purl

A purl in knitting is a stitch created by moving the yarn in the opposite direction compared to a knit stitch. When you purl, the yarn runs in front of the needle, producing a different texture called a purl bump. Purl stitches are fundamental for creating patterns like ribbing or textured fabrics. Think of it as a way to add variety and flexibility to your knitting, allowing for different looks and stretch in the finished piece. Essentially, purling is one of the basic techniques that, combined with knitting, helps shape and pattern your knitted projects.