Does it matter? (aka Have I been doing it wrong?)

[SevenVeils]

When doing something in stockinette, does it matter whether you purl first after CO or knit first? I've been knitting the first row (I guess I'm procrastinating purling ) but I just noticed that everything says to purl first.

Does it matter? If so, why?

[flapjack]

No. I prefer the aesthetic look of purling first, but the convenience of knitting first

[MomInFlux]

I just learned that different cast-on methods lend themselves to either a purl or a knit row first. For example, I read that the long-tail method of casting on leaves purl bumps, so it's best to purl the first row. And a knitted cast-on leaves knit stitches, so it's best to knit the first row. True?

[alaska]

With long tail cast on, the first knitted row is created with the cast on. In other words, by the time you finish casting on, you have your cast on, and one row, on the needle.

It does matter if your pattern distinguishes between RS and WS (right side and wrong side, respsectively.) Unless stated otherwise, your WS is going to be your purl row and your RS your knit row, in stockinette. If your pattern states to knit 4 rows, and the next row states to do something with RS facing, you will have needed to start with a knit row in order to be positioned properly to proceed.

Make sense?

[crocus]

I've been knitting the first row, too. Do you mean we should purl!?! No wonder my first row looks different than my cast off.