Knit vs. Purl — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Knit stitches create a smooth 'V' texture on the fabric front, ideal for basic patterns; purl stitches feature a bumpy texture, used for diverse designs.
Difference Between Knit and Purl
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Knit stitches are the most basic and commonly used in knitting, forming a smooth 'V' shape on the fabric's right side. Whereas, purl stitches, which are essentially the reverse of knit stitches, create a bumpy texture on the right side of the fabric, often referred to as 'wrong' side texture when viewed from the knit side.
In terms of technique, the knit stitch is performed by inserting the needle from the front to the back of the loop, a method that tends to be quicker and easier for beginners. On the other hand, the purl stitch involves inserting the needle from the back to the front, which can feel more cumbersome and takes a bit more practice to master.
From a design perspective, knit stitches are primarily used for straightforward, smooth-textured fabrics, which are common in basic scarves and sweaters. Purl stitches are key to creating ribbing, bumpy textures, and intricate patterns, adding visual and tactile interest to the fabric.
Knit stitches generally result in a fabric that stretches more vertically, making it suitable for items that require a degree of elasticity. Conversely, purl stitches can restrict vertical stretch while promoting horizontal spread, useful for projects that need form stability rather than elasticity.
In pattern creation, alternating rows of knit and purl stitches can produce a stockinette stitch, which curls naturally on the edges and is smooth on one side and bumpy on the other. In contrast, combining knits and purls within the same row can yield ribbing or a moss stitch, providing a fabric that lays flat and has a textured finish.
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Comparison Chart
Texture
Smooth 'V' shaped front
Bumpy, ridged front
Technique
Needle front to back loop
Needle back to front loop
Common Usage
Basic garments like scarves and plain sweaters
Ribbing, textured patterns
Fabric Stretch
More vertical stretch
More horizontal spread, less vertical stretch
Pattern Contribution
Contributes to smooth, uniform surfaces
Essential for textured, intricate designs
Compare with Definitions
Knit
A stitch made by looping yarn from front to back.
The sweater consists of 100 rows of knit stitches.
Purl
Used predominantly to add design elements in knitting.
Using purl stitches, she added a beautiful border to her blanket.
Knit
A method of looping yarn to create fabric.
She learned to knit from her grandmother.
Purl
To knit with the yarn at the front of the work.
You'll need to purl these rows for the desired effect.
Knit
To make fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.
He knits quietly in the evenings.
Purl
A method of knitting by looping yarn from back to front, creating a bumpy texture.
Purl stitches can be a bit tricky to master.
Knit
To create interlocked loops that form a cohesive fabric.
They knit together every weekend.
Purl
To execute stitches that lead to a textured fabric surface.
She prefers to purl for textured designs.
Knit
The basic structural element of knitted fabric.
The knit of this fabric makes it very stretchy.
Purl
A stitch characterized by its raised, bumpy appearance.
The pattern requires alternating knit and purl stitches.
Knit
To make (a fabric or garment) by intertwining yarn or thread in a series of connected loops either by hand, with knitting needles, or on a machine.
Purl
Purl or wormwood ale is an English drink. It was originally made by infusing ale with the tops of the wormwood plant, especially the variety which grows in coastal salt marsh, which is called old woman.
Knit
To form (yarn or thread) into fabric by intertwining.
Purl
To flow or ripple with a murmuring sound.
Knit
To join closely; unite securely.
Purl
To knit (yarn) with a purl stitch.
Knit
To draw (the brows) together in wrinkles; furrow.
Purl
To edge or finish (a handkerchief, for example) with lace or embroidery.
Knit
To make a fabric or garment by knitting.
Purl
To do knitting with a purl stitch.
Knit
To become securely joined or mended together closely, as a fractured bone.
Purl
To edge or finish with lace or embroidery.
Knit
To come together in wrinkles or furrows, as the brows.
Purl
The sound made by rippling water.
Knit
A fabric or garment made by knitting.
Purl
Abbr. p. Inversion of a knit stitch; purl stitch.
Knit
The way in which a fabric has been knit
A loose knit.
Purl
A decorative edging of lace or embroidery.
Knit
(ambitransitive) To turn thread or yarn into a piece of fabric by forming loops that are pulled through each other. This can be done by hand with needles or by machine.
To knit a stocking
The first generation knitted to order; the second still knits for its own use; the next leaves knitting to industrial manufacturers.
Purl
Gold or silver wire used in embroidery.
Knit
To join closely and firmly together.
The fight for survival knitted the men closely together.
Purl
A particular stitch in knitting; an inversion of stitches giving the work a ribbed or waved appearance.
Knit
(intransitive) To become closely and firmly joined; become compacted.
Purl
The edge of lace trimmed with loops.
Knit
(intransitive) To grow together.
All those seedlings knitted into a kaleidoscopic border.
Purl
An embroidered and puckered border; a hem or fringe, often of gold or silver twist; also, a pleat or fold, as of a band.
Knit
(transitive) To combine from various elements.
The witness knitted together his testimony from contradictory pieces of hearsay.
Purl
A heavy or headlong fall; an upset.
Knit
To heal following a fracture.
I’ll go skiing again after my bones knit.
Purl
A circle made by the motion of a fluid; an eddy; a ripple.
Knit
(transitive) To form into a knot, or into knots; to tie together, as cord; to fasten by tying.
Purl
A gentle murmuring sound, such as that produced by the running of a liquid among obstructions.
The purl of a brook
Knit
(transitive) To draw together; to contract into wrinkles.
Purl
(archaic) Ale or beer spiced with wormwood or other bitter herbs, regarded as a tonic.
Knit
A knitted garment.
Purl
(archaic) Hot beer mixed with gin, sugar, and spices.
Knit
A session of knitting.
Purl
To decorate with fringe or embroidered edge
Needlework purled with gold.
Knit
To form into a knot, or into knots; to tie together, as cord; to fasten by tying.
A great sheet knit at the four corners.
When your head did but ache,I knit my handkercher about your brows.
Purl
(knitting) To use an inverted stitch producing ribbing etc.
Knit one, purl two.
Knit
To form, as a textile fabric, by the interlacing of yarn or thread in a series of connected loops, by means of needles, either by hand or by machinery; as, to knit stockings.
Purl
(archaic) To upset, to spin, capsize, fall heavily, fall headlong.
The huntsman was purled from his horse.
Knit
To join; to cause to grow together.
Nature can not knit the bones while the parts are under a discharge.
Purl
(intransitive) To flow with a murmuring sound in swirls and eddies.
Knit
To unite closely; to connect; to engage; as, hearts knit together in love.
Thy merit hath my duty strongly knit.
Come, knit hands, and beat the ground,In a light fantastic round.
A link among the days, toknitThe generations each to each.
Purl
To rise in circles, ripples, or undulations; to curl; to mantle.
Knit
To draw together; to contract into wrinkles.
He knits his brow and shows an angry eye.
Purl
To decorate with fringe or embroidery.
Knit
To form a fabric by interlacing yarn or thread; to weave by making knots or loops.
Purl
To run swiftly round, as a small stream flowing among stones or other obstructions; to eddy; also, to make a murmuring sound, as water does in running over or through obstructions.
Swift o'er the rolling pebbles, down the hills,Louder and louder purl the falling rills.
Knit
To be united closely; to grow together; as, broken bones will in time knit and become sound.
Purl
To rise in circles, ripples, or undulations; to curl; to mantle.
Thin winding breath which purled up to the sky.
Knit
Union knitting; texture.
Purl
An embroidered and puckered border; a hem or fringe, often of gold or silver twist; also, a pleat or fold, as of a band.
A triumphant chariot made of carnation velvet, enriched withpurl and pearl.
Knit
A fabric made by knitting
Purl
An inversion of stitches in knitting, which gives to the work a ribbed or waved appearance.
Knit
A basic knitting stitch
Purl
A circle made by the notion of a fluid; an eddy; a ripple.
Whose stream an easy breath doth seem to blow,Which on the sparkling gravel runs in purles,As though the waves had been of silver curls.
Knit
Needlework created by interlacing yarn in a series of connected loops using straight eyeless needles or by machine
Purl
A gentle murmur, as that produced by the running of a liquid among obstructions; as, the purl of a brook.
Knit
Make (textiles) by knitting;
Knit a scarf
Purl
Malt liquor, medicated or spiced; formerly, ale or beer in which wormwood or other bitter herbs had been infused, and which was regarded as tonic; at present, hot beer mixed with gin, sugar, and spices.
Knit
Tie or link together
Purl
A tern.
Knit
To gather something into small wrinkles or folds;
She puckered her lips
Purl
Gold or silver wire thread
Purl
A basic knitting stitch
Purl
Flow in a circular current, of liquids
Purl
Make a murmuring sound;
The water was purling
Purl
Knit with a purl stitch
Purl
Edge or border with gold or silver embroidery
Purl
Embroider with gold or silver thread
Common Curiosities
Can you combine knit and purl stitches in a single project?
Yes, combining knit and purl stitches in various patterns can create different textures and designs in knitting.
How do knit and purl stitches differ in appearance?
Knit stitches appear as smooth 'V' shapes, while purl stitches have a bumpy, textured appearance.
Is it easier to knit or purl?
Generally, beginners find knitting easier than purling because the knit stitch is more straightforward to execute.
What is a knit stitch?
A knit stitch is a basic type of knitting stitch where the yarn is looped from front to back, creating a smooth 'V' shape on the fabric.
What kind of projects are best for purl stitches?
Purl stitches are perfect for adding texture and intricate patterns, such as in ribbing or cabled designs.
Can you create a flat knitting fabric using only knit stitches?
Yes, knitting every row with knit stitches will produce a garter stitch, which is flat and stretchy.
What is a purl stitch?
A purl stitch involves looping the yarn from back to front, resulting in a bumpy texture on the fabric's surface.
How do knit stitches affect fabric stretch?
Knit stitches allow the fabric to stretch more vertically, which is beneficial for garments needing elasticity.
What is stockinette stitch?
Stockinette stitch is made by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches, resulting in one smooth side and one textured side.
How do purl stitches affect fabric stretch?
Purl stitches provide more horizontal spread and less vertical stretch, which is useful for more structured items.
Is it possible to knit circular items with knit and purl stitches?
Yes, knitting and purling can be done in the round to create circular items like hats and socks.
What kind of projects are best for knit stitches?
Knit stitches are ideal for projects requiring smooth, stretchable fabric, such as basic sweaters and scarves.
What is ribbing in knitting?
Ribbing is a pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches across rows, which is stretchy and commonly used for cuffs and edges.
What are some tips for beginners learning knit and purl stitches?
Practice consistently, start with simple projects, and don't hesitate to unravel mistakes to understand the process better.
Why do knit and purl stitches look different?
The direction and method of looping the yarn cause the distinct visual differences between knit and purl stitches.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
