In knitting, there are two stitches: knit and purl. Once you've mastered those, there's an entire world of patterns to be had at your fingertips. They combine into a seemingly infinite number of fabrics that look and feel unique. Most knitters begin by learning how to make a knit stitch, which produces the garter stitch when worked every row. Next, you will learn how to purl stitch, producing the stockinette stitch when alternated with knit stiches or that same garter stitch when worked every row. The moss stitch and seed stitch are created by alternating both knitting and purling into a richly textured fabric. These two patterns and the others to follow in this collection are simply combinations of knit and purl stitches.
When knitting a stitch, the yarn is always held at the back of the work. When purling a stitch, the yarn is always at the front. Visually, this looks like the working yarn is either in front or behind the crisscrossed needles. When you switch from a knit to a purl stitch, it's important to ensure that the yarn is in the correct position to work the next stitch. When you are moving the yarn from back to front or vice versa, the yarn should go between the two needles and not over them.
Whether you're knitting flat or knitting in the round, mastering these two basic stitches will help you develop your skills and you'll soon build the confidence necessary to take on any number of knitting projects.
