Purl Stitch: How to Do It Step by Step
Purl Stitch (p in US patterns) is a beginner-level knitting stitch that makes bumpy horizontal ridge on the side facing you. Stitchers use it for stockinette on flat pieces, ribbing, textured patterns. To start, bring the yarn to the front, then insert the right needle into the first stitch from right to left. It is usually learned alongside knit stitch.
Purl Stitch is a beginner-level knitting stitch that makes bumpy horizontal ridge on the side facing you. Patterns abbreviate it as p, in both US and UK terms. Makers use it for stockinette on flat pieces, ribbing, textured patterns.
The table below sums up purl stitch in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Knitting |
|---|---|
| US abbreviation | p |
| UK abbreviation | p |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Bumpy horizontal ridge on the side facing you |
| Best for | Stockinette on flat pieces, Ribbing, Textured patterns |
How do you work purl stitch?
- Bring the working yarn to the front of the work, between the needles.
- Insert the right needle into the front of the first stitch, from right to left, so it sits in front of the left needle.
- Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right needle tip.
- Push the right needle down and back through the stitch, taking the new loop with it.
- Slide the old stitch off the left needle.
Purl Stitch is one of the stitches covered in how to measure knitting gauge. When you are ready to plan a project in it, the knitting gauge calculator will work out your stitches per inch.
What are the most common purl stitch mistakes?
- Leaving the yarn in back so no loop forms
- Wrapping clockwise and twisting stitches
- Forgetting to move the yarn back before a knit stitch
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does purl stitch lead next? Brioche Stitch (One Color, Flat) is the natural step up: brioche stitch pairs a purl-side slip with a yarn over, and it is the classic reason to get purling comfortable.
Which stitches are related to purl stitch?
The 5 stitches below are the closest relatives of purl stitch, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knit Stitch | k | Beginner | Smooth V shape on the front; the basic stitch of most fabrics |
| Stockinette Stitch | St st | Beginner | Smooth Vs on the right side, purl bumps on the back; edges curl |
| Reverse Stockinette Stitch | rev St st | Beginner | Bumpy purl side used as the right side; background for cables |
| 1x1 Rib | k1, p1 rib | Beginner | Very stretchy, pulls in widthwise, springs back |
| Brioche Stitch (One Color, Flat) | brk / sl1yo | Experienced | Deep, lofty, reversible rib; very stretchy and warm; uses more yarn |
What other beginner knitting stitches should you learn?
- Knit Stitch: first lessons, garter and stockinette fabrics
- Garter Stitch: scarves, dishcloths
- Stockinette Stitch: sweaters, hats
- Reverse Stockinette Stitch: cable backgrounds, textured panels
- Seed Stitch: borders, washcloths
- Moss Stitch: blankets, textured sweaters
- 1x1 Rib: cuffs, hat brims
- 2x2 Rib: hat brims, sweater hems
- Slip Stitch (Knit): heel flaps, neat selvage edges
- Knit Two Together: hat crowns, shaping
- Yarn Over: lace, eyelet buttonholes
- Knit Front and Back: easy increases, toe-up socks
Tools for knitting
Clover Universal Knitting Counter
Under $25A simple row counter so you never lose your place in a stitch pattern.
Check price
KnitIQ Blocking Mats, 9 piece set with T-pins
Under $100Blocking evens out stitches and opens up texture patterns; interlocking mats make it easy.
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ChiaoGoo Twist Red Lace Interchangeable Set, Complete, 5 inch tips
Under $250A complete interchangeable set covers every needle size a pattern calls for.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is purl stitch?
Purl Stitch is a knitting stitch that makes bumpy horizontal ridge on the side facing you. Makers reach for it for stockinette on flat pieces, ribbing, textured patterns. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do purl stitch step by step?
1. Bring the working yarn to the front of the work, between the needles. 2. Insert the right needle into the front of the first stitch, from right to left, so it sits in front of the left needle. 3. Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right needle tip. 4. Push the right needle down and back through the stitch, taking the new loop with it. 5. Slide the old stitch off the left needle. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What is the abbreviation for purl stitch?
US patterns abbreviate purl stitch as p. UK patterns use the same abbreviation, p, so this one reads the same on both sides of the Atlantic. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.
What projects use purl stitch?
Purl Stitch suits stockinette on flat pieces, ribbing, textured patterns. To size a project before you start, the knitting gauge calculator will work out your stitches per inch, and how to measure knitting gauge walks through a full project from the beginning.
What are common mistakes with purl stitch?
The most common problems are: leaving the yarn in back so no loop forms; wrapping clockwise and twisting stitches; forgetting to move the yarn back before a knit stitch. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after purl stitch?
Brioche Stitch (One Color, Flat) is the usual next step, because brioche stitch pairs a purl-side slip with a yarn over, and it is the classic reason to get purling comfortable. It is rated experienced here, against beginner for purl stitch. Its own step-by-step page is at brioche stitch (one color, flat).
What stitches are similar to purl stitch?
Stitches closely related to purl stitch include Knit Stitch, Stockinette Stitch, Reverse Stockinette Stitch, 1x1 Rib, Brioche Stitch (One Color, Flat). Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
