Learn How to Do a Purl Stitch English Style [FREE Knitting Tutorial]

The second stitch you usually learn as a knitter is the Purl Stitch. It is also the second of two basic stitches that form the basis of knitting. And here, you will learn the Purl Stitch English Style.

In fact, the Purl Stitch is simply the reverse of the Knit Stitch.

So, when you form a Knit Stitch, you create a smooth V-shape on the side that it is facing. Conversely, when you knit a Purl Stitch, you create a small horizontal bump on the side that is facing you. 

Furthermore, when turning around a Knit Stitch, you see the tell-tale bump of a Purl Stitch.

In addition, when turning around a Purl Stitch, you will see the tell-tale V of a Knit Stitch.

By knitting one row of just knit stitches, followed by one row of only purl stitches, you will create what we call the Stockinette Stitch.

When you alternate between a Knit Stitch and a Purl Stitch on a row, you create a 1×1 rib pattern. This rib pattern is perfect for knitting projects such as hats, socks, gloves/mittens, etc.

By combining knit and purl stitches, you can create a wide range of easy, but beautifully knitted stitch patterns.

Just like with the English Style Knit Stitch, you also hold the yarn you are working with within the left hand for the Purl Stitch English Style.

In knitting patterns, you normally see the purl stitch abbreviated as a “p”.

Starting with the Purl Stitch English Style

In this tutorial, you will learn the Purl Stitch English Style.

As you are learning more about knitting, you will see that there are many different ways of knitting the Purl Stitch English Style.

Unfortunately, we cannot cover all the variations here. Therefore, we have chosen the most common method in this tutorial.

However, prior to starting this tutorial, we suggest that you cast on some stitches and knit a row. If you need a reminder, you can find some tutorials here:

• Making a Slip Knot
• Learn How To Do The Slingshot Position
• How To Do A Long-tail Cast On
• Learn How To Do A Knit Stitch Continental Style

Step-by-Step Purl Stitch English Tutorial

Just like when knitting a Knit Stitch, you will need to start by holding your working yarn taut between the left index and middle fingers.

Hold the right-hand needle with the stitches in your left hand. Keep the working yarn taut and hold the empty needle in your right hand. Make sure that the working yarn is in front of the left-hand needle.

Start by inserting your right-hand needle into the first stitch. Make sure you do this from right to left, so that an X is formed with the right-hand needle in front. Ensure that the right-hand needle is in front of the working yarn.

Pass the yarn over and around the right needle counterclockwise. Using your left hand, you can secure the right-hand needle from slipping off the stitch.

Use the right-hand needle as a “hook” and pull the working yarn through the stitch.

To complete the stitch, slip it off the left-hand needle.