Knit stitch and purl stitch, how to tell them apart

Short answer: Knit stitches look like small v shapes running in vertical rows, while purl stitches look like small bumps or ridges lying across. Knitted fabric always has both sides, and you can see the difference in seconds once you know what to look for.

Two sides of the same fabric

Almost every knitted garment has a right side and a wrong side. The right side faces outwards, and the wrong side faces the body. Both are made of the same loops, but they look different because the loops lie differently. Once you understand that, many small details in clothes become easier to read.

What knit stitches look like

Look at the outside of the fabric and search for small v shaped stitches standing in vertical columns beside each other. This gives a smooth, even look, which most people know from an ordinary T-shirt. The right side is often the nicer one and the one meant to be seen, so it faces outwards.

What purl stitches look like

Turn the fabric over and look at the inside. Here the stitches lie as small bumps running across, and the surface looks more uneven and beaded. This is not a flaw but simply the wrong side. It is often a little more matt and can feel different against the skin than the right side.

Test with a finger

Stroke across both sides and feel the difference. The right side usually feels smoother lengthwise, while the wrong side feels rougher across. Also pull at the edge of the fabric. Many knits curl towards the right side or the wrong side, and that can tell you which way the fabric was made.

Why it matters for clothes

The side against your skin affects how the garment feels. When the wrong side faces in, the small bumps lie close to the skin, and when the right side faces in, it feels smoother. What is most comfortable is personal, so notice how it feels and choose what feels good on you.

Seams and edges

At seams you can often see both sides clearly, because the fabric has been cut and sewn together. An edge curls if the fabric is cut without a fold, and the curl shows which side is the right one. If you are unsure which way a piece is meant to face, check the inside next to a seam.

Washing and care

Turn the garment inside out before washing, so the right side is spared from rubbing against the drum and other clothes. Wash according to the care label, usually at a low temperature, and do not wring it out. Lay it flat or hang it up, so the fabric keeps its look.

Look for it next time

Next time you hold a garment, try to find both the knit side and the purl side. You can practise on the bamboo tops for women, where smooth surfaces make the difference clear. To compare with a thicker knit, look at the bamboo sweat for women, and for the most popular pieces see the bestsellers from Copenhagen Bamboo.

Frequently asked questions

Which side should face outwards?

Normally the right side, which is the nicest and most uniform side. The label and the seams usually show which way the garment is meant to be worn.

Is the wrong side a flaw?

No, it is a natural part of knitted fabric. It simply looks different because the stitches face the other way, and it is meant to lie against the body.

Can I wear the garment inside out?

You can if it feels better. The look will change, though, and the seams will show from the outside, so it is mostly a matter of taste.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.