Explore guide
Understand knit and purl formation
A knit face shows V-shaped columns; the reverse shows purl bumps. Track the yarn through one loop to connect the two faces.
Related lessons and tools
A knit face shows V-shaped columns; the reverse shows purl bumps. Track the yarn through one loop to connect the two faces.
Before you start
Use smooth, light yarn and a small sample that matches the lesson’s flat or circular construction. Mark the right side and record the starting stitch count. Follow the pattern’s own stitch key.
How to do it
- For these common Western-mounted stitches, the leading leg is in front. Knit: hold yarn behind, enter the front of the next loop from left to right, wrap yarn around the right tip and draw a new loop forward. Slide the old loop off.
- Purl: bring yarn between the tips to the front. Enter the front of the loop from right to left, wrap yarn and draw the new loop backward; slide the old loop off. Move yarn between the tips when changing knit/purl, not over a needle.
Try this example
Work two knit stitches and two purl stitches across 12 stitches. Turn the sample and identify how a knit column becomes a purl column on the other face.
Check your result
- Count live stitches, trace one column and inspect both faces. Compare the relaxed edge with the middle of the sample before repeating the operation on a project.
- Stitch names and mounts vary between knitting styles. Follow the required fabric structure and pattern key rather than assuming every front loop is the correct entry point.
Sources
- www.craftyarncouncil.com: instructions_kn.php3
- www.garnstudio.com: lessons.php
- journals.aps.org: PhysRevX.8.021075
