purl
PERL
/pɜːrl/
A basic knitting stitch made by inserting the needle from right to left through the front of the loop, creating a bumpy texture.
Purl is the exact structural reverse of the knit stitch. While a knit stitch is smooth and looks like a 'V', a purl stitch looks like a small horizontal bump or wave.
The story behind the word. The word 'purl' emerged in the 16th century, originally referring to a decorative, twisted border made of gold or silver thread. It likely derives from an older word meaning 'to twist' or 'to ripple' (as in a purling brook), capturing the wavy, bumpy texture that the purl stitch creates on the surface of knitted fabric.
Word relationships
- reverse-stitch: Reverse-stitch is a descriptive term, while purl is the precise, technical name used in knitting patterns.
- knit stitch: The knit stitch is the smooth, V-shaped counterpart and structural reverse of the purl stitch.
Commonly confused with
- knit stitch: A knit stitch pulls the yarn from back to front, creating a smooth 'V' texture, while a purl stitch pulls yarn from front to back, creating a bumpy ridge.
Word family
- purled (adjective): Knitted using the purl stitch.
Collocations
- purl stitch
- purl row
- knit and purl
- purl side
Example sentences
- "Knit two, purl two to create a stretchy ribbed collar for the sweater." A modern knitting pattern instruction.
Memory hook
Think of a 'purl' stitch as creating a 'pearl-like' bump on the fabric. Purl: the bumpy reverse stitch.
When not to use
Do not use 'purl' when describing crochet, sewing, or embroidery, as it is a term exclusive to knitting.
Fun facts
- If you knit every row, you get 'garter stitch' (which is bumpy on both sides). If you alternate knitting one row and purling the next, you get 'stockinette stitch,' which is smooth on the front and bumpy on the back.
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