Purl Tension

#1

Hi All:

There is a great discrepancy between the tension of the rows I knit and the ones I purl. Is this normal, or am I doing something wrong?

Thanks,

Randy

#2

It’s not uncommon. The yarn has a slightly longer way to travel to make it around the needle when you’re purling.

There are three possible solutions:

1 - Use two different size needles. Knit rows off the smaller with the larger one, purl rows off the larger with the smaller. This only works in stockinette.

2 - Learn combined (or combination) knitting. Amy has a video. This works very well for stockinette on straight needles. It requires additional thought when working in patterned stitches or in the round, but can be done. It’s fast, and the most comfortable way to purl with a continental hold. The biggest drawback is that patterns usually need adjusting to make sure decreases slant in the proper direction.

3 - Consciously practice tightening the yarn a bit more on your purls. This takes some mental effort until you build the habit.

#3

Unless you’re twisting your stitches somehow–knitting or purling through the back loop, then it’s not unusual to have different tensions between knit and purl.

If you’re purl is too loose, you can always purl with a smaller size needle. If it’s too tight, a larger needle. Knitting in the round whenever possible eliminates the need to purl altogether, though it’s not always an option.

#4

Oh my lord:

Seed stitiches will take forever. LOL.

Thanks,

Randy

#5

Thanks guys:

I haven’t learned continental yet, but these are great suggestions.

Randy

#6

I have almost the opposite problem: My purl stitches are just the tension I want, but knit stitches tend to be too tight unless I concentrate on making them looser. :wall:

This is related to why I had to quit crocheting – I crocheted so tight I couldn’t get the hook back in! :doh:

#7

:roflhard: :roflhard: :roflhard: