Textile Term: Purl Stitch
Purl stitch is a basic knitting stitch that is commonly used to create a variety of textures in knitted fabrics.
This stitch is created by pulling the yarn through the back of the loop on the needle, generating a new loop on the front of the needle. The purl stitch produces a bumpy, textured surface on the front side of the fabric and a smooth, V-shaped surface on the backside.
To create a wide variety of knitting patterns and designs, the purl stitch is often used in conjunction with the knit stitch. Some examples of patterns that utilize purl stitch include ribbing, seed stitch, and stockinette stitch. Alternatively, the purl stitch can be used individually to create textured surfaces, such as those seen in garter stitch or moss stitch.
When working with different yarns and needle sizes, the purl stitch can produce diverse effects. A finer yarn and smaller needle size will create a tighter, more compact fabric with less visible texture. On the other hand, a bulkier yarn and larger needle size will result in a more open, textured fabric with more pronounced bumps and ridges.
A benefit of the purl stitch is that it creates a fabric that is denser and more textured than fabrics made solely with the knit stitch. This makes it ideal for crafting garments and accessories that require a substantial feel or enhanced visual interest.
In combination with the knit stitch, the purl stitch is utilized to create more intricate designs, such as stockinette stitch and moss stitch.
