In this issue, we’ll take a look at purl, and two stitches that combine knit and purl to add texture to your knitting projects. Plus you will find a more advanced stitch – the loom knit version of the Lacy Daisy stitch.

Purl – Not Pearl, But It’s Still a Gem

Students are constantly asking me – which is easier to learn, knit or crochet? My reply is always the same – knitting because there are only two stitches to remember, knit and purl. Any other stitch is just a variation of these two stitches.

Did you realize that purl stitch is always on the back side of a knit stitch? In other words, when you make a knit stitch, the back side is a purl stitch. Conversely, when you make a purl, the back side is a knit stitch.

Let’s take at look. This is the right side of a hat that was loom knitted using single stitch (e-wrap).

Look on the inside of the hat

and you can see the purls (the twisted variety since e-wrap produces a twisted knit stitch). The purl can be recognized by the little bumps.

In loom knitting, the action of making a purl is done when you want a purl on the right side of the knitting. And there are good reasons to put the purl on the right side.

A project will curl when knitted entirely of stockinette stitch. By including the purl stitch in the first three or four rows along the beginning edge (and ending edge for a flat panel piece) you can prevent the curl. Typically this is in the form of ribbing (combination of knit and purl stitches in each row) but alternating knit rows and purl rows will work also.

The curl taming ability isn’t the only reason to add purls to the right side of your knitting. When combining the knit and purl stitch, you can create designs that add texture and even pictures!

Two knit/purl stitch combinations that add texture are the Diagonal Stitch and Lattice Stitch. These stitches can be worked in both circular and flat panel knitting.

Diagonal Stitch

For circular knitting (multiple of 8):
1. *K4, p4* repeat * to * to end of row
2. K3, * p4, k4*, repeat * to * until 5 sts left, p4, k1
3. K2, *p4, k4*, repeat * to * until 6 sts left, p4, k2
4. K1, *p4, k4*, repeat * to * until 7 sts left, p4, k3
5. *P4, k4* repeat * to * to end of row
6. P3, *k4, p4*, repeat * to * until 5 sts left, k4, p1
7. P2, *k4, p4*, repeat * to * until 6 sts left, k4, p2
8. P1, *k4, p4*, repeat * to * until 7 sts left, k4, p3
Repeat these 8 rows

For flat panel knitting (multiple of 8):
1. *K4, p4* repeat * to * to end of row
2. K1, * p4, k4*, repeat * to * until 7 sts left, p4, k3
3. K2, *p4, k4*, repeat * to * until 6 sts left, p4, k2
4. K3, *p4, k4*, repeat * to * until 5 sts left, p4, k1
5. *P4, k4* repeat * to * to end of row
6. P1, *k4, p4*, repeat * to * until 7 sts left, k4, p3
7. P2, *k4, p4*, repeat * to * until 6 sts left, k4, p2
8. P3, *k4, p4*, repeat * to * until 5 sts left, k4, p1
Repeat these 8 rows

Lattice Stitch

For circular knitting (multiple of 6):
1. K3, *p1, k5*, repeat * to * until 3 sts left, p1, k2
2. K2, *p1, k1, p1, k3*, repeat * to * until 4 sts left, p1, k1, p1, k1
3. K1, *p1, k3, p1, k1*, repeat * to * until 5 sts left, p1, k3, p1
4. *P1, k5*, repeat * to * to end of row
5. repeat row 3
6. repeat row 2
Repeat these 6 rows

For flat panel knitting (multiple of 6 plus 1):
1. K3, *p1, k5*, repeat * to * until 4 sts left, p1, k3
2. K2, *p1, k1, p1, k3*, repeat * to * until 5 sts left, p1, k1, p1, k2
3. K1, *p1, k3, p1, k1*, repeat * to * to end of row
4. P1, *k5, p1*, repeat * to * to end of row
5. repeat row 3
6. repeat row 2
Repeat these 6 rows

Both of these stitches are easy to master by following the row by row instruction. If you need a refresher in either stitch, Loom Knitter’s Circle provides you with tutorials on both.

Lacy Daisy
This is the loom knitted version, and it is a slightly more advanced stitch that includes special stitches to make the daisy. This stitch gives flat panel projects a delicate appearance of lace. Perfect for a scarf for spring or baby blanket.

Special stitches:
1. k triple wrap - wrap each peg 3 times and bring bottom loop over top (knit) leaving the 3 loops on peg.
INSERT PICTURE A

2. cluster:
• Elongate triple wrap, being careful not to pull on the loop

and put onto crochet hook or stitch holder

• Place each elongated stitch on a crochet hook (or stitch holder) until all 5 elongated stitches are on the hook (holder)

• Bring working yarn around back of 5 elongated stitches and around the front, completely wrapping these 5 stitches with working yarn.

• Put elongated stitches back onto corresponding peg, insuring each stitch is in correct order.

• Stretch knitting with hand and pull on working yarn so that the elongated stitches are brought together tightly. Make the working yarn as tight as possible.

For flat panel knitting (multiple of 6 plus 1):
1. Purl row
2. K1, *k triple wrap for next 5 sts, k1*, repeat * to * to end of row
3. P1, *cluster next 5 sts, p1*, repeat * to * to end of row
4. Knit row
5. Purl row
6. K4, *k triple wrap for next 5 sts, k1*, repeat * to * until 3 sts left, k3
7. P4, *cluster next 5 sts, p1*, repeat * to * until 3 sts left, k3
8. Knit row
Repeat these 8 rows

Practice these stitches on your next project! See you next issue.

 

About Author: Kathy and her family share a home in Southern California with her yarn and bead stash. Her favorite vacation spot is wherever there is a good yarn shop. Her favorite saying is “if it sits still long enough, I can put beads on it." She is the author of “More Knitting Wheel Fashions” (Leisure Arts publication). You can read more about her designs at KathyNorrisDesigns.com Copyright 2008, Kathy Norris Contact Kathy