Knitting and purling are two of the most basic and essential techniques used in knitting and are the foundation for creating all kinds of beautiful projects. Although these two methods are similar, they each create a distinct and unique look. Understanding the differences between these two techniques is key to becoming a successful knitter.
Knitting is the most widely used knitting technique and involves creating stitches by looping yarn around a pair of needles. The yarn is looped around the needle closest to you and then pulled through the first loop on the needle. This process is repeated over and over until the desired number of stitches is created. Knitting creates a flat fabric with a distinct right side and wrong side.
Purling is the opposite of knitting and involves creating stitches by looping the yarn around the needle furthest away from you. The yarn is looped around the needle and then pulled through the first loop on the needle. This process is repeated until the desired number of stitches is created. Purling creates a flat fabric with a distinct right side and wrong side.
The Difference between knitting and purling can be seen in the resulting fabric. When knit stitches are used, the fabric has a “V” shape on the right side and a bumpy texture on the wrong side. When purl stitches are used, the fabric has a “U” shape on the right side and a smooth texture on the wrong side.
Conclusion
Knitting and purling are two of the most basic and essential techniques used in knitting. While they are similar, they each create a distinct and unique look. Knowing the difference between these two techniques is key to becoming a successful knitter and creating beautiful projects.
Difference Between Knitting and Purling: Types of Stitches
Knitting and purling are two of the fundamental stitches in knitting. While they may appear to be the same, they are actually quite different. The main difference between knitting and purling is the way the yarn is manipulated to create the stitch.
Knitting
Knitting is the most basic of all the stitches and forms the basis for all other stitches. To knit a stitch, the yarn is looped around the right-hand needle from the back to the front. The right-hand needle is then inserted into the loop on the left-hand needle and the yarn is pulled through to create a new loop. The left-hand needle is then lifted up and the new loop is transferred onto the right-hand needle. This creates a knit stitch.
Purling
Purling is the other basic stitch and is the opposite of knitting. To purl a stitch, the yarn is looped around the right-hand needle from the front to the back. The right-hand needle is then inserted into the loop on the left-hand needle and the yarn is pulled through to create a new loop. The left-hand needle is then lifted up and the new loop is transferred onto the right-hand needle. This creates a purl stitch.
Difference Between Knitting and Purling: Resulting Stitch
The resulting stitch of knitting and purling is a key difference between the two. Knitting creates a smooth stockinette stitch, which is the most common stitch used in knitting. Purling creates a bumpy reverse stockinette stitch. The smooth stockinette stitch is used to create garments such as sweaters, scarves and hats, while the reverse stockinette stitch is used for other items such as blankets and throws.
Difference Between Knitting and Purling: Right Side and Wrong Side
The right side and wrong side of the work are also different for knitting and purling. The right side of the work is the side that is seen when the work is completed, while the wrong side is the side that is seen while the work is in progress. The right side of the work when knitting is a smooth stockinette stitch and the wrong side is a bumpy reverse stockinette stitch. The right side of the work when purling is a bumpy reverse stockinette stitch and the wrong side is a smooth stockinette stitch.
