How To Knit: Knit Stitches and Purl Stitches

If you’re new to knitting, learning the how to knit and how to purl stitches is the first step on your yarncraft journey. These two simple techniques are the building blocks of all knitting patterns, from cozy scarves and sweaters to intricate lace and textured designs.

Mastering the knit and purl stitch will open up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to experiment with different patterns, textures, and projects.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics of these essential stitches, breaking down each step so you can start knitting with confidence. Whether you’re just picking up your needles for the first time or need a refresher, this tutorial will help you feel at home with your yarn and needles. So grab your favorite yarn, and let’s get started—knitting magic awaits!

Absolutely! The knit and purl stitches are the foundation of all knitting. Once you master these two, you can create almost any pattern. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

How to Knit the Knit Stitch

In knitting patterns, you’ll see “knit” or simply a “K” to indicate the knit stitch. When you see k8 it means you need to knit the next 8 stitches. Sometimes it also says “knit to the end of the row” or “Row 2: Knit”. This means you have to repeat this stitch over and over again until you reached the end of the row.

The knit stitch can be simplified into the following steps:

  • insert the right needle into the stitch
  • wrap the working yarn around the needle
  • pull through the loop
  • slide off the stitch

Those 4 steps are repeated over and over to knit.

Let’s break those steps down further.

Holding the Needles:

After you have cast on your stitches, you will hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand.

Insert the Right Needle:

Insert the right needle into the front of the first stitch on the left needle, going from left to right. The right needle should be behind the left needle, forming an “X” shape. Your right needle will go behind your left.

Wrap the Yarn:

Take the working yarn (the yarn attached to the ball), and wrap it around the right needle from back to front.

Pull Through the Loop:

Pull the right needle (with the yarn wrapped around it) through the stitch on the left needle, creating a new loop on the right needle.

Slide the Stitch Off:

Slide the old stitch off the left needle. You’ve now made one knit stitch!

Repeat:

Repeat these steps across the row until all stitches are transferred to the right needle.

Pro Tips for the How to Knit Stitch:

  • Knit stitches will create a bump on the back side of your work and a “v” on the front.
  • Keep your tension even but not too tight; it will make it easier to slide stitches on and off the needles. If you are struggling to get the needle into the stitch, your tension is too tight.
  • When working multiple knit rows, you create a garter stitch pattern, which looks the same on both sides.
grey ball of yarn and knitting needles attached to a piece of garter stitch knitting. How to knit.

How to Make the Purl Stitch

In knitting patterns, you’ll see “purl” or simply a “P” to indicate the purl stitch. When you see p8 it means you need to purl the next 8 stitches. Sometimes it also says “purl to the end of the row” or “Row 2: Purl”. This means you have to repeat this stitch over and over again until you reached the end of the row.

The knit stitch can be simplified into the following steps:

  • insert the right needle into the stitch
  • wrap the working yarn around the needle
  • pull through the loop
  • slide off the stitch

Those 4 steps are repeated over and over to purl.

Let’s break those steps down further.

Hold the Needles:

Again, hold the needle with the stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand. Bring the working yarn to the front of your work (if it’s not there already).

Insert the Right Needle:

Insert the right needle into the front of the first stitch on the left needle, but this time from right to left. The right needle should be in front of the left needle. Your working yarn will stay in front of your needles

Wrap the Yarn:

With the yarn coming from the front of your work, wrap the yarn over and around the right needle from front to around the back and back to the front (counter clockwise around your needle).

Pull Through the Loop:

Pull the right needle down and back through the stitch on the left needle, catching the yarn and forming a new loop.

Slide the Stitch Off:

Slide the old stitch off the left needle. You’ve now made one purl stitch!

Repeat:

Continue purling across the row until all stitches are transferred to the right needle.

Pro Tips for the Purl Stitch:

  • Purling will create a bump on the front side of your work.
  • When working multiple rows of purl stitches, you create a reverse garter stitch pattern.
  • If you alternate rows of knit and purl stitches, you create the classic stockinette stitch, with a smooth, “V” shaped front and a bumpy back.
orange, red, grey, and cream coloured yarn in center of frame. knitting needles to the right and a knitted item along the bottom.

Knit and Purl Together: Creating Patterns

  • Garter Stitch: Knit every row.
  • Stockinette Stitch: Alternate one row of knit stitches with one row of purl stitches.
  • Ribbing (1×1 or 2×2): Alternate between knit and purl stitches within the same row (e.g., K1, P1 for 1×1 ribbing).

These two stitches are your building blocks! With just knits and purls, you can create everything from simple scarves to complex patterns. Happy knitting! 🧶

How To Knit: Videos

If you are a visual learner, you may wish to watch videos. These are some creators I highly recommend:

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