How to Make a Norwegian Purl
Are you a knitter who hates to purl? Have you recently learned to knit using the Continental style, but purling with the yarn in your left hand is a struggle? The Norwegian purl might be for you.
How is the Norwegian Purl Different?
For most styles of knitting, working a knit stitch requires holding the working yarn to the back of the work. Working a purl stitch requires holding the working yarn to the front. With the Norwegian style of purling, the yarn stays at the back. There is no need to shift the position of the yarn from back to front as you switch from a knit stitch to a purl stitch.
Our digital editor, Andrea Lotz, made a quick video comparing different purling styles. She shows the Norwegian purl at about the 30-second mark.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
With yarn held in back, move the tip of the right needle behind and under the working yarn (Photo 1).
2
Insert the right needle into the stitch from right to left (Photo 2).
3
Swing the right-needle tip around the left-needle tip to the back, then use the right-needle tip to pick the working yarn off your left index finger (Photo 3). Note that the yarn wraps around the needle counterclockwise. The left index finger stays down close to the needle. If your left index finger tends to float around high above the needle, remind yourself to keep that finger down.
4
Swing the right-needle tip back around the left-needle tip to the front, bringing that loop of working along with it, then bring the right needle out of the stitch toward the back (Photo 4).
Slide the old stitch off the left needle, and your Norwegian purl is complete.
Give it a Try!
Be aware that changing from your normal method of purling to the Norwegian purl may change your gauge. If you’re going to use the Norwegian purl for your project, be sure to use it for your gauge swatch.
As with any new method or technique, it may take some practice before Norwegian purling feels speedy and comfortable for you. But don’t just purl 2 stitches, decide it isn’t for you, and give up. Give the Norwegian purl a fair trial. Commit to making a small garter stitch swatch using nothing but the Norwegian purl. Try knitting some ribbing using the Norwegian purl, so you can see what a difference it makes to not move the yarn to the front. Give your hands a chance to adjust to the new movements and new rhythm.
The Norwegian purl may not become your go-to method of purling. But you might find it’s just right for certain projects in certain situations. It’s never a bad thing to know more than one route to your destination!
Tell us in the comments: How do you purl? Do you change how you purl for different situations? We want to hear all about it.
Thank you to Ancient Arts Yarns for providing the yarn used for these samples. This sample was made with Herlig.
Sandi Rosner is the technical content editor for all things yarn at Interweave. When she isn’t knitting, she usually has her nose in a book. You’ll find new technical content from Sandi nearly every week at www.interweave.com.
Practice Your Purling
Purling is why I don’t knit continental style. It’s just too cumbersome for me. Not sure any of the alternatives appeal to me. I can knit and purl fairly quickly English style, so I’m sticking with that!
Tell Andrea Lotz she might have better success throwing if she wrapped the yarn the opposite direction on her finger!