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Kitchener Stitch in Purl

Kitchener stitch is a great way to graft two pieces of knitting together in an invisible way. While normally worked as knit stitches, it can also be worked in purl stitches which is great for joining garter stitch or when you are joining on the wrong side or a purl piece.

I use it to graft closed my Doineann and Nathair-Sgiathach cowls!

A piece of colourwork knitting ready to be grafted. There are stitches on two needles held parallel to each other and referred to as "front needle" and "back needle". There is an embroidery needle with the yarn tail threaded through it. The ends of the circular needles have white stoppers to prevent the stitches coming off the end.
Stitches set up for grafting. The stitches are on two needles held parallel. Cut your yarn roughly three times the length of the graft you are making (and add about 10cm for sewing with) then thread on to a tapestry needle.
The tapestry needle has been inserted purlwise into the first stitch on the front needle
1. Set-up: Insert needle purlwise into the first stitch on the front needle and pull yarn through.
The tapestry needle has been inserted purlwise into the first stitch on the back needle
2. Set-up: Insert needle purlwise into the first stitch on the back needle and pull yarn through.
The tapestry needle has been inserted knitwise into the first stitch on the front needle
3. Insert needle knitwise into the first stitch on the front needle and slip off needle.
The tapestry needle has been inserted purlwise into the first stitch on the front needle
4. Insert needle purlwise into the first stitch on the front needle and pull yarn through.
The tapestry needle has been inserted knitwise into the first stitch on the back needle
5. Insert needle knitwise into the first stitch on the back needle and slip off needle.
The tapestry needle has been inserted purlwise into the first stitch on the back needle
6. Insert needle purlwise into the first stitch on the back needle and pull yarn through.
A piece of knitting with a purlwise graft in progress
Repeat steps 3 to 6 until all stitches have been worked, cut the end and weave in. Remember not to pull your stitches too tight. You want the grafted stitches to be at the same gauge as the rest of your cowl.

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