Quick fix: Rowing out is usually caused by purling looser than knitting. Try purling through the back loop (p tbl) to tighten purl rows, or switch to Continental purling for better control.
What you are seeing
Stockinette fabric with visible alternating horizontal ridges — some rows appear looser, creating an unintended textured effect.
Why it happens
- Purl stitches are naturally worked slightly looser than knit stitches for most knitters
- English-style purling involves extra hand movement that can add slack
Fix it now
- Test: work a swatch with p tbl (purl through back loop) on all purl rows — this tightens the purl slightly without changing the fabric appearance.
- Or switch to Continental purling (flicking rather than wrapping) — gives tighter, more even purls.
- Or try Portuguese-style purling (yarn around the neck) — naturally creates very even tension.
- For a finished piece with mild rowing out: steam blocking under pressure can minimise the effect.
Prevent it next time
- Swatch in flat stockinette and compare knit vs purl row tension before starting
- Use the purling method that gives your most even tension, not the fastest one
- Knitting in the round eliminates rowing out entirely