purl stitch

noun

: a knitting stitch usually made with the yarn at the front of the work by inserting the right needle into the front of a loop on the left needle from the right, catching the yarn with the right needle, and bringing it through to form a new loop compare knit stitch

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Knitting is a binary language, and even the most intricate designs are mostly composed of two simple elements—a knit stitch (which looks like a flat V) and a purl stitch (which looks like a bumpy wave). Sandra Gutierrez G., Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2020 In 1758, Jedediah Strutt of the English city of Derby invented a way to incorporate the contrasting purl stitch and produce ribbed stockings. Virginia Postrel, WSJ, 17 Dec. 2021 Over the course of the class, participants learn to cast on, the knit and purl stitches, how to bind off and seam up a cowl. Lake County News-Sun, 18 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'purl stitch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

purl entry 1

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of purl stitch was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near purl stitch

Cite this Entry

“Purl stitch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purl%20stitch. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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