purl

Knitter's backward stitch

Purl has two unrelated meanings in English.

In knitting, a purl stitch is made by inserting the needle through the front of the loop and wrapping yarn counterclockwise—the reverse of a knit stitch.

Alternating rows of knit and purl creates the stretchy ribbing on sweater cuffs: Knit one, purl two.

Separately, to purl is to flow with a gentle swirling motion and murmuring sound, as a shallow stream over stones: The brook purled over the rocks.

stream

murmur

Soft, indistinct continuous sound

trickle · burble · brook · flow · eddy · swirl · cascade · gentle · melodic · soothing

knitting

stitch

Thread loop in fabric

  • yarnTwisted strand for crafts
  • needlesSlender pointed instruments
  • woolSheared animal fiber

cable · stockinette · ribbing · cast-on · row · circular · jersey · intarsia · lace · stranding

border

edging

Decorative border material

  • trimRemove unwanted edges
  • hemFolded garment edge
  • fringeOutermost edge or margin

lace · picot · scallop · decorative · ornamental · embroidery · needlework · crochet · tatting · beading

craft

handmade

Created manually, not mechanically

  • fiberPlant-based digestive aid
  • textileMaterial from woven fibers
  • cozyWarm and snug

warmth · homemade · creative · meditative · relaxing · rhythmic · tactile · hobby · handcraft · artisan

Categories
Opposites
knitting stitch type

purlknit

Loop yarn into fabric

water flow quality

purlroar

Loud, deep animal cry

crash · thunder · churn · rage · torrent

Phrases
Family

purling, purls, purled

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G