Knit vs purl: what's the difference?
Knit and purl are the two basic knitting stitches, and they are the same stitch seen from opposite sides. Learn how to tell them apart and what each one makes.
By Julia WallinKnyt Co-founder and editor
Knit and purl are the two foundation stitches of knitting, and they are two sides of the same stitch. A knit stitch shows a flat "V" on the side facing you. A purl shows a horizontal bump. A purl is a knit stitch seen from the back. Understanding how they relate makes patterns, ribbing and textured stitches easier to follow. The table below gives the difference at a glance, and the sections after it go into detail.
At a glance
| Knit stitch | Purl stitch | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance (facing you) | Smooth, flat "V" | Horizontal bump |
| Yarn position | Held at the back | Held at the front |
| Needle direction | Right needle goes in back to front (right behind left) | Right needle goes in front to back (right in front of left) |
| Pull the loop | Away from you | Towards you |
| Abbreviation | k | p |
The key point: they are the same action mirrored. Whatever is a knit on one side of the fabric is a purl on the other. That is why the back of stockinette (all knit stitches) looks like rows of purl bumps.
What each stitch makes
- All knit, every row makes garter stitch: ridges on both sides, lies flat. → Knit stitch
- Alternating knit and purl rows makes stockinette stitch: smooth "V" front, bumpy back. It curls at the edges. → Purl stitch
- Alternating knit and purl within a row (e.g. k2, p2) makes ribbing: stretchy vertical columns for cuffs and hems.
- Mixing them deliberately makes texture: seed or moss stitch, basketweave and many other patterns are knits and purls arranged in different ways.
How to tell a knit from a purl on your needles
Look at the stitches sitting on the needle. A knit stitch looks like a smooth "V" or a small loop around the needle. A purl stitch has a horizontal bump or bar sitting just below the needle. Reading your stitches this way lets you fix mistakes and follow charts without counting every row.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between knit and purl?
They are the two basic stitches and they are opposites. A knit stitch makes a flat "V" on the side facing you, and a purl makes a bump. Physically, a purl is a knit stitch worked from the reverse: the same stitch, opposite side.
Is purl just knit backwards?
Essentially yes. The purl uses the mirror-image motion of the knit stitch with the yarn held in front instead of behind, producing the reverse face of the same stitch.
Do you need to know both to knit?
You can make garter-stitch projects (scarves, dishcloths) with only the knit stitch. To make stockinette, ribbing and most garments, you need both.
Which is easier, knit or purl?
Most beginners find the knit stitch easier first, then add purl. The purl can feel slightly awkward because the yarn is held in front.
Why does the back of my stockinette look like purl bumps?
Because it is purl bumps. Stockinette is all knit stitches on the front, which shows as purls on the back. It is the clearest demonstration that knit and purl are two sides of one stitch.
Co-founder and editor of Knyt. Avid knitter!
