Combination Knitting: In the Round

In this knitting tutorial, I demonstrate my favorite fix for wonky ribbing! This has become my go-to method for nice tidy columns, and works well in both English & Continental style knitting.
To work this method, you will simply wrap the working yarn under the needle tip when purling, instead of over the top. By wrapping the yarn around the needle underneath, it uses an amount of yarn that is more similar to the knit stitch, creating a more even tension across a row/round that utilizes both knits and purls.
Take note that wrapping the yarn underneath the stitch, will create a twisted stitch. So when you next work that stitch, you just simple work it thru the back loop!
Want to try this out when knitting flat?
You can find a Combination Knitting Tutorial Knit Flat using Continental Style here:
• Combination Knitting: ...
You can find a Combination Knitting Tutorial Knit Flat using English Style here:
• Combination Knitting: ...
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[@saralchristen]

Love combination knitting!! I've been doing continental combination knitting for years primarily because it's easier on my hands -- simpler, smaller movements for the purls. Because it can help you to use the same amount of yarn for knits and purls, it not only makes ribbing neater, it can solve other gage problems like rowing out in stockinette. When you do something new on a row above combination knit rib (increase, decrease, switch ribbing pattern or switch to stockinette, etc) you need to remember that all your purls are mounted "backwards." Usually the easiest thing to do is to change the mount back to "normal" before executing any stitch that isn't a knit or purl. Often I'll do my last row of ribbing using standard purls just to get all the stitch mounts oriented the same way, making whatever comes next easier.

[@laurenpaparone602]

Thanx for this great tip. I've been a continental knitter for over 60 years and never knew about this. Why don't we always use this technique for purling?

[@HeatherSB]

I did this on a project I was worried about yarn chicken. It is crazy just how much yarn this technique saves!

[@7autumn5]

I taught myself to knit…and I knit continental, combination. I didn’t know so many people did it the other way. I’ve always wrapped my purl below the needle like you show here! 🤷🏻‍♀️ It’s very easy so I hope people benefit from this. This may explain why I don’t mind ribbing, or purling in general.

[@lizlarson2452]

Combination knitting saved me from rowing out! Ironically combination knitting was how I self taught myself how to knit, but wanted to knit "the right way". Pfft back to combination knitting

[@RTsarahmmm]

These tutorials you made on combination knitting have changed so much for me. Pulling is more enjoyable and less stressful on my hands. Thank you so much!

[@silvanamartis6318]

I learned to knit like this and it has been so strange to see other people knitting the other way (your normal way) so thank to you I know that it's nothing wrong with my way to knit. 😂

[@brandykai1]

Thanks! Your presence on video is perfect for learning. Clear, calm and an even cadence.

[@toroiva]

Yesss! This is how I knit and purl. Though I've never noticed that it had this advantage😅.

[@steveservantez978]

Whoa! 🤯 Had no clue you could do that. Shows what a noob I am. I thought the purl always had to go over. I learned continental style last year and liked it on the knit stitches but hated it for purls cause it felt too unstable and clunky for me. I have to try it again with this technique. Thanks so much! Love your work!

[@marshasemple7108]

Amazing! I’ve struggled many times trying to “neaten up” my ribbing and this method is awesome! Thanks so much for the tutorial!

[@KnitStitchGrow]

Thanks for the tutorial Andrea! You mentioned this a while ago in one of your IKIFWT episodes and I've used it ever since. It's really made a difference to my ribbing

[@barbaramcewen]

This is so timely for me knitting my first cowl. My ribbing was not terrible but also not ideal!

[@ninamancina2522]

Yay, a new tutorial!! I use your tutorials all the time as your explanations are so clear. In fact, when I am trying to learn something new I go to your channel first to see if you have a tutorial. Thank you for being a part of my knitting journey.

[@shelleyo7634]

Wonderful video. My question is: If this combination knitting reduces the amount of yarn in every purl, will my knitting be tighter? Will my gauge change? Thank you for your answer.

[@debsievert4766]

Brilliant! My ribbing has always looked sloppy!!! This will help me so much! I’m trying it on my next pair of socks….. after I finish Nightshift #4!! Thank you for sharing this.

[@themakersjournal]

Oh my gosh you read my mind! I have just been googling this yet again to work out how to fix my ribbing. Uneven ribbing is a pet hate of mine in knitting 😂

[@stitchy_linn]

I’m going to use this technique next pair of socks I knit. I do find I get those wonky stitches every so often and wondered why it was so. Now I know! Thank you, Andrea, for this excellent tutorial.

[@JJPKnits]

This seems like it will make purling so much easier! Thanks for the tip!!

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

I just love combination knitting, it give such regularity on our knits !

[@Susan-yb3hh]

Great technique! Can you add an additional segment for how to bind off ?😊thanks

[@barbbrown6746]

Thank you so much Andrea for another great tutorial. I am an English knitter and I really appreciate it when you D demonstrate both ways.❤

[@FifiLeCat]

This will likely make a difference in my double knitting in addition to explaining why both sides can come out different! I can’t wait to try this. Thanks!

[@delta8885]

thank you so much for this tip. I have to tell you, though - whoa, it is hard to wrap the opposite way! through the back loop is easy, but the wrap is breaking my brain!

[@MapleNutDesigns]

Thank you so much for doing this video!!! I’ve seen a lot of people purling like this on instagram reels but they never show the next round. This was so very helpful! It’s so much faster purling this way as a continental knitter. Now I’m ready to take on more purling patterns confidently in combination 😍

[@annettewiggins2220]

This is genius! I've been doing Norwegian purl for years, and found that it did help keep my ribbing crisp. But it's fiddly, and I still sometimes get wonky ribs. I was about to start a border rib when I saw this tutorial, and decided to give it a try. Combination knitting was faster and easier, and my ribbing came out straight and even. Thanks very much

[@ursulamanwiller5630]

Thank you. I appreciate that you demonstrate English also!

[@hyggekrogknits]

Super interesting - I’ll definitely try this on my next project. This year I started Norwegian purling so I didn’t have to bring my yarn forward when I was knitting ribbing. Do you know if there is a way to do combination knitting with Norwegian purling? I’m going to play around and see if I can figure something out…

[@sml-wf3pb]

This method has greatly improved my knitting experience! Sloppy looking ribbing really bothers me but the methods I've used to battle it slow me down and sometimes hurt my hands. This method actually speeds up my ribbing and feels much more natural to me. And it looks great : ) Thank you!!

[@carolhill1066]

I’m new to continental knitting and have just started doing rib ,this new way of wrapping under will help my awkward continental. purling, thank you

[@melissashupe5732]

OMFG! Watching this video I just found out I've been combination purling for my entire knitting journey. I should explain I am self-taught, or KZbin taught. I learned to read patterns thru a Craftsy membership. Figured out I had been reading them wrong too. But I hafta say, I've been girl-crushing on you since I watched your Italian tubular cast-on demonstration video. I've noticed you are in my hometown, Tulsa, Knit Stars videos too.

[@jayleendelrio2075]

Thank you so much Andrea! I can’t wait to try this, the issue with my ribbing has been driving me crazy.

[@donna-leetaylor6460]

Thank you soooo much Andrea for this tutorial!! I have investigated solutions for this problem and have tried various techniques with marginal results. Here's to no more wonky ribbing! I so appreciate you!

[@lynettedaniels1236]

Can’t wait to try this! Thank you so much!!

[@alysepaceforlani9962]

Thanks so much for this tip, Andrea! I’m just starting the rib for the sleeve on the Weekender Crew and this video came out just in time. My cuff looks great!!

[@RTsarahmmm]

I'm working on my first sweater and I just used this technique for the first time on my collar. It made the collar look even and lovely.

[@daniellejohnson3364]

Great video- thank you Andrea 😊

[@christyconolly7791]

This makes perfect sense. Thank you.

[@StickToYourKnitting]

Revelatory! Thank you very much. This will make a huge difference in my ribbing! ❤

[@janefellores7181]

Thank you, Andrea!

[@mariemccullough9874]

wow so simple thanks for sharing

[@monkeymind7246]

Brilliant explanation! Thank you!

[@verylikecheryl]

Thank you, Andrea ❤

[@peggywysocki4693]

Love this! I will try it on my next project.

[@mariehansen2534]

Excellent information, now I will give it a go.

[@everystitchaprayer6268]

Thank you!

[@desireeross9651]

I only knit combination and love the purl as much as the knit stitch . Currently working on your Gibb II sweater and loving all the purl stitches

[@pammerryweather7914]

Thanks!

[@kejbird]

Great technique to know. Very timely since I am just starting a project with a 1x1 ribbed yoke. I will use this and hope that my ribbing will look better.

[@redredwine1277]

Thanks again 🌹

[@kimfalloni4860]

Thank you thank you thank you...I knit both continental and english...I have always struggled with purling...this makes it easier😊

[@karenlucas9220]

Genius!

[@paulhermann8239]

Great tip! Thanks for the tutorial.💕. Iris

[@jeaniemaher1681]

Fantastic!! Thanks:)

[@kimw5533]

I also do this when knitting cables to tighten up the purl stitch.

[@terrioxford2119]

Awesome, thank you, Andrea. Do you do all your knitting projects this way? Can’t wait to try this. ❤

[@maryjacques7277]

Great tip. Is there any reason why we should purl this way all the time?

[@marsy1480]

Almost 50 yrs as a combination knitter!

[@zoedoodle9824]

Thank you for this video. Other videos show doing the combo purl just on the first purl stitch. I've tried it and not found it very helpfull. I'm going to give this a try. My QUESTION though, is what if I'm doing ribbing flat? Do I use combo knitting on the purls on the back? Hmmmmmm? Guess I'll have to experiment.

[@Lyn-ht2gk]

Does this method make the ribbing noticeably less stretchy since you're using less yarn? I've been using the tug method (tightening the first purl stitch while still on the needle). In an all-over patterned sock, I was surprised at how much less yarn was used, yet stretchability was still fine. Is it the same for this combo technique?

[@patriciac9410]

I always use the back loops

[@deniselim9607]

I learned combination knitting Continental style years ago from Annie Modesitt and her book "Confessions of a Knitting Heretic". I usually prefer to knit English style because I can knit by touch and read while I knit. But ribbing requires too much arm movement and combination knitting is so much more efficient. I was crushed to learn Annie passed away in 2020.

[@klashmar13]

No way! While experimenting with knitting on my own i figured this out. Apparently its called a russian purl. I thought i had some proprietary technique for creating twisted rib. Turns out this is already a thing lol! The more you know!

[@kimsharpe9504]

Great new technique! Is there any disadvantage to always working purls in this way, not just wehen working ribbing?

[@knitfirstaskquestionslater5531]

If the patterns is calling to purl through the back loop, what do you do?

[@user-pp2wx5sb7m]

Thanks for this easy to follow video! I'm about to finish a sweater with this rib, but wonder if my tubular bind off will be handled differently?

[@JacintaTracey]

Thanks. Save me from pulling to try and straighten

[@jriedesel]

Because of severe arthritis in my index fingers, I use the Norwegian purl when I knit continental. How does this change the technique?

[@user-tp2ys2mp4f]

Can you do this with garment knitting when it calls for pearl stitches?

[@KreationsKimberlyRae]

Nice! What pattern are you using?

[@tayloradair743]

Is there a way to to make the combination purl norwegian style? Ima try a few things see if I can’t get it down

[@rashmishrivastava3965]

Hi Andrea, thanks for this awesome tutorial! I’m wondering if combination ribbing would be any less stretchy than regular ribbing, since less yarn is being used?

[@arlaschmaltz4520]

How will work on a flat piece?

[@christafischer4042]

Is that the same as a Norwegian purl?

[@anitah4770]

since less yarn is used, does this method lead to a slightly less stretchy rib?

[@gillianyorkman3317]

This was how my Grandmother taught me to knit, didn't know it was a thing. I've been knitting for over 55 years now, I am an English knitter and have often been told I was knitting wrong, seems I wasn't.

[@tatyanamushta5830]

В России вязальщицы называют такой способ вязания петель - бабушкин способ.

[@elaineoverton4829]

Why don't we always purl this way?

[@QuinnB1]

You have to knit through the back loop when you purl this way. Otherwise, you will have twisted knit stitches.

[@leeanne.loves2create]

Thank you!

[@alexakaskowitz]

Thanks!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!!

[@lauralaughlin2741]

Thanks!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!!

[@monicalarose7980]

Thanks!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!!