10 easy ways to improve purling [slow-motion masterclass]

A very detailed masterclass on how to purl with the 10 different styles to improve your technique
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This video is all about the purl stitch. Are you struggling? Well, there are more than 10 different ways to purl and probably just as many ways to tension your yarn, and you just have to find the purling method that suits you, your body, your preferences, and your projects best.
Purling is so difficult because, essentially, you are trying to create a knit stitch from the wrong side. It goes, quite literally, against the grain. Everything is the other way around, just like walking backward. So, it does take patience and practice to learn..and the right mindset.
0:00 Introduction
1:19 How to purl continental style
3:36 The double-wrap purl method
5:00 The anchoring purl method
6:06 The middle finger push purl method
8:09 The index finger push purl method
9:47 The thumb purl
11:41 How to purl in combination knitting
14:41 Norwegian purling
19:07 Backwards knitting (to avoid purling)
22:05 English style purling
24:43 Further tips on purling faster and more
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[@NimbleNeedles]

☕ Support my work and become a patron: www.patreon.com/nimbleneedlez 🧑‍🎓Free knitting school: nimble-needles.com/learn-to-knit-for-beginners/ 🧶 My knitting tools: nimble-needles.com/wool-and-tools/my-knitting-toolkit-essential-items-i-need-for-every-project/ 👕 My patterns: nimble-needles.com/free-knitting-patterns/ 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/nimbleneedlez/ And feel free to comment any time if you have a question. No need to be shy! :)

[@tl4214]

Fabulous having all these links here! Love seeing the different ways to purl. I knew someone that said their purling gave them twisted knit stitches. I really couldn't wrap (😉) my head around that *until* it was shown here! 😂 Grateful the way I learned works for me, because I came to knitting after confidently crocheting many years. By holding the working similar to when I crochet made all the difference. I sought out many styles, English, Portuguese, Continental, Combination, Norwegian. Grateful to all those that shared their history so I could find which way works for me! 💚🧶💚 Thank again, Norman!! Amazing detailed video and instruction. Hope you're still enjoying some summer weather!

[@LauraTawney-xu5xe]

I really appreciate how you embraced knitting instruction from the point of view that there is no “right “ on preferences. I am very happy to not only see multiple ways but also here your explanation for the pros and challenges of the different methods. I am so glad that I ran across you u-tube videos and I happily support you on Patreon.

[@NimbleNeedles]

And I Am happy I can be a part of your knitting journey!

[@Dollcan]

This tutorial has been so helpful for me.❤

[@MbSaidSo]

I crocheted before I learned to knit, and my knitting has always been my own unique combination of techniques. I am all for each person finding the way that works for them. :-)

[@chezmanya]

I never liked purling until I discovered the Portuguese purling method. This works beautifully for long rows of purls but for patterns that call for intermittent purl stitches, I still have to do them the old-fashioned way. However, when I knit shawls that have long purl back rows, the Portuguese method is heaven.

[@janelieder3359]

I have crocheted for years. Taught myself to knit using KZbin videos. Absolutely hated to purl until I saw your middle finger method on another video. Thank you so much!!

[@leeway3739]

I always was an English thrower, continental knitting just never worked for me for some reason, but I always found knitting too slow so I didn't do it much. I ran across Norwegian knitting and that method just clicked with me. There is definitely a learning curve to the purl but I love not having to move the yarn back and forth from the front to the back, especially when doing ribbing.

[@nellloftin5048]

What a fun video! For whatever reason, purling with English flicking method has seemed easy for me ever since I learned to knit and so I’ve never hated to purl. Just lucky I guess. Still, I very much enjoyed seeing all the different techniques. Over time, I’ve realized that the angles between the two needles can made a big difference in the ease of knitting and can be changed during a stitch to ease things along. Thanks for another interesting episode.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes...that is a very important insight and sadly one so very difficult to convey!

[@ThundermansThunder]

You are such an awesome teacher, Norman! I really appreciate your realistic, logical, compassionate approach to instruction! You offer generous amounts of useful information without any of the grandiose posturing that is favored by many other content creators. I learned to crochet as a child, so I hold the yarn the way that I was taught, with just a little modification to account for the difference from crochet, which works better for me than anything else that I have tried. I wrap the yarn once around my pinky for the tension, then run the yarn over my ring finger, under my middle finger and over my index finger. I hold the yarn close to my needles, just as you demonstrated, and manipulate the yarn by leveraging the yarn with my index finger and pinching with my thumb, which actually makes purling no more difficult for me than knitting, and, in some circumstances, even easier for me than the knit stitch. It sounds a lot more awkward to describe than it actually is in practice, but it allows perfect control over the tension with minimal movement, just in case anyone else wishes to try it and, hopefully, benefit from it. Just as you said, Norman, each knitter must find what is most efficient and comfortable for them to enjoy the process, because that is the ultimate purpose of crafting.

[@RosieKuhnPhD]

Norman, you are such a thorough teacher. I always see thing and experiment and learn so much from you! Thank you!

[@cynthia2553]

Thank you, Norman, for showing so many different ways to purl!!! You are so adorable, also--I just want to give you a big hug!!!! 🙂

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww.thank you

[@christenagervais7303]

I'm a close continental knitter. I do the purl stitch the first way. I was taught by my Danish Mormor.I find if your tension is tight, the wool hangs on well.✌❤🇨🇦

[@suzielarouche620]

Thank you, Norman, for not being dogmatic. Your humility in admitting that your way of doing something is the best specifically for you and not necessarily for someone else is quite refreshing. In my many decades of knitting, I have encountered the knitting police so often that it’s become funny. Your style of teaching is so unassuming that I wish every knitter, whatever their degree of experience, would follow you.

[@jenshipley2093]

You’re such an encouraging teacher. I’m going to play this video again with yarn in hand to try the various techniques and maybe I’ll finally find a purling technique that works well for me. I’ve been knitting Portuguese style for several years because of the ease of purling, and ribbing is so easy with that method. If I’m knitting stockinette in the round though, I switch to Continental because it’s faster for me, but I feel like an awkward beginner when I purl. Thank you for all the positive vibes. I will give it another go.

[@tessa5]

I am an English flicker, but for stockinette projects knitted flat, I now do the purl rows Portuguese style. It uses different parts of your hands and wrists, so it works quite well for me. Thanks, Norman, for all the great videos!

[@annettebates61]

I have found the Portuguese style purling works great for garter stitch, as well.

[@susansackett2135]

I purl Portuguese on longer stretches as well.

[@etainne2001]

perfect timing! my sweater pattern has contrasting rows of purl stitch coming in about ten cm from where i am now and I have been thinking I might want to try another method for those rows. I just love the parts where you have small issues with one method because we all have that and it's nice to see an accomplished person experience the issues too. Thanks for the video- love what you do!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Yeah, I mean..I don't use all those methods I showed you on this video..so..I knowhow it works but in my everyday knitting they get no practice at all!

[@twilite2000]

Thank you. I find Norwegian purling works for me.❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

That's great!

[@maryjohnson2062]

I learned to knit continental with the combination method 60 years ago. I have adjusted my technique for increases and decreases by turning those stitches over before I knit or purl decreases or increases on them. Never had a problem with them. It is much faster to knit or purl with the combination. Love your videos and explanations!❤❤❤

[@amandah4834]

Thank you Norman I am an English knitter and have always been happy with my purl stitches but I do appreciate you sharing all the other ways of doing them , Amanda xx💖

[@milabulic]

Phew! So happy for this as I was beginning to think purling was beyond me. I found that using the index finger to push the yarn down was easiest for me. My swatch had started out like a train wreck, but is gradually improving. I got this, thanks to your super easy to follow tutorials.

[@NimbleNeedles]

ha..well..i remember when I tried to learn English flicking...my swatch did not exactly look very pretty either!

[@Tinepg]

I purl exactly how you purl’ed. I was taught continental knitting as I crocheted and you hold tension in a similar fashion. Purling! My instructor showed me how she purled and I modified it. Needle back to front. Pull yarn down with middle finger and flick off! I’m so excited to see someone else purl like that

[@ustjayenjay2542]

Being a 30yr crocheter and now trying to teach myself to knit through videos, the way he purls feels so much more natural to me and I actually prefer the purl to the knit stitch! I like the purl stitch so much better that I was very confused hearing that others don't like it much. I'm out here trying to figure out if there's a way to do ribbing with only purls 😂

[@wookori]

Truly love and appreciate your videos, Norman.

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Thank you for this comprehensive compilation, Norman. ❤

[@KateFischer-lg3zp]

As always, Norman, I appreciate your 100% common sense approach to purling. There are so. many fads in the knitting world which claim, "Do it THIS way" or "This is right and that is wrong@". Rubbish. I've experimented over the years with all kinds of knitting techniques and find that some work better in some ages of my life but not another's. I'm glad to have a variety in. my knitter's tool box and you espouse that so well!

[@rosegaither]

Very good tut, thank you

[@maryherbert9082]

My favorite way to purl is the same as yours! But my middle finger began to give me a problem so I learned Portuguese purling. Then I tried another of ways you mention. Good to have several ways to do purling so I don't wear my fingers or wrists out. Thank you for this video.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Yeah...it sure pays off to try new methods!

[@trishgoose442]

I was an english knitter til I got RSI now I knit Norwegian and purl Portuguese! I also like combination purling or norwegian purl for ribbing... so good to try new things to see what works for us😊

[@maryherbert9082]

@@trishgoose442 Now I need to learn Norwegian knitting! I love this craft.

[@cindyceraolo4676]

Great video! Thanks Norman, as always you have provided options for us knitters.

[@leylamoossavi]

Thank you so much for this amazing tutorial!! So clear and easy to follow.

[@ragathnor326]

Perfect! I drop many purl stitches. I think it's cause I don't finish the stitch entirely. I have to slow down and actually watch what I am doing...also tension is critical. Thank you for your awesome videos.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, I do believe perfecting your tension is 90% of the work when it comes to purling better

[@Mummumster]

Being a Texan learned English knitting when I was 8. Now I continue to purl that way and I love it for me. However, I knit Norwegian and continental. Merging the styles has worked for me 😉❤️

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, there are no rules and you have to work out what is best for you!. thx for sharing.

[@WoollenMaple]

I do so love how you make everything look so simple ❤ I also love that you embrace different knitting styles ❤

[@scarz0ftime]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial for improving purling, Norman!!! I knit English style since it is the most comfortable for me, but I can't say watching these videos hasn't tempted me to make the full switch to continental knitting because you make it look so easy. My question is unrelated to the video but that tapestry needle case is BEAUTIFUL and I would love to know where you got it. I have so many other accessories from other links you've shared on your blog and this one is too good for me to pass up.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Hmm...it's from knitters pride!

[@CricketsMa]

Thank you for the suggestions!

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure 🥰

[@tamaraclark9618]

We all love you, thank you!!

[@thesilenceisdeafening]

I was taught English knitting as a child, but I have found Continental and Norwegian to be a whole lot of fun😀. The movement of the Norwegian purl especially feels like a dance. I've watched a video of how fast some of the Norwegians can be. Approximately 200 stitches per minute?!!😅😅 Oh my hat! Thanks for all the tips, Norman. There can never be too much to learn. It adds so much to the knitting experience😁

[@NimbleNeedles]

200 purls per minute...I'd like to see that. Personally I'd say anything above 60-80st per sec is highly suspicious and is typically of a combination of a) miscounting b) a blanket in stockinette stitch c) not counting breaks d) not sustainable for hours.

[@mariecouture7591]

I am surprised to learn that there is so many ways to pearl. I knit English style since I was 5 years old, I am now 76. 😊 I recently tried continental for a Jaquard pattern. It did not take long to get used to it. Thank you Norman for your excellent work.

[@NimbleNeedles]

It's my pleasure!

[@stina48]

My purls were always too loose, norwegian purl solved that. I always knit backward when doing entrelac, love not having to flip the project. Thanks for your videos. I do consult them often.❤❤

[@eleaman652]

​@@stina48ok

[@Rachel-hf5ub]

Thank you, this is immensely helpful!

[@Kimber_Lee_Enlow]

I so enjoy your videos! Thank you. I am fascinated with this 😊

[@LillllyPad]

Thank you for this video. ❤️ The woman who learned me how to purl used combination knitting but she didn’t tell me that my knit stitches needed to be different. I’ve had had a LOT of twisted stitches and I didn’t know why until now.

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh wow...well..maybe because it was kinda obvious to her >.

[@deborahbutcher9061]

You are a wealth of information! Thank you very much from a new garment knitter. ❤

[@ladybb4503]

Thank you I learned so much from this video

[@judylee3589]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I hate purling, but at least now I have a choice of trying different techniques. You're a doll Norman, thanks again!!!

[@fayewilliams-smith7815]

I have found that I have used all of these methods without thinking about it with the exception of the double wrap. Thank you for letting me know I’m not doing something wrong as my hind brain says you just made that up. 😂😅😊. I guess this is a result of being self taught as well as just going with the flow and letting by body do what feels natural at the time. It also seems second nature when you have twisted stitches and you automatically use The back loop or leading leg Thanks Norman.

[@charlottelogan7822]

Wow Norman! What a great video. You are always so clear in your explanations. Thank you❤️

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome

[@nikitabrilliantov6996]

Thank you for sharing this! The purl stitch had become my headache since I've realized that I am a combination knitter and some of my stitches in the final work are twisted. My grandma taught me knitting and actually I wasn't really surprused because it turned out that combination knitting is quite a common method in the place where I live. So my decision was to try to learn how to knit continental (western style), and the purl stitches seemed so hard to do! After doing a bit of research, I read about the eastern style of knitting and then I basically switched to it. It feels so comfortable to me, I just love it! Nevertheless, maybe this video wasn't so helpful to me, I hope this will help other people ro learn more about knitting and improve their skills! You are a great teacher❤

[@linlippy3358]

Great video! Thank you. 😊

[@paularubina9843]

Thank you Norman 😽 !

[@suzieluvspapillons]

Thank you! I appreciate your videos, you are very patient and thorough in your explanations.

[@NimbleNeedles]

happy to hear that suzie

[@12stewieable]

Thank you so much for this! I have wanted to learn different ways of Continental purling and think I've found my method😊

[@alanarudder3169]

This video is a game changer for me in so many ways. Thank you so, so much for this gift!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

You're so welcome!

[@hilaryeales1268]

Beautifully filmed, close up, focused, crystal clear......bravo 😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you so much 😀

[@patiharville8210]

I knit with Norwegian but purl English style. ❤ I enjoyed this video Norman.

[@Ravencall]

I have learned so much from this video. Many thanks!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marthiestrydom8294]

Hats off to you for remarkable dexterity, Norman! Greeting from South Africa

[@NimbleNeedles]

it tooook looong years of practise! but thank you for recognizing it

[@Sequoya]

Thanks Norman! The backwards knitting you taught really helped me with bobbles. Now they’re fun.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Yeah, otherwise bobbles patterns become a nightmare!

[@libertylady64]

Thank you for showing us these different ways in purling!

[@NimbleNeedles]

You r very welcome ❤️🥰🧶

[@desireeross9651]

Thank you Norman. When I knit in the round I use method 3. When I knit back and forth, I do combination knitting

[@yvonneconder3849]

Thank you for teaching so many different ways to purl. I have found my purl stitches are much more loose than my knit stitches so it throws off my guage. Recently I have switched to the Norwegian purl and that seems to help. I'm so impressed with your expertise. Thank you.

[@EvieO1950]

Great info! I’ve found my grove which is the Norwegian purl but I know a lot of others are still looking.

[@tamaraclark9618]

Thanks for the purl video!!

[@carolynadams2264]

Thank you, Norman, for this video. I'm one who always has problems with purling, I'm an English knitter and I have tension problems so I'm looking forward to trying your suggestions.

[@masz10676]

Another keeper from u. Always excellent and thorough. I was wondering about the twisted purl. I couldn't tell in my swatch but I was not really observant w twisted purl. I've crocheted for years so continental was easier. I like the way. U do it with forefinger to hold purl stitch. Thanks for sharing.

[@cathybodini5168]

I’m sad that you left out Portuguese knitting…possibly the easiest purl. I went from that to tensioning my yarn around my thumb and holding it in the front to continental purl. Works a dream😃😃

[@NimbleNeedles]

I left out probably 20 other techniques as well ;-) I have to make the cut somewhere, and portugese knitting would have meant I change my camera setup...and let's say I also was a bit lazy ;-)

[@lisalamb73]

Thank you I always enjoy and learn something from your video's... Another option is Portuguese Purling it has really helped me with my Purling! I still don't love to Purl, but I don't have as huge an aversion to it now.

[@gina2797]

Life is too short to hate purling! As a lever knitter, the topic could make me smug, but I'm too busy stabbing myself in the hand with a DPN. Norman's message of finding what works for you is the best. It's a good way to knit and a good way to live.

[@kml223]

As always your videos show me so much and I always learn so much from you. I tried each one along with the video and I really like the way you do your purl method, so nice and was comfortable for me. I will practice more, I like it so much. Thanks Norman

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wonderful!

[@pkmnbuneary]

Thank you for this video, Norman! This year I decided to take knitting seriously and I had a goal of knitting a single pair of socks and I did that back in January. Purling has always been difficult for me, I tried the "traditional" way but it was always so frustrating. Then I learned Norwegian purling from Arne/Carlos, that was very helpful, but I found it stretched my stitches and was a bit too fiddly. I made a small purl swatch and tried along with the styles you've shown and the pushing with the middle finger is proving to be the most comfortable method for me. Thank you again! You are an excellent teacher

[@NimbleNeedles]

very happy to hear I was able to help you find YOUR purl favorite :)

[@charlenecrochetcorner789]

I'm so glad I found this video you so kindly made for us. It looks so easy of course when you do it. I like the first 3 but I really think the 3rd one where you anchor is going to be best

[@NimbleNeedles]

Heh..well..i have been doing this for a veeeery long time 😅

[@joanmachado9063]

Great video thank you

[@wrili]

Great video.. thx

[@NimbleNeedles]

Sure! 🥰

[@SwamiMommy]

Another very helpful video! 💜🙏🏽💜

[@cweenmjory6358]

I really like your videos. As a crocheter who recently took up knitting, I watched tons of videos and tried lots of techniques. You are so right when you say that there isn't one correct way. We all have different hands and wrists. What may be super easy for one person may be next to impossible or even painful for another. I have settled on continental picking for my knit stitches, and Norwegian purl stitches because those are what works for me. I may try the backward knitting on a dishcloth just to see how it goes. It's always fun to try new things. I also think it is important to realize that it is the result that matters, not what technique is used. For most of us, knitting is a hobby, and hobbies should be enjoyable. Relax! Have fun! Love you, Norman! 💖

[@NimbleNeedles]

Exactly..the results is what matters and the joy it brings you!

[@marysmith9109]

Nimbleneedles, welcome back. So glad to see/hear you again. You have made an amazing improvement with my knitting. I especially thank you for teaching the purl part of the german twisted cast on. And slipping the last stitch on a scarf to make smooth edges Also, thank you for the book list for learning more about knitting. God bless you.

[@NimbleNeedles]

you are very welcome. It's only during the summer months that I will publish every 3 weeks instead of every 2 :)

[@tsoonklah]

Thank you so much for making these videos! I was REALLY struggling with making socks & your tutorial has been the ONLY ONE that helped me make a GOOD pair & get a system down to repeat the process. 💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww...so very happy to hear that! be proud of your first good pair. that is quite an achievemnt

[@gwynhigginson4871]

Vedy interesting..Good to have options

[@geriattrique7141]

Once again you knocked it out of the park! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟this is so helpful, well explained and very well filmed! Okay, I really want to switch to continental and will need to tuck into more videos!

[@NimbleNeedles]

tons of videos here on my channel about starting with continental knitting. maybe check that out

[@theastewart6721]

Hi Norman. Great video. I have been blessed to have found a Continental purling method that works well for me. I know many others who don’t like it mostly due to tension issues. I don’t push my technique on anyone. I did learn Norwegian purling just for fun but rarely use it. This video has so many great variations and tips. I’m fascinated by backwards knitting. I’ll never completely change the way I knit but it is fun learning these new techniques. Thanks for another great video!🤗🤗

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah it sure is fun. And glad we are in agreement. never push something on someone!

[@theastewart6721]

We sure are!🤗

[@yarnmotivated-joyceswensso9744]

I knit/tension continental and purl using my index finger. I've never been bothered by purling. I'll test using my middle finger for fun. Thank you for the interesting and informative video.

[@nancyborgeson440]

Thank you! I’m trying to find a better method of purling, for me. I’m a flicker for knitting, and thrower for purling. Have been wanting to experiment with finding a better way to purl. Will get a swatch going to practice these & choose the best one for me.

[@sylviakoresh4161]

Switched to Portuguese style knitting, purling is so efficient and a dream!

[@NimbleNeedles]

glad you found something that works for you.

[@dianachristie5700]

Thank you for this video! I switched from English to continental to now Norwegian and that is my favorite. I will purl English style if it's like a purl 3 together or something like that

[@gabrielecarter5440]

Hi Norman, Like you I prefer the middle finger push method of purling. I learned the classic continental purl method from my mother (twisting my left wrist) and developed the middle finger push method on my own without really noticing that I was adapting a slightly different method What I find very interesting is that I can purl without looking at my hands MUCH BETTER than I can knit without looking at my hands. I think that because I use my middle finger to push the yarn I can go by feel more than with the knit stitch , I find myself missing a stitch or not actually pulling the yarn through sometimes on the knit stitches when I'm not looking. But I don't have to look to purl because I feel the yarn going in the right place. So in a way I have always found the purl stitch 'easier' because I don't have to look as much. Thanks for another great video. This is also the best tutorial I have ever seen on the Norwegian Purl. I was never able to follow it with anyone else I've ever watched. But you made it totally clear. I tried it. It's not for me, but at least now I know how it goes! Thank You so much! Liebe Grüße aus Virgnia, USA

[@NimbleNeedles]

interesting..gotta try that out if I indeed purl better without looking as well. And yeah, i don't like the norwegian purl either. to me it seems slower, less movement efficient, and more difficult to control the tension. But hey, maybe I am just biased from purling the way I do for soooo long ^^

[@sylviamurray7467]

Thank you for explaining the various purling styles. As a beginning knitter, I have been doing the combination purl and knit for stockinette. I could not understand why the resulting knit stitches were so twisted. Now I know how to correct that. THANKS!!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cmulliner8985]

Tausend Dank Norman, deine Videos geben mir einen ganz neuen Zugang zum stricken, viel befreiter und experimenteller! Habe schon einige deiner Videos geschaut und bin mir sicher das hilft mir auf meinem Weg des Strickenlernens ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

Viel Erfolg!

[@miriambartley6622]

I have tried them all, but I initially learned English purl as a child, and it works best for me. I can do it quickly and my tension is perfect.

[@wj2495]

Wow, so many methods of purling. I am a continental textbook method purler, but I do not hold my yarn of the left index finger so far away from the left-hand needle. I guess I am more of a "pick" knitter and purler. Your videos provide opportunities to learn something new about knitting. Again, thank you for excellent instructions and visuals.

[@elianaathayde]

In my family people knitted in absolutely all ways. I ended up knitting Norwegian and purling Portuguese. Even with a hook pin on my lapel.

[@sewninsuffolk]

Being English I was taught to knit as child by my grandmother the English throwing method and kind of taught myself the flicking method. I gave up knitting as I couldn’t get on with the English methods and have only picked it up again after discovering the continental method. I haven’t looked back since! It just makes sense to me and so interesting to see the various combinations of purling that can be done. I seem to do a combination of a couple different methods each time. It doesn’t come particularly easily so it was very reassuring to see the various methods that can be done and to know that there isn’t a ‘right’ way just a right way for me. Thank you for a very interesting and inspiring video.

[@susanm1109]

I learned English flicking first, then my aunt tried to teach me continental. She purled Eastern style but didn’t knit through the back, and alternate rows were twisted. I like continental knitting for the speed, but struggle with purling so I often vary my method between combination knitting and Norwegian purl. This helps my wrist but probably causes uneven tension in my work. I’ll practice some of your other purl styles. Thank you for a great tutorial!

[@leahholland6272]

Thanks for the tips.... I haven't found a good way to purl continental... I'll try some of these on my next purl row

[@DamnSkippyToo]

I have never been able to tension properly trying to do a continental purl. Thanks for showing these other methods which I will try. Currently, I find the easiest method for me is Portuguese purling. I knit English or continental and then use Portuguese purling if I’m doing straight stockinette stitch. I highly recommend Portuguese purling for those who are not able to master the continental style purling. With simply a flick of the left thumb purling is a breeze.

[@kjones38]

I learned to knit 60 years ago from my grandmother. As a young mom, I stopped knitting for a few years, and would pick it up and knit again, put it down for a few years, start again. Earlier this year, I began to knit again - so many beautiful patterns to make, and a wealth of videos to help now. Which is how I learned, two months ago, that I’ve been purling wrong for years! I’m not sure when I switched to this method, but probably when I discovered that Continental knitting was so much more efficient. Now I know that I was doing the combination purl…except I wasn’t knitting the next row differently- so my purl stitches were twisted and stayed that way. 😳 it explains why I thought purling was easy and couldn’t understand why everyone else thought it was hard and hated purling. I always hated the next knitting row - it was so tight. Now I am making a large swatch to practice purling correctly - and I found this video just in time to practice different methods. Thank you for your awesome videos. I have learned so much from them! They are a boon to those of us who are mostly self-taught.

[@cynthiathayer3412]

This video is BRILLIANT!!! Thank you SO much…. I crochet much more than knit because knitting is so intimidating to me. Finding your channel is a game changer for me. And this video is extremely useful to demystifying the purl stitch for me.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-hw4hf2zb3t]

your channel is GOLD! ily norman

[@NimbleNeedles]

thank you

[@Dollcan]

I’ve been able to hold my yarn Norwegian style but purl the continental style. Love trying new techniques.🎉

[@fujimama892]

I'm an old (pre-internet) knitter and purl EXACTLY the same way as you do! Many have come to this method independently.

[@NimbleNeedles]

They sure did!

[@Annabell860]

Thank you for the great information

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure!

[@vadec5909]

Thank you so much! This was a great video. I dont mind purling. Norwegian looks so hard to me!

[@sharonteixeira2635]

Thank you love your channel much

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@robinmead521]

Along with your favorite method, my favorite is similar. I wrap my yarn around my fingers a little differently, I guess it would be the most common way. However, when purling, I move the working yarn below my lowest knuckle on my index finger and curl my finger as though to hold a ball, type, play piano, etc. Doing this lowers the height of the yarn and frees up your finger tip and allows you to use it as a drum or hammer to push the yarn down. This means you don’t have to push your finger so far in an unnatural way, nor move your fingers or use your middle finger.

[@NimbleNeedles]

but i guess that only works for stockinette stitch...

[@annaapple7452]

Purling became much easier for me when I realised that in English (or Dutch) throwing, the motions for the purl stitch aren't that different from those of the knit stitch. Especially when you approach it with lever knitting in mind, and let the left hand do most of the needle action, even if you don't fully anchor the right needle. Some Shetland knitters explain it nicely for their knitting belt lever knitting. The right needle basically goes in-out-in-out etc, the right hand throws the yarn after every in, and the left hand makes the knitted stitch fall off the left needle. Angling the left needle differently makes the difference between entering the stitch purlwise or knitwise, and the rest of the motions stay mainly the same. This approach also minimises having to turn the wrists for each stitch (as needed in continental and Norwegian), and has helped me a lot with minimising pain. This is probably not the clearest explanation, but maybe it helps someone 😅