technique
Purl stitch
The purl stitch is the partner of the knit stitch and creates the raised bump side of stockinette fabric.
What it is
The purl stitch is worked with the yarn at the front. Together with knit stitch, it creates ribbing, textured patterns and the wrong side of flat stockinette.
How Ruke patterns use it
Ruke patterns use purling whenever fabric is worked flat, when ribbing needs knit and purl columns, or when texture is part of the design.
Pattern notation examples
- Flat stockinette usually combines knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side.
- Ribbing depends on moving cleanly between knit and purl stitches.
When to use it
Use it for wrong-side rows, ribbing and textured stitch patterns.
What to check
Check that the yarn moves to the front before purling and returns to the correct position before the next knit stitch.
Common mistakes
Forgetting to move the yarn, creating accidental yarn overs, or letting purl rows become looser than knit rows.