Switching Between Knit + Purl

Learning to switch between knit and purl stitches within a single row of knitting will give you instant access to all of the beautiful textures and patterns you can find in knitting.

When a row in knitting includes both knits and purls you have to prepare the working yarn so it is properly positioned to make the next stitch. For knit stitches, this means making sure that the working yarn is coming from the back of the work and, for purl stitches, that the working yarn is coming from the front of the work. In the case of a 1 x 1 rib or seed stitch, both of which alternate between 1 knit and 1 purl, you have to move your working yarn back and forth between every single stitch.

Here’s our switching between knits and purls tutorial where we show you how we do it…

SWITCHING BETWEEN KNIT + PURL : STEP-BY-STEP

Here we’re demonstrating the seed stitch version of our Learn To Knit scarf. Like 1×1 rib, seed stitch is a knit 1, purl 1 pattern. To get started, make a knit stitch like normal: with the yarn coming from the back of the work, insert the right needle into the stitch and knit it.

Now bring the working yarn forward between the needles so it is in the proper position to purl.

Purl the next stitch as usual.

Bring the working yarn back between the needles so it is ready to knit.

That’s switching between knit and purl stitches! You’re ready to work 1×1 rib, seed stitch, and so many more beautiful stitch patterns!

Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!