few examples of cables and textured stitches that you can use to elevate your next knitting project:
| Cables | Textured Stitches |
|---|---|
| Cable 4 Back (C4B) | Rib Stitch |
| Cable 4 Front (C4F) | Moss Stitch |
| Cable 6 Back (C6B) | Seed Stitch |
Experiment with different cable and textured stitch patterns until you find the ones that work best for your project and your personal style. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful, intricate knitted pieces that are unique and truly your own.
What is the difference between purling and knitting?
1. What’s the difference between purling and knitting?
Knitting and purling are two basic techniques used in knitting. Purling creates a raised horizontal line on the fabric, while knitting creates a flat surface.
2. Can I knit without purling?
Yes, you can, but it depends on the pattern you are following. Some patterns require purl stitches, while others only require knit stitches.
3. Which is easier, knitting or purling?
Many beginners find purling more difficult than knitting, as it requires holding your yarn in front of your work instead of behind it.
4. Can you combine knitting and purling?
Absolutely! In fact, most knitting patterns use a combination of knit and purl stitches to create a variety of textures and designs.
5. Why do some stitches look different when I purl compared to when I knit?
Stitches can look different when you purl compared to when you knit because you are working the same stitch from a different angle. Purling creates a raised horizontal line, while knitting creates a flat surface.
Closing Thoughts:
So there you have it, the difference between purling and knitting. Remember, practice is key to mastering both techniques in knitting. Thanks for reading! Come back again soon for more knitting tips and tricks. Happy stitching!