Step three: beginner knitting instructions for learning the purl stitch.

Learning the purl stitch takes a little more practise than the knit (plain) stitch. Follow all the beginner knitting instructions and you will get to the heart of the wonderful world of knitting.

It is the combination of knit and purl stitches which unlocks endless knitting pattern possibilities. As with the knit stitch, you need to be aware of the tension of your knitting, making it neither too loose or too tight.

Wrapping the wool around the forefinger of the right hand is a typical method of manipulating the wool around the needles. But as in all knitting, it is totally individual and whatever feels most comfortable will work best for you.

To learn how to do the purl stitch, read the beginner knitting instructions and watch the video below. Start practising when you already have several rows of garter stitch done (consecutive rows of plain 'knit' stitch)
1. Hold your work in your left hand. Bring the yarn to the front of your work.

2. Push the tip of the right needle through the front of the first stitch, so your left hand needle is now at the back

3. Now wrap the yarn in an anti clockwise direction and pull it forward, between the two needles

4. Catch the yarn by hooking it onto your right hand needle as a stitch. Push the right hand needle down and to the back helped by your left hand thumb.

5. Release the left hand needle by sliding it backwards to the left or by giving it a nudge with your right hand forefinger

5. Your wool is not to the front and you are ready to repeat steps 2-5 until you have purled the entire row. Turn the knitting around to start again.

You are purling - well done!

Practise on an 8 x 8"(20 x 20cm) square knitting one row knit stitch, one row purl. This is called stocking stitch which is shown in the photograph at the top of the page.

Knit your first square and then please send it to Africa to help make blankets for children and orphans affected by HIV AIDS.

And please subscribe to the Square Circle ezine. We look forward to bring you stories of the children with their blankets, knitting patterns and tips and techniques.