Purl Stitch (Crocheting/Knitting)

Purl stitch is one of the two fundamental stitches in knitting, the other being the knit stitch. It is an essential technique that is used in countless knitting patterns and designs. When executed correctly, purl stitches create a series of bumps or ridges on the right side of the knitted fabric, which is opposite to the smooth V-shaped pattern created by knit stitches.

To work a purl stitch, the working yarn is held in front of the knitting needles, while the right-hand needle is inserted from the front to the back of the next stitch on the left-hand needle. The working yarn is then wrapped counterclockwise around the right-hand needle, and pulled through the stitch to complete the purl stitch. This creates a loop on the right-hand needle, which is then transferred to the left-hand needle to continue the pattern.

One of the most common applications of the purl stitch is in ribbing, which is a pattern used to create stretchy fabric that is commonly seen on the cuffs, collar, and waistbands of sweaters and other garments. Ribbing is created by alternating knit and purl stitches, with the purl stitches being worked on the same side as the knit stitches to create a vertical pattern.

Purl stitch is also used to create various textures and patterns, such as seed stitch and moss stitch. Seed stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern, while moss stitch involves alternating knit and purl stitches in a staggered pattern.

Crocheting also has its own version of the purl stitch, which is commonly known as the purl stitch in Tunisian crochet. This stitch is worked on the back side of the fabric, using a long crochet hook with a stopper on the end. The working yarn is held in front of the hook, while the hook is inserted from the back to the front of the next stitch. The yarn is then wrapped counterclockwise around the hook and pulled through the stitch to complete the purl stitch.

In conclusion, understanding how to work the purl stitch is a critical skill for knitters and crocheters alike, as it is used in countless patterns and designs. It is a versatile stitch that can be used to create a variety of textures, and it is essential for creating ribbing and other stretchy fabrics.