Purl Stitch Question

Ok so, I learned how to knit a while ago and ive been trying to do the purl stitch but I’ve been getting really confused.
After I put the right needle through and in front of the left needle and loop the yarn counter clock wise is when i get confused.
I never know how to “loop under the old stitch” or “bring it around to the back.”
I got the the knit stitch in about five minutes, but after over hour of practicing and surfing the web, I still cant do the purl stitch.

So anything from the loop around on is greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!!!!

3 Comments

monlybonly February 22nd, 2010 at 8:38 pm

I find the website knittinghelp.com to be very helpful whenever I have a question. They have tons of videos which I find easier to follow than diagrams. Here is the purling video:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/purl-stitch
It shows two methods, both Continental and English (American or Throw) From your description, it sounds like you are using the English method (you have the working yarn in your right hand.) Just be sure to watch the right one!

mickiinpodunk February 22nd, 2010 at 9:34 pm

Basically you manipulate your right needle to bring the new stitch through the old one onto the right needle, usually ducking the right needle up through the stitch. Bringing the yarn to the back is where a lot of novice knitters get into difficulty. You have to think of your needle tips as a drawbridge and your yarn as the boat trying to get from one side to the other. A boat can’t jump over a bridge, the bridge has to open up so it can sail between the opening. IOW, bring your yarn to the back between the needles not over them. Bringing it over the top of a needle creates a yarn over which is a new stitch in the next row.