Newlyn Knitters

27/08/2026

25/08/2026

Tell me you crochet without telling me you crochet 🤣🧶

18/08/2026

Why do so many knitters dislike purling? Psychology may help explain it…⁣

1. Purling can feel less intuitive to some knitters.

Our brains become more efficient at movements we repeat. If the knit stitch is the movement you use most often, it can become increasingly automatic, leaving purling feeling just that little bit less natural.

2. Switching between knit and purl might actually be the problem.

Research into task switching suggests that moving between actions comes with a small cognitive cost. Constantly switching (as we do in ribbing) can interrupt our rhythm and make the process feel more demanding.

3. The knit stitch gets a head start.

For many of us, knitting is the first stitch we learn. That means our hands and brains have had more time to practise the movement before purling is even introduced. In motor learning, repetition helps movements become more familiar and automatic.

4. The 'purling is awful' story might be keeping it alive.

Purling has had a bad reputation among knitters for years. Psychology tells us that expectations can influence our experiences, so hearing that purling is difficult, slow, or less enjoyable may shape how we approach it.

Of course, plenty of knitters are perfectly happy to purl, but psychology may help explain why the stitch may have earned such a reputation.⁣⁣

Tell us your thoughts on purl below.

⁣⁣Sources:⁣⁣
Research on motor learning and automaticity⁣
American Psychological Association, research on task switching⁣
Self-Determination Theory, competence, motivation and enjoyment⁣
Research on expectations and perceived effort

04/08/2026

Newquay has a new yarn shop if you’re in that area take a look.

29/07/2026

How pretty is this crochet display in the village square in Puigpunyent Majorca?

03/07/2026

Since getting together to knit a blanket for charity in 2009, Newlyn Knitters have raised over £14,000 for local charities.

This month we sent out cheques for £200 each to Penhaligon’s Friends, Cornwall Blood Bikes, Penlee Lifeboat , and West Cornwall Women’s Aid.

We continue the tradition of knitting for charity, and are making blankets and quilts for Project Linus, a charity which gives them to any child up to the age of 19 who needs a hug

23/06/2026

Blanket nearly completed - a great way of using small amounts of yarn

13/06/2026

A lovely wool shop newly opened in Union Street Penzance

08/06/2026

Making good progress with my next blanket for Project Linus

27/05/2026

Perfect for those that love to crochet and doing jigsaws 🧩🧶