The purl stitch is often described as the other half of knitting. Yet many knitters go to significant lengths to avoid it, and there is a longer history behind that than you might think.
The way that I purl is not uncomfortable at all. It's like a pick stitch. The only issue I have is that I can't purl with the yarn in my right hand. I hold the yarn in my left and have no problems knitting with it in the right hand.
And you should definitely learn Shetland lace! It tends to be lace where the pattern is easy to memorize. I love knit lace but my eyes aren't up to it anymore.
Interesting! I find that I have to switch knitting styles between projects, so as to balance out the stress on my hands. I can technically purl with my right hand, but since working out combined Continental, I find English purling so slow in comparison.
Lace really is beautiful, and I love how light and airy the fabric can be. Knitting something designed by 'A Passion for Lace' is a longterm goal of mine.
I used to belong to the Lacy Knitters Guild. It was fun! The published a lot of old lace patterns. You could test knit for them. as far as purling, I hold the yarn in my left hand so I just need to swing it forward to purl. It doesn’t make K1, P1 rib in sock yarn more fun (current watchcap project). I can do two color knitting just fine. I guess I could learn to purl with the yarn in my right hand but it seems complicated.
Ooo I will check this out. I’ve already been enjoying reading through the blog on Ganseys you recommended, and I see what you mean about him being opinionated 😂
I think if you have a way to purl that works, no need to try anything you. Although one day I’d like to try Portuguese purling just out of curiosity.
Back in the ancient days, Threads magazine had an article on the different ways to knit. That was the first time I heard about the Portugese style of knitting. It's interesting. And I do enjoy the gansey guy, although I disagree with him on some points. What he does actually works.
The reminder that Shetland lace — one of the most demanding knitting traditions in existence — is worked entirely in garter stitch is one of those facts that reframes everything that follows. Your note on the history of flat versus circular knitting is the most interesting part for me: the assumption that flat pieces joined with seams is the standard, and circular knitting an advanced technique, has it precisely backwards. Portuguese-style knitting treating the purl as primary is something I hadn’t encountered before; the suggestion that it may represent an older tradition complicates the usual Anglo-centric narrative of the craft’s development considerably.
Great article. I’m a self-taught knitter. My knit stitches were worked in the back and my purl stitches were easily picked in the front. Tension was even, but I was told that I had it all wrong. I found out that I had to switch my technique. Now my purl stitches are looser. I’ve made adjustments to holding the yarn, but I still have issues especially with the purl stitches. I’ll check out the Norwegian purl and see if that helps me.
This way you’re describing is exactly how I knit. It’s often called “combined continental” and it’s by no means wrong, so I’m sorry that someone told you that.
There’s no harm in checking out Norwegian purling, but it might be worth going back to your old way and seeing how it feels now.
I learned Norwegian purling a few years ago and it really unlocked something for me (as a continental knitter). I still get frustrated with purling sometimes. Very glad to know this history!
It's great that you found a way that works for you! I'd actually be interested in looking into the origin of the Norwegian purl.... it's so different to other methods.
This is a really interesting article. I wasn’t aware of the different ways of purling, or of any of the history. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from your article - thank you!
Currently I use Continental, though I think I’ve done English in the past. I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe I have some technique issues with my knit stitch that’s making it harder than it should be. I’m thinking of taking a clases at my local yarn shop
I'd recommend taking a class in-person, you can learn so much in a surprisingly short amount of time.
It may be that you are wrapping your purls clockwise rather than anticlockwise, which can make the knits on the next row twisted, therefore a bit tighter. I wrap my purls this way, but make sure to work knits through the back loop so as not to twist them - it's called combined continental, so may be worth checking out!
I find purling with the yarn held in the left hand a struggle - it is really difficult to maintain the correct tension. I can do it, but it never feels natural. I do a lot of colour work and there are certain designers who avoid steeking, so I've taught myself to work alternative right and wrong sided with one colour in each hand. It's particularly tricky when you have to anchor floats, but I did once complete a whole cardigan on that basis. Incidentally, I'm left-handed, but was taught by a right-handed knitter.
Wow, I’ve never tried colourwork flat beyond a small swatch, I can’t imagine doing a whole cardigan! I prefer to work combined continental, so it purling with a colour in each hand, I end up with one colour’s stitches mounted differently to the other.
The fact you shared that Shetland lace didn’t have any purls is the most encouraging to me as a garter stitch beginner knitter. My dream is to try Shetland lace 😍.
The way that I purl is not uncomfortable at all. It's like a pick stitch. The only issue I have is that I can't purl with the yarn in my right hand. I hold the yarn in my left and have no problems knitting with it in the right hand.
And you should definitely learn Shetland lace! It tends to be lace where the pattern is easy to memorize. I love knit lace but my eyes aren't up to it anymore.
Interesting! I find that I have to switch knitting styles between projects, so as to balance out the stress on my hands. I can technically purl with my right hand, but since working out combined Continental, I find English purling so slow in comparison.
Lace really is beautiful, and I love how light and airy the fabric can be. Knitting something designed by 'A Passion for Lace' is a longterm goal of mine.
I used to belong to the Lacy Knitters Guild. It was fun! The published a lot of old lace patterns. You could test knit for them. as far as purling, I hold the yarn in my left hand so I just need to swing it forward to purl. It doesn’t make K1, P1 rib in sock yarn more fun (current watchcap project). I can do two color knitting just fine. I guess I could learn to purl with the yarn in my right hand but it seems complicated.
Ooo I will check this out. I’ve already been enjoying reading through the blog on Ganseys you recommended, and I see what you mean about him being opinionated 😂
I think if you have a way to purl that works, no need to try anything you. Although one day I’d like to try Portuguese purling just out of curiosity.
Back in the ancient days, Threads magazine had an article on the different ways to knit. That was the first time I heard about the Portugese style of knitting. It's interesting. And I do enjoy the gansey guy, although I disagree with him on some points. What he does actually works.
The reminder that Shetland lace — one of the most demanding knitting traditions in existence — is worked entirely in garter stitch is one of those facts that reframes everything that follows. Your note on the history of flat versus circular knitting is the most interesting part for me: the assumption that flat pieces joined with seams is the standard, and circular knitting an advanced technique, has it precisely backwards. Portuguese-style knitting treating the purl as primary is something I hadn’t encountered before; the suggestion that it may represent an older tradition complicates the usual Anglo-centric narrative of the craft’s development considerably.
Yup, the history of knitting is long and lots of details are unknown. I hope we start to unlock more as time goes on.
Great article. I’m a self-taught knitter. My knit stitches were worked in the back and my purl stitches were easily picked in the front. Tension was even, but I was told that I had it all wrong. I found out that I had to switch my technique. Now my purl stitches are looser. I’ve made adjustments to holding the yarn, but I still have issues especially with the purl stitches. I’ll check out the Norwegian purl and see if that helps me.
This way you’re describing is exactly how I knit. It’s often called “combined continental” and it’s by no means wrong, so I’m sorry that someone told you that.
There’s no harm in checking out Norwegian purling, but it might be worth going back to your old way and seeing how it feels now.
I’m glad you enjoyed the article!
I learned Norwegian purling a few years ago and it really unlocked something for me (as a continental knitter). I still get frustrated with purling sometimes. Very glad to know this history!
It's great that you found a way that works for you! I'd actually be interested in looking into the origin of the Norwegian purl.... it's so different to other methods.
This is a really interesting article. I wasn’t aware of the different ways of purling, or of any of the history. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from your article - thank you!
Great, I’m glad you liked it!
For me, purling has always been easier and more intuitive
Amazing! Do you have a particular style of purl you use?
Currently I use Continental, though I think I’ve done English in the past. I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe I have some technique issues with my knit stitch that’s making it harder than it should be. I’m thinking of taking a clases at my local yarn shop
I'd recommend taking a class in-person, you can learn so much in a surprisingly short amount of time.
It may be that you are wrapping your purls clockwise rather than anticlockwise, which can make the knits on the next row twisted, therefore a bit tighter. I wrap my purls this way, but make sure to work knits through the back loop so as not to twist them - it's called combined continental, so may be worth checking out!
Thanks! I’ll look into that
I find purling with the yarn held in the left hand a struggle - it is really difficult to maintain the correct tension. I can do it, but it never feels natural. I do a lot of colour work and there are certain designers who avoid steeking, so I've taught myself to work alternative right and wrong sided with one colour in each hand. It's particularly tricky when you have to anchor floats, but I did once complete a whole cardigan on that basis. Incidentally, I'm left-handed, but was taught by a right-handed knitter.
Wow, I’ve never tried colourwork flat beyond a small swatch, I can’t imagine doing a whole cardigan! I prefer to work combined continental, so it purling with a colour in each hand, I end up with one colour’s stitches mounted differently to the other.
I don't mind purling but I would love to be faster at it. It always feels much slower for me than the knit stitch.
I feel that too with a whole row of purls, but not as much when I’m alternating.
I imagine the speed difference mattered a lot more when people were knitting jumpers to be sold!
Loved this post. Truly appreciated it.
Thank you!
The fact you shared that Shetland lace didn’t have any purls is the most encouraging to me as a garter stitch beginner knitter. My dream is to try Shetland lace 😍.
Awesome! I think when you have a clear goal of what you want to make, you can focus on the specific skills to get there.
I know Elizabeth Williamson has a booklet of beginner Shetland lace patterns that you might want to look into.
Thank you!!
Wow! So much to learn about. Thank you
You’re welcome!
This was a fascinating read! Thank you!
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
14 is so pretty◇
💯 Excellent. I love this! Beautifully, lovingly written.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.