Any knitters out there? Looking for info on purl stitch.

[kristine_elen]

I just started a knitting class and we're supposed to do alternating rows of purling and knitting. The instructor showed us how to identify which row is which, but my knitting looks like purling and vice versa. I'm looking for a really good close-up photograph of several rows of purling on the needle. A Google search didn't turn up much. Any of you know of a good knitting Web site? I've found knitting to be addicting and this problem actually caused me to have trouble falling asleep last night. (Freak!)
Thanks!

[egoldber]

Here's a couple:

http://stitchguide.com/stitches/knitting/index.html
http://www.wonderful-things.com/newknit.htm

If you're really into it, I would just break down and buy Vogue Knitting. :)

[kristine_elen]

What's Vogue Knitting?
Thanks for the sites. I think stitchguide.com is not "continental," which is what we're learning. (Or else I'm WAY off.)

[egoldber]

Vogue Knitting is THE comprehensive knitting resource book. :)

ETA: Yes, stitchguide.com is American or English style, which is actually what is usually taught in this county (although I knit continental myself). Interesting. I know I have another site bookmarked with continental somewhere!

ETA2: Found it! Try this one:

http://www.fiberartshop.com/knclbg.htm

[shishamo]

Maybe this is helpful?

Purl stitch continental:

http://www.knitting.about.com/library/bllearnp.htm

Here's the knit stitch:

http://www.knitting.about.com/library/bllearnk.htm

Here's a learning to knit basics page that may be helpful, esp. the new knitter faq and the knitting video at the bottom:

http://www.knitting.about.com/library/bllearnbasic.htm

If you are still unsure, can you take a picture of your knitting and post here? I'd be happy to take a look for you to see what you are doing.


ETA: Since you are knitting and purling alternate rows, you are doing stockingnette stitch. You can do a search on that to see the fabric.

[22tango]

I agree! Vogue Knitting is THE book to have! I knit continental -- my Mom taught me when I was younger.

As for pictures of knit vs. purl stitches, try this site. The purse on the left is the knit side, the one on the right is purl: http://www.knit2together.com/knit2together/pictures.htm

[kristine_elen]

Thanks, you guys! My problem is that when I was in class, I could do two knit stitches and then two purl stitches (on the same row) and see "these are knit and these are purl" b/c the purl stitches had little bumps at the bottom. Now BOTH my knit and purl have bumps, but I know I'm knitting correctly. Even when I do several rows on just knitting, I have what I think are those purl bumps (this is on the side of the fiber facing me as I knit, not the back). I don't know if what I said makes sense. Argh. I guess I might have to haul myself to the yarn shop for guidance before our Sunday class.

[egoldber]

Actually, it sounds lie you;re doing it just right! :) If you do row after row of knit, you get garter stitch, which has the bumps just like you describe. To get the more typical stockinette stitch, you need to do alternating rows of knit and purl stitches.

So if you do a few short practice rows, first knitting and then purling (and then continuing to alternate back and forth), I bet it will look right! :)

HTH,

[kristine_elen]

Really? I mean, I knit a row, and the top row on the needle has all those bumps on it, just under the needle. I thought it was supposed to be smooth. If they both have the bumps, how can you tell if you've just done a knit or a purl row? (If, say, you put down your knitting for a few hours.)

[egoldber]

You can tell the difference once you've done it a few thousand times... :)

And yes, the "smooth" stitch is stockinette that come from doing alternating knit and purl rows. Try a small swatch! Its like magic from your fingers! :)

[Rachels]

In the beginning, you can tell from your which side your cast-on tail is on. You'll notice that where it hangs down flips sides when you move from row to row. Look at where it is when you're knitting. If it's hanging down on the left when you are doing a knit row, for example, it will be hanging down on the right when it's time to purl. That kept me organized until I learned to recognize patterns and stitches.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[kristine_elen]

Ah-ha! Thanks to you both. ... BTW, is this the book you meant?
http://tinyurl.com/364yo

[jec2]

Well I am absolutely no help. I've ripped my soaker apart after a 1 1/2 rows about 6 times now. I cannot figure out the purl. What makes it so hard is for me figuring out which loop of yarn to insert the needle into. I think I'm inventing loops now! I told DH that I should just buy a darn soaker. I really want to get this though, because I KNOW I can do it.

[kristine_elen]

Can you visit a yarn shop for help? One of those links that was provided has an actual video of the purl stitch, which might help. I'm also going to get some books out of the library today.

[jec2]

Yes, those videos are great. In my quick watch of them though I don't know if they showed a close-up of "which" piece of yarn to Pick-up. I think I will visit the yarn shop for extra help. I just get impatient when I can't figure something out immediately on my own. But, I really want this soaker to work. I am committed and won't give up. Let me know how you like the books you find.

[egoldber]

Actually I meant this one:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/193154316X/qid=1079545275/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-7949004-3434368?v=glance&s=books

The one you linked to is an abbreviated version and is a quick reference guide. I actually like that one too and I have them both. I take the quick reference guide with me if I am planning on knitting in the car.

HTH,