Knit vs purl: what's the difference?
Knit and purl are the two basic knitting stitches, and they're actually the same stitch from opposite sides. Here's how to tell them apart and what each one makes.
By Sofia AkramiKnyt Co-founder and editor
Knit and purl are the two foundational knitting stitches, and they're really two sides of the same stitch: a knit stitch shows a flat "V" on the side facing you, while a purl shows a horizontal bump. A purl is simply a knit stitch viewed from the back. Understanding how they relate is the key that makes patterns, ribbing and textured stitches finally make sense. Here's the difference at a glance, then in depth.
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 | Toward you |
| Abbreviation | k | p |
The crucial insight: they are the same action mirrored. Whatever is a knit on one side of the fabric is a purl on the other. That's why the back of stockinette (all knit stitches) looks like rows of purl bumps.
What each stitch makes
- All knit, every row → garter stitch: squishy ridges on both sides, lies flat. → Knit stitch
- Alternate knit and purl rows → stockinette stitch: smooth "V" front, bumpy back; curls at the edges. → Purl stitch
- Alternate knit and purl within a row (e.g. k2, p2) → ribbing: stretchy vertical columns for cuffs and hems.
- Mix them deliberately → texture: seed/moss stitch, basketweave and countless patterns are just knits and purls arranged differently.
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 little loop hugging the needle, while 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're the two basic stitches and 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: 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 automatically presents as purls on the back. It's the clearest demonstration that knit and purl are two sides of one stitch.
Co-founder and editor of Knyt. Avid knitter!
