Unveiling the Beauty of Purl Knit Fabric: Applications and Design Ideas

Crafting with yarns and needles is the foundation for creating astonishing garments and clothing. To achieve expertise in knitting, one has to be familiar with purl knitting. It is one of the fundamental knitting techniques. Purl knitting is the basic knitting technique, providing us with a lifted and textured pattern on the fabric. The fabric is also well known for its soft, comfortable, and insulating qualities. When used correctly, the fabric will give us a luxurious and charming look. This article will provide you with a detailed explanation of the purl stitch, purl knit fabric, history, application, uses, and manufacturers. 

What is Purl Knit Fabric?

It is one of the basic knitting techniques that was invented in ancient times. Unlike traditional knitting techniques, purl knit fabric involves knitting yarn alternating between knit and purl stitches. It has opposite courses of purl and knit stitches, which makes it identical on both sides of the fabric. While the knit stitch creates a smooth bottom on the inside, the purl knit creates raised bumps and loops on the outside. The fabric is made from a mixture of various fibres, like wool, cotton, acrylic, and other synthetic materials. The result is a soft, comfortable, raised pattern of textiles and clothing. These raised textures often resemble loops and bumps, which add to the fabric's aesthetic. This method of knitting has been improvised for centuries.

Although the origin of the purl stitch is still a mystery, this method has become a culture in many countries of the Middle East, Europe, and some parts of East Asia. Throughout time, purl knitting techniques have greatly evolved along with technological advancements and a wide range of cultural practices. Different artistic approaches have broadened our view over a wide range of patterns and designs. Today, purl knit fabric is widely one of the best choices and is being used in many textile industries. 

Types of Purl Knit Fabric 

There are 3 types of Purl stitches. Basic Purl stitch, seed starting, and ribbing purl stitch. 

Basic Purl stitch 

It is the most widely used stitching technique in most textile industries. This method involves alternating the right-handed needle with the left-handed needle, and then the yarn is wrapped clockwise around the right-handed needle.

Finally, the loop is pulled, and the process is repeated from the right-hand side. By this process, loops are created on the fabric. You must pay attention while you're handling the needles. The better your placement will be, the final product will be more neat and smooth. 

Seed stitch 

In this process, the knitting is shifted back and forth between the knit stitch and purl stitch to make a pattern by following a sequence.

It creates small bumps on the textured fabric, which not only adds an amazing look but also a smooth finish on the inside. 

Ribbing stitch

This pattern is similar to seed stitch as it also requires both purl stitches and knit stitches. A question may arise about the use of knit stitches in purl stitching.

While the purl stitches add textures, and elasticity and create small vertical bumps on the fabric, the knit stitches help to reduce the stress from the fabric. It helps the fabric to last for long usage and holds its stretch and flexibility. 

If you are knitting your clothes, you also need to know about tension. As we have to switch between purl stitch and knit stitches, sometimes either of the stitches can get too tight or too loose. You need to maintain a uniform tension during purl stitches. You can practice this by keeping a steady tension on your yarn. 

Application of Purl Knit Fabric 

What makes purl knit fabric different from other fabrics is the texture, softness, and warmth of this fabric. There are some great applications for this fabric in the textile industry. 

Dresses and skirts	Due to its softness, stretch, and flexibility, it is a great option for summer clothing.
Sweaters and cardigans	This breathable, soft, and textured fabric makes it a great fit for winter. The warm layers on this fabric are great for cool weather as well.
Scarves, sleeves, and beanies	When it comes to clothing, how can we forget about winter accessories? This fabric gives you a cozy and comfortable look both indoors and outdoors.
Blankets and throws	Purl knit fabric is a great alternative for bulky blankets and plain throws. The blankets are lightweight and provide warmth and texture.
Accessories	This fabric is great for crafting small accessories like gloves, mufflers, and other accessories. They provide clean and textured looks and keep you warm and cozy.

Properties of Purl Knit Fabric 

Texture 

Small raised patterns and loops add unique texture to this fabric. Due to these unique properties, many garments are offering unique designs to their clothing. These garments not only signify creativity but also offer cozy appearances. 

Warmth

Purl knit fabric is known for its comfort and warmth. Whether it's summer or winter, the clothes are breathable and comfortable to wear. Thanks to the unique texture of this fabric the air gets trapped and makes it a great pick for cool weather. The fabric is also great for insulation. 

Stretch and flexibility 

The fabric provides enough stretch and flexibility to move freely. As purl knit fabric includes both knit stitches and purl stitch, the fabric doesn't stress too much while holding its shape. 

Softness 

When it comes to softness, no fabric is as good as purl knit fabric. There is a mixture of natural and synthetic materials like wool and cotton, which gives you a mixture of stretch and comfort. The fabric might go through an industrial softening process, which can make it softer than before.

Design ideas for Purl Knit Fabric 

The fabric offers a great range of creativity when it comes to designing ideas. Numerous manufacturers around the world have implemented their unique designs. Below are some of the design ideas used by manufacturers.

Manufacturers	Design Ideas
Dale of Norway	It is a well-renowned brand in Norway that is recognized for its traditional knitting patterns. Their designs incorporate different colorwork and make astonishing garments.
Debbie Bliss	A famous British designer known for her stunning designs throughout her works. She is a great user of purl stitch and throughout her work, she represents her exquisite designs through knit stitches and purl stitches.
Rowan	It is a British brand known for its expertise in knitting and patterns. They have shown their proficiency through versatility and aesthetics in their high-quality yarns.
Brooklyn Tweed	It is an American brand famous for its unique designs. Their method relies on purl stitch and produces amazing eye-catching designs.
Malabrigo	The company is situated in Uruguay. They rely on hand dyeing their yarns which are later used for showcasing knitters.

Conclusion 

Purl Knitting is the basic foundation of all sorts of knitting techniques. It offers an array of possibilities from textural designs to effects. When it is used in basic stitch patterns, it offers good texture, depth, and comfort to the garments. The fabric is very reliable as it has great stretch, flexibility, warmth, and softness. The plethora of international manufacturers has manifested different purl stitch knitting ideas in the textile industry.