we're just knitting backwards aren't we?

Randy · 03-14-2006, 11:56 PM

Hey Guys:

I'm just new to knitting but it seems to me that because when we get to the end of a row, the fabric on the needle is actually turned around 180 degrees before we can start the next row, knitting one row and then purling (which is the opposite of knitting [who would have tought you could use 'purl' as a verb?]) the next, is merely a way of putting all the knit rows on the same side of the piece. If purling is the opposite of knitting, then the opposite of the opposite is knitting again, right? Is this what we are doing? Would we get the same result by always knitting if we could find a way when we turn the fabric around, to start at the other end? Would we then eliminate the need to purl?

Thank,

Randy

CateKnits · 03-15-2006, 04:58 AM

Theoretically, I would think so. You're right about purling being a way to get the "knit" stitch on the other side of the fabric.

Ingrid · 03-15-2006, 05:00 AM

There are people who knit backwards to avoid purling.

http://oma57.tripod.com/ktbk.html

http://www.wonderful-things.com/backword.htm

Some sites if you're interested.

I often say that knitting is just one stitch. Period. It's all what you do with it.

CateKnits · 03-15-2006, 05:08 AM

Ingrid, what would they do for stitches that aren't stockinette, then? How would you avoid purling in ribbing?

Ingrid · 03-15-2006, 05:11 AM

Good question! I guess they knit backwards to avoid purling for stockinette! The very idea of trying to knit backwards makes me break out in a sweat, so I think I'll stick with what I know.

03-15-2006, 05:55 AM

That'd be handy for getting a gauge swatch for 'in the round'.

...Once you get good enough to knit the same gauge backwards and forwards.

Guess I'm one of the oddballs, but I don't mind purling. I almost like it better than knitting. I think I go faster. :thinking:

gardenmommy · 03-15-2006, 06:38 AM

Seems strange, as if it would take MORE effort than purling. I mean really, why not just purl? Unless you are doing a lot of short row stuff on something like a large entrelac project where turning it back and forth would be cumbersome, I'm not seeing a whole lot of advantage to it. Are there people who are really that purlphobic?

quirky · 03-15-2006, 12:49 PM

Knitting "backwards" well I am ambedextrious. Ultimately I feel most comfortable knitting with my left hand. But in the early learning stages I learned to knit back across the row I had just finished. It was easier (until I discovered that my left hand really has the upper hand).
But its not a solve all. As noted eventually you DO have to learn to purl.
Also, at least for me, knitting back across the row causes twisted stitches.

Ingrid · 03-15-2006, 01:41 PM

Purlphobic!

I like to purl, too, but I guess if you can get even tension knitting both ways, it would save a bit of time if you don't have to turn your work.

projectgal · 03-15-2006, 07:54 PM

I believe the correct term when a person avoids purling is PAS-Purl Avoidance Sydrome. Although I don't have PAS, I currently suffer from CGTEES (pronounced see-gee-tees) Can't Get the Edges Even Syndrome.