Knitting can feel confusing when you are just starting out. One of the first things new knitters wonder is: what does knit row and purl a row look like?
These two stitches are the foundation of almost every project, and knowing how to recognize them will make your knitting journey much easier.
By learning to spot the difference, you will be able to follow patterns, fix mistakes, and feel more confident with your needles.
Keep reading to discover exactly how to tell them apart and how these simple stitches create beautiful textures.
What Does Knit Row and Purl a Row Look Like
When you knit a row, the fabric shows smooth little “V” shapes stacked neatly on top of each other. A purl row shows small bumps or ridges across the fabric.
Remember it this way:
- ✅ Knit rows look smooth.
- ✅ Purl rows look bumpy.
Together, they form the base of almost every knitting pattern.
How to Tell a Knit Row from a Purl Row
Sometimes it is tricky to know where you are in your project. To tell if you are on a knit row or purl row, look closely at the stitches on your needle.
- ✅ If you see V-shapes facing you, you are on the knit side.
- ✅ If you see bumps, you are on the purl side.
- ✅ Running your finger over the fabric can also help: smooth means knit, bumpy means purl.
With practice, you will be able to tell at a glance.
Step by Step Guide on How to Make Knit Row and a Purl Row
Learning how to knit and purl is easier when you break it down into steps. Follow these simple instructions to practice each stitch.
How to Knit a Row
- ✅ Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand.
- ✅ Insert the right needle from front to back through the first stitch on the left needle.
- ✅ Wrap the yarn around the right needle tip from back to front.
- ✅ Pull the loop through with the right needle, creating a new stitch.
- ✅ Slide the old stitch off the left needle. Continue across the row.
How to Purl a Row
- ✅ Hold the needle with the stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand.
- ✅ Bring the yarn to the front of your work.
- ✅ Insert the right needle from back to front through the first stitch on the left needle.
- ✅ Wrap the yarn over the right needle tip from front to back.
- ✅ Pull the loop through with the right needle and slide the old stitch off the left needle. Continue across the row.
Once you are comfortable with these steps, practice making small swatches with just knit rows, just purl rows, and then alternating them.
📌 To deepen your skills, discover How to Read Knitting Patterns so you can follow instructions with confidence.
What Do Knit and Purl Stitches Look Like Up Close
Knit stitches look like little Vs that line up in neat columns. They are smooth and flat, making them easy to spot.
Purl stitches look like small horizontal bumps, almost like tiny pearls sitting across the row. This difference matters because patterns often tell you to “knit the knits and purl the purls.” Recognizing each stitch helps you follow patterns correctly.
What Does Knit One Row, Purl One Row Look Like
When you knit one row and purl the next, you create stockinette stitch. The knit side, often called the “right side,” looks smooth, while the purl side, often called the “wrong side,” looks bumpy.
Things to know about stockinette:
- ✅ It is one of the most common stitches in knitting.
- ✅ It creates a flat, smooth fabric on one side.
- ✅ It tends to curl at the edges, so borders are often added.
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📌 Do not forget to check out How to Bind Off Knitting when you are ready to finish your first stockinette project.
What Do Alternating Knit and Purl Rows Look Like
Alternating knits and purls in different patterns creates unique textures.
- ✅ Knit every row (or purl every row) and you get garter stitch, which looks bumpy on both sides.
- ✅ Knit 1, purl 1 across the row and you get ribbing, which looks stretchy and is often used for cuffs and hems.
These simple combinations give you endless possibilities.
📌 Want more inspiration for easy projects? Browse Quick Knitting Projects and put your new knowledge to use right away.
Can You Knit a Row Then Purl a Row
Yes, knitting one row and purling the next is the foundation of stockinette stitch. It is the most common way to build smooth fabric in knitting.
This method creates a clean, flat surface on one side and a bumpy texture on the other. If you are practicing, try making a small swatch with this technique to see the difference.
📌 Curious about how knitting compares to other crafts? Do not forget to check out Knitting vs Crochet.
Conclusion
So, what does knit row and purl a row look like? Knit rows are smooth with little Vs, while purl rows are bumpy with ridges.
Together, they form the building blocks of every project you will make. Once you learn to recognize them, you will feel more confident and make fewer mistakes.
For more helpful guides and tips in knitting, explore Caydo’s resources. And when you are ready to take your projects further, we recommend Caydo knitting machines, yarns, and even crocheting tools for your next creative adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knit and Purl Rows
Should you knit the first stitch on a purl row
Some knitters choose to slip the first stitch instead of knitting it to create a neater edge. Others prefer knitting it so the edge feels sturdier. Both methods work, so it depends on the look you want for your project.
Why is there a big space between knit and purl rows
A gap can appear if your tension is different between knit and purl stitches. This is common for beginners and improves with practice. Keeping your yarn tension even helps reduce those spaces.
What is the easiest knitting stitch
The easiest stitch is the knit stitch. It is simple, repetitive, and forms the base of many patterns. Once you are comfortable with knit stitches, adding purls becomes much easier.
How do I tell if I am on a knit or purl row
Look at the side of your fabric facing you. If it is smooth with Vs, you are on a knit row. If it is bumpy with ridges, you are on a purl row. Checking the texture is the quickest way to tell.
What is the most efficient way to purl while knitting
Efficiency depends on your knitting style. Some knitters find the continental method faster because the yarn stays in the left hand. Others prefer the English method, where the yarn is thrown with the right hand. Try both and see what feels natural.
Should you always slip the first stitch
Slipping the first stitch can make your edges look neat and tidy. However, it is not required for every project. Patterns will usually tell you if slipping the first stitch is recommended.
