The purl stitch is one of the fundamental techniques in knitting, creating a textured pattern that is the opposite of the knit stitch. To execute a purl stitch, the yarn is held in front of the work, and the needle is inserted from back to front through the stitch. This action forms a bump on the fabric's surface, contributing to various stitch patterns and designs. Purl stitches are often used in combination with knit stitches to create different textures, such as ribbing or seed stitch. Mastering the purl stitch is essential for knitters, as it opens up a wide range of creative possibilities in their projects.