Difference Between Knit and purl

Knit vs purl

Knit and purl are used in stitching clothes and they are often combined together. Though both are used in a fabric, there is only a slight difference between Knit and purl.

The main difference between knit and purl is in the style of stitching. In Knit stitch, the needle goes inside up and behind the stitch. On the other hand, in purl stitch, the needle goes down and in front of the stitch.

A stitch done by knit method has almost a V shaped formation and flat. But a stitch done by purl method forms a small horizontal bar and bounces out a little.

Well, a stitch done in the purl method can be called as a reverse of a knit stitch and vice versa. In such a case, a purl stitch on one side will look like a knit stitch from the other side.

Usually knit stitch is used to make stitches in the front part or the part that is visible outside. But purl stitch is normally seen on the back side or unseen part of the fabric.

If one has to understand the difference clearly between knit and purl, one has to look into how both the stitches are done. In knit stitches, the right needle is placed behind the left needle. The yarn is wrapped counter clockwise on the right needle and behind the left needle and this forms a loop. The yarn should be pulled through the loop and this makes the stitch.

In purl stitch, the right needle is placed in the front of the left needle. The yarn is wrapped counter clockwise on the left needle and round the right one, which makes a loop. Pull the thread through the loop.

Summary:
1. The main difference between knit and purl is in the style of stitching.
2. In Knit stitch, the needle goes inside up and behind the stitch. In purl stitch, the needle goes down and in front of the stitch.
3. A stitch done using knit method has almost a V shaped formation and is flat. A stitch done using purl method forms a small horizontal bar and bounces out a little.
4. A purl stitch can be called as a reverse of a knit stitch and vice versa. In such a case, a purl stitch on one side will look like a knit stitch from the other side.
5. Knit stitch is used to make stitches in the front part. Purl stitch is normally seen on the backside.

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