Loose purl stitches?

Danna · 03-03-2008, 10:34 AM

I am knitting a simple hat, and I am very new to knitting. I have been practicing, and haven't had this problem in all of my practice pieces.

I am using size 9 needles with worsted weight yarn.
My knit stitches are perfect, but my purl stitches are very loose. I am pulling tight after each stitch, but they loosen up after I let go.

I don't think I am doing anything wrong, but who knows. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I could be doing wrong?

suzeeq · 03-03-2008, 03:42 PM

Quite a few people purl looser than they knit. You could try using a size 8 needle for the purl row.

Knit4Pie · 03-03-2008, 03:57 PM

I purl looser than I knit, but it's slightly looser. It doesn't give me holes or anything, and I keep to my gauge, so I don't bother 'fixing'. My aunt, on the other hand, is REALLY loose, and she fixes it with a smaller needle for the purl rows.

cacunn · 03-03-2008, 04:07 PM

I am very new to knitting so please take this with a grain (truck load) of salt and those that thave a great deal of experience can tell me why this is wrong.

I am knitting kilt hose using two circular needles. My purls were always loose and there were ladders every time I went from knit to purl. One time, I think by mistake, I did an underhand "purl" and no more ladders and if anything the "purl" was tighter than the knit. I do an underhand "purl" (my name, I don't know the proper name) by bringing the yarn to the front, go into the next stitch in front, from right to left and then pass the yarn under the right needle (in stead of over the needle) and pull the stitch through.
This stitch looks like to a purl to me and pull the stitches together like a purl stitch. Ribbing look like and acts like a normal purl stitch.

As a newbie to knitting I pass this along as much to get comments from those with more experience and to offer help.

Thanks for any replies.

suzeeq · 03-03-2008, 04:23 PM

Yes, that's wrapping the yarn the opposite direction and it can be tighter. That's how it's done in combination knitting (see www.anniemodesitt.com ) On the knit side though you need to knit those stitches through the back loop or they'll be twisted. Or you can just leave them twisted.

cacunn · 03-03-2008, 04:44 PM

suzeeq
Thanks for the information and the web site. Since all I have knitted have been socks in the round the only thing twisted is the knitter.

Danna · 03-04-2008, 12:10 AM

Thanks everyone for all your insight. I guess I will just keep practicing and hopefully my stitches will become tighter.