You, (sorry I don't know your name), have the most pleasant voice and you're a great teacher. You have that calming and patient voice that makes learning from you so much easier. Keep up the great work!😉
- I'm from Sweden and we were tought in school to knit the continental way. So grateful for that, the other method seems so overcomplicated... /Lisbeth from Sweden.
Same in Finland. Knitting is considered a basic skill that everyone should know. That’s why it’s taught at school for both boys and girls. And always continental. I didn’t even know there is such a thing as English knitting before I was introduced to it on TH-cam.
I learned it first with the yarn on the left side, go through the sling always through the middle but choosing left or right by having the yarn in front of the left needle or behind. This is how we twist the purl when knitting it. But the Scandinavian might be more complicated but the whole piece looks more equal and more beautiful to me. Today I try to learn some more techniques good enough to make complete works with it and to be able to choose which technique is thw best for me to do this work in the best style. When knitting patterns I like Scandinavian styles better. For just knitting squares I use "our" technique I explained here and I surely find out where I prefer this one. 🤷🏽♀️ Maybe for whools which are too fluffy to see where to pock up the yarn. 🙋🏽♀️💙🌷
Timestamps for when I come back: intro: 0:01 - 4:00 English style purling: 4:01 - 4:40 Portuguese/Peruvian style: 5:50 - 7:50 Continental knitting: 7:55 - 9:00 Tensioning: 9:00 - 10:30 Purling: 10:40 - 14:50 Knitting: 14:55 - 17:25 That's pretty much it. These are very approximate times but theyre good enough if you want to use them too.
I also am a crocheter and find contenental knitting works best for me since it's a similar way of holding the yarn. I hold the yarn the same way I do when crocheting.
@@lnewms8349 It really is. I almost gave up on trying to learn how to knit when I started, because I couldn't grasp English style to save my life, it just felt so unnatural and uncomfortable, personally speaking. I don't even know how I came across Continental, but it was a game changer for me.
That's how I learned. The booklet I taught myself with only featured English style, but soon I found myself holding the yarn like when I crocheted. It worked, so I kept doing; didn't find out it was Continental until later.
This is the best demonstration/explanation video I've seen yet on the English AND Continental styles of Knitting, as well as different ways to tension the yarn! I like that you also talk about 2 other styles of knitting - Portuguese/Peruvian! YOU have earned a new subscriber! I was taught the English Method of knitting; and it is very difficult to make the switch but SO worth it! Another BIG reason to prefer the Continental Method over the English Method is EXACTLY what you mention at the end of your video - muscle strain. My hands, wrists, and elbows begin to ache after hours of knitting the English Method. Using the Continental Method slows me down quite a bit because it's still new BUT, my hands, wrists, and elbows do not ache after hours of knitting!
I have been knitting wrong all these years. Thank you for showing us a faster way and much easier way. I am so glad I came across your TH-cam instructions
I learned how to knit from my aunt who is left handed, so I thought this was just the way I learned how to do it. I had no idea it was called Continental Knitting, so this video is enlightening.
You did a magnificent job of clearly demonstrating how to knit using this method. I have always wanted to knit faster and you've done just that! Thank you so much. I've been crocheting for years and this method seems to fit more naturally with how I already hold the yarn in my left hand.
My primária taught me to knit when I was a young girl and I always wondered why other people never wrapped their yarn around their necks like I was taught, just knowing it's connected to my culture and not from a crazy look makes it feel like home even more
People in my family used to do that! I am not sure if my Zia (dad's side) still does it. My grandma passed away and we are the only knitters/crocheters now, I don't remember how she used to do that. My mum definitely does that the rare times she knits, but I am not sure where she learned that.
My grandma did crochet and knitting English style, and she would go so fast that it was impossible to keep up with what she was doing! I think English style when done by people who use it don’t knit like how you’ve shown, you don’t let go of the needle, and like you do in continental, flick the yarn over the needle with minimal movement, and definitely don’t let go of the needles!
You are very respectful, I like that a lot. Before TH-cam I didn't even know there was an English style, but the discussion of which style is easier has come up a lot lately, especially online. I feel like many English style knitters get offended when called out on efficiency. You managed to find the right words. Even if less efficient, people should use the technique they enjoy most. Greetings from Denmark!
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I don't feel any method is "wrong", and the important thing is to enjoy your knitting in whatever method is most comfortable and efficient for you. This variation on the Continental style is just what works best for me. 😊
It is less efficient, yes...but for me it's way more comfortable. My mom uses continental style and tried to teach me as a kid...I never learned until I discovered english style on youtube. No one should get offended, it's just how it is.
Interesting. I knit English style, but am far more efficient than Continental knitters. I simply knit in reverse with my left hand, Continental style. I don't change tension or turn my work.
Same here. Far too big a movement to wrap the yarn in English style, looks nothing like the way I knit, but as the lovely lady says, to each their own, lol!
I knit the american style way even tho it can be time consuming and have multiple steps for a stitch the better you are the faster you are i went from making a hat in 5 months to 1-2 hours tops. Also a lot of people are either surprised or laugh when i say i can do both knitting and crocheting being only 13.
@@Holly-days you can check out Very Pink Knits and her video about flicking. That’s how I knit, too, and you don’t have the let go of the needle to do it
I taught myself to knit this way years ago, and when I had a very heavy project that I didn't want to turn over, I started to knit back (meaning left to right, not turning the work but carrying the yarn with the right hand and using the left hand to insert the needle into the work on the right needles), on the theory that we learn to do many things that require dexterity of both hands. So I have to "translate" patterns, since I never look at the back side of the work, but the advantages are tremendous. As I get older, the alternating of the repetitive motion from one hand to the other on every other row is very helpful. I am always viewing the right side of the work, so I learn the pattern quickly, and can see what needs to happen vs. needing to count stitches once past the set up row(s). Highly recommend pushing through the awkward initial trial to learn this way of knitting.
Interesting! I will keep this approach in mind. I'm just starting to knit with the intent of getting as good and comfortable with it as I am with crochet and English style seems awkward. I'm hoping continental style hits the sweeter spot so I can continue more enthusiastically.
@@debracollins1479If you are still looking for a method of knitting backwards, please see my latest video. Although I transfer the stitches, I don't have to lift my hand or a finger to wrap the yarn. It takes a bit longer, but it has solved the purling out created by looser purl stitches. Hope it helps you 😊
i tried knitting in my early twenties but was overwhelmed by the different styles and of course, being a beginner and all, i found all of them awkward and unwieldy. i think i made a scarf and a headband and then put my needles down for what i thought would be forever. i jumped over to crochet and almost instinctively my hands found their position on both the hook and the yarn, and the rest was history! i've been a crocheter for several blissful years now but with these pandemic times like many others i'm trying out different crafts and skills to add to my arsenal. who else loves being a jack of all trades? :') anyway one of my favourite yarny pastimes is looking through all of the beautiful patterns on ravelry, but knitwork has really been catching my eye as of late so i decided to dust off my needles and give knitting another shot! i'd watched a bunch of video tutorials done by english style knitters who seem to knit several stitches faster than i can bat an eyelash and seeing their ease with the purl stitch made me envious. being an experienced crocheter, continental is the style that comes most naturally, but purling still feels foreign and strange. especially when compared to knit stitches, which are smooth like butter when being worked on the needle! i have the tendency to work my purl stitches in the same manner you do, by using my thumb to guide the yarn, and because i hadn't seen a continental knitter use this "technique" yet i figured i was doing something wrong. but seeing an experienced knitter like yourself working the yarn with their thumb gave me some much needed peace of mind! now i understand that it feels strange simply because i'm still a beginner, and that one day i will knit with the ease and speed you do. :) thank you so much! oh, and even with all of my purling woes (K1P1 rib is enemy number one!) i'm currently a quarter of the way through my first ever knit sweater!
I can tell you've been doing the English style! I've only learned continental, but instead of throwing the yarn on the right needle with the left hand like you're doing, I kind of just swing the right needle around the yarn - so not moving the left finger with the yarn on it at all. It's like you've combined the two styles, which is kind of interesting :)
yes, it looks like an english-inspired continental. I kind of use the needle just to pull (knit) or push (purl) the yarn through the loop. Then I "stab" (move the right needle forward so the new stich is completely on the right needle and not just on the tip. Not claiming that this is the correct way but wrapping the needle seems like extra work.
I do love wrapping around my neck with yarn and love that portuguese style knitting is just a thumb flick- nice constant tension, with all the stitches done on front side
This is a very thorough coverage of the different techniques. I have taught many classes on knitting using many different styles. One thing I have seen all too often is knitters suffering as a result of poor technique in whatever style they use. I have personally researched this problem in depth, having picked the brains of many physiotherapists on the subject. I have been advised that in all cases and in all styles of knitting, the hand should be relaxed and in the "resting position" as much as possible in order for the hand not to be strained - that is, with the hand gently curved with the fingers hanging naturally. Of course some movement to make the stitches is necessary, but as knitters we absolutely must listen to our hands as we work - if they hurt, we are doing something wrong. Ask a friend to video your technique and then analyse the footage carefully. You will like see where the problem lies - if any of your fingers look stiff and rigid as you form your stitches, this will be putting strain on ligaments and tendons and cannot be sustained without eventual injury. However, I have often found that knitters who gave up knitting because of injury were able to continue by using alternate methods. It is also vital to take frequent breaks whatever style you use. Thanks for a great video. :)
Very good points. I regularly have to take a break - up to a year - from knitting due to tennis elbow issues. I do embroidery or tatting instead when I feel the ache coming on, before it gets bad. It wasn't knitting that caused the tennis elbow, it was too much keyboarding in a call centre, and then sample sorting and labelling in a lab, but knitting doesn't help. You also need to pay attention to your whole arm and shoulder. I've given myself tendon pains in my shoulderblade area from unconsciously holding my shoulder in a silly position while knitting! Cushion support and conscious relaxation solved that one.
Continental knitting is how we knit in Finland, and it's really easy and really quick. With this technique it's easy to knit with 2-3 different colours too. The yarns don't get tangled so easily than with some other techniques.
I’ve been crocheting for years but just started learning knitting. The English style felt so foreign to me, and a friend suggested trying continental. It’s so much more familiar for a crocheter! I love your tips for moving faster, I’m just now at the point where I have knitting and purling down but I’m still a bit clunky. This should help me be more efficient. Thank you!
I agree with you I have been crocheting for 40 years and always wanted to knit this feels natural to hold the yarn. I’m really slow at purling right now but I’m hoping with practice I’ll get better😊
Brownie lover OH THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Sooooooo helpful. Of course, make sure you first watch in real time so you know what they are saying LOL LOL and turn the volume off while in slow mode!! Hahaha
Wow now this is the video I have ben looking for! My mom showed me the continental knit stitch (without me knowing what it’s called). So when i would search pearl stitch. I would be so confused to see then knit/pearl! Thank you
My granny came from Shetland and knitted using a belt or holding the left needle under her arm. Her yarn was in her right hand over the finger and in one movement she flicked the yarn over and made a stitch. It's difficult to explain but she could use a different colour over the next 2 fingers and just alternate between which finger she flicked. I wish I had learned to knit from her but I learned at school what you call the English method. I did try her way but found it difficult to change. She could knit like lightning. She and her mother knitted the fair Isle designs and sold their work or swapped for groceries when she was a girl.
For English style knitting, you don't necessarily have to take your hand from the right needle and do the yarn over with your whole hand. You can simply flick the yarn over with your right index finger without taking your hand off the needle. This does work better if you have long fingers!
I love this! I am English and I do not take my right hand - or the yarn feeding hand - off the needles to thread it round. I just loop it out with my fore finger.. Much quicker. Actually it makes me feel uncomfortable when people take their hand off the needles. I taught myself when I was 8, I'm 70 now. Oh wow! I love Continental knitting! I can't wait to start! Thank you so much!
Same was only 10 when i learned how to knit and chrochet but i had to teach myself. Im still young (13) i use the american way to be honest even tho it has more steps if you get really good at it you can go pretty fast. For example it took 5 months to make a hat when i started out but then i got better and can make a hat plus pompom in under 2 hours.
You and I are about the same age (74) My Mom and Grammas and Aunties were all knitters and crotcheters. Mom didn't really teach me to knit. I sat by her side and tried to mimic the movement of the needles/yarn.(age 8) If I got stuck on a stitch or tension, I would ask for a tip. I learned to read a pattern by asking how certain instructions played into a certain stitch. I did the same to learn from my Gramma who crocheted with the very small hooks and threads to create doilies. She taught me how to iron them with starch to creative a work of art to display. As a little kid, I hung out with the old ladies to pick up a lot of info. When I wanted to make a giant Doily (table cloth for the family dining table) with a 24" drop at age 9, Gramma helped with certain parts like the Pinapple. It took me 6 years of my free time to complete. Gramma invited the Aunties and friends for a Tea Party to show off my newly completed Table Cloth. I remember how proud I was with all the Grammas and Aunties' praise. I have kept that piece safe over all these years and pulling it out for special occasions. When my Mom was about to pass away, she gave me all of her and Grammas needles and pattern booklets. Many are small booklets that originally sold for 10 cents. When my daughter wanted to learn (age 8) I helped her a little more than I received. At age 53 she still crotchets. Recently when my Granddaughter-In- Law was expecting, she asked me if I could teach her crotchet to make baby booties, cap and blanket.. You know, when we and our children were kids, there were no computers or phones for us to waste time on. I felt it such an honor to be asked to pass these skills down. And it is just so great to see the younger generation interested in these crafts. Do you feel the same about your craft?
I am all in for continental . I will try your technique. I love to crochet and learned it first so knitting has been second choice for me because it takes longer. So faster is what I want and need.Also I have knitted both ways now I try your version. I do think knitting is more stressful for me , this might be what it takes to make it less painful after a Lot of knitting.
Thank you for such an efficient and thorough tutorial. I use American knitting method but wanted to learn the Continental method because my way felt slow and unprogressive. Other tutorials made your method look complicated but you made it look easy! I think I'll try it, again.
I don't move the left index finger at all I can do the whole stitch just with the right needle and it's even faster. It's sort of up and down movement.
me too, the having the yarn pulled up like that on the index in continental was new for me. like she said I just keep it in line with the needle then pop the needle through and scoop it through😅
I didn't know there were names for these! In Albania, knitters loop the yarn around their neck to keep tension, but for some reason my grandmother never taught me that bit, so I just modified the way I held yarn for crochet in some sort of invented self-taught type of continental knitting. I was so confused when I moved to the US and saw my friend do english style purling, it seemed so tedious!
This was very interesting. I learned continental knitting (likely because I'm from continental Europe) but watching tutorials online for unrelated techniques I got confused sometimes since I couldn't figure out why people's motion looked so different - it was just the English style. Super interesting, thank you :)
Yeah I learned about continental from my cousin who is from britain if I hadnt ever learned from them I probably would never learned how to knit and stuck to crochet
I was self taught (at age 11) and painstakingly used the American style wrapping each stitch for years until I met an Irish woman I worked with. At 26 I relearned how to knit efficiently using the continental style. I’m now 60 something and enjoy knitting.
I learned to knit from a Russian friend (hallelujah) and it's even more efficient than Continental. Google Russian knit stitch, and Russian purl stitch, and you'll see what I mean. My mother taught me English style knitting when I was young, and it was just too awkward and difficult. Russian style is smooth and easy, and I re-discovered the joys of knitting in my 50s, thanks to my Russian friend. Try it! I have carpal tunnel problems, and arthritis in both hands, and thanks to the Russian style, I can knit easily for hours.
I went to a workshop in Scotland once. I wanted to learn to read patterns in English, since I am Swedish. It was a great crash course to learn how to read patterns in another language. I still used my continental knitting style. The other knitters were amazed at my speed, although I struggled with the language 🙂 I managed to knit more than they did in those few hours. So we are quick, but I believe many feel it in our joints since we keep our hands very static. But it will be easier and much quicker, since we don't need to let go of one needle for every stitch, to catch the yarn.
Newbie. Like I succeeded in creating a decent wash cloth for Mom for Christmas today, after many frustrating attempts. So you are purling 4 or 5 stitches, and knitting the middle, then reversing
With enough practice in "throwing" style, you can do all three "separate" motions in one smooth motion, barely moving your fingers. I don't let go of the right hand needle to "throw" the yarn, I simply move my finger upward and wrap in the same motion as I put the needle into the stitch, then drop it off in the same motion as I reposition the needles for the next stitch. Good video.
Xvery good tutorial, I absolutely must try this. Having learned to knit 50+ years ago, it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. But I’d like to think I can try!
Do try it Elena. I had also been knitting English style for nearly 50 years but lately found l could only knit for an hour or two before my hands hurt. I knit using longer needles and held the right one under my arm, of course this was impossible if l was using circular needles and, as having to let go of the needle to throw the yarn really annoyed me, l taught myself continental knitting. It wasn't as difficult as l had imagined, makes using circulars so much easier AND bonus l can knit for hours and hours with no sore hands.
When using the English style instead of dropping the right hand needle rest it between your thumb and index finger, then just flick the yarn over then needle with your right hand index finger. No need to drop the needle. This method also gives a far better tension because you are not dropping and picking up the needle all the time. I have been knitting like this for 50 years.
B. C. Completely agree. I didn’t even realize I was doing it differently until I looked up a refresher on something and noticed they were doing it differently than me lol
I taught myself English style and knitted like that for over 20 years. I didn’t do much knitting because it took forever. I finally taught myself the continental style and now I knit so much faster and find knitting so much more fun!
You are very respectful, I like that a lot. Before TH-cam I didn't even know there was an English style, but the discussion of which style is easier has come up a lot lately, especially online. and i would like to try knitting again after 40 years. I hope to I can do it the way you showed me on this youtube channel. ThanQ dear and God bless you.
Thank you for those detailed explanations. I'm from Germany and interestingly enough was taught the English style in school, maybe because my teacher considered it to be easier for beginners. My Grandma always used the Continental method. Having 2 damaged wrists, and having tried out both styles, I found out that for me, the English style works better because there is less movement in my wrists and I can go fairly fast too. But you are right, as long as it works out, it doesn't matter what style you use.
Continental style seems more efficient and convenient but after more than 40 years knitting English style, I wonder if I can change. I will try anyway!
I'm from Canada. My mum taught me the English style when I was little. My grandma taught me the continental style when I was a teenager. That's mainly what I use now. So much quicker and easier on the hands... Also, for any OTs out there who have patients who've had a stroke and have difficulty with one handed knitting using the one needle on the block and the other in their functional hand doing the English style knitting, I've had success teaching them the continent style... Just had to play with the angle of the needle on the block. Works well for patients who are right side affected and have use of their left hand. And when purling you don't really need to move the yarn in front with your index finger because you just place the right needle behind the yarn so you have less motions to do. Then you don't need to use your thumb because the other needle holds the yarn in place. Actually in watching this she uses her index finger a lot for knitting, too. I don't that. I just hold the yarn up with my index finger and just grab it with the right needle...pulling it down into the stitch. A lot less movement and quicker.
This is fun! I never knew that I was knitting continental style, I just always held the yarn with my left hand, because that’s what I do when I crochet. 😁
My mum taught me English, her mum was Finnish, so she knited continental. Mum used to say Nannan had to make 6 booties to get a pair, because of tension problems. We three had a conversation about styles, I sat down and worked out continental for myself. I can't knit english now, but can knit a large jumper in two weeks. I use the exact same tension for knitting and crochet. Mum and I could finish each other's knitting, our tension was the same. I hold my yarn around my little finger and close my little and ring finger on it to tighten the tension, I also lift my index finger to keep any slack out, lowering it as I use up the length. I do not move my fingers to help grab the yarn, after the first two rows of any piece. I manipulate my right needle and grab my yarn in the same motion. My purl stitches end up laying over the needle differently because of my method. I do hold the last stitch on the needle. I don't mind doing all over rib, mum used to hate it. I miss knitting with her too, now she's gone.
Do you do a scooping motion, where you sort of push down on the yarn to pull it through the stitch? I'm Romanian, and I was taught a modified continental version. I always insert the needle from the right side for both knit and purl, with the yarn either at the back of the work (knit) or at the front (purl), but I push down on my yarn and "scoop"it through the stitch.
I tried time and again to teach myself to knit and ended in frustration.... because I was trying to learn English/American style. I learned Continental and it was like a whole new world for me!! I don’t know if being a crocheter prior to learning to knit made the difference or what, but it made life SO much easier that way and I love knitting now!
I always wonder why people told me that i knit fast. To me it was the normal to knit continental style. One day watching videos i came across English knitting and it sim like time consuming. Although i use knitting to relax myself i still want to get the projects quick! 😅 thanks for the video!
Interesting. My dad taught me very basic knitting at age 5. He knew 2 needle casting on and knit. He didn't know purl or casting off - he'd probably been taught in the isolation hospital as occupational therapy when he was a small boy with scarlet fever. So eventually my mum taught me purl and casting off. My nan taught me the one needle casting on method. And that was it. I was left to my own devices. Then I got stuck on my first grown up project aged 14, and my mum couldn't help me, because I was essentially doing continental knitting as a result of being left handed and having better control over wool in my left than my right hand. In order to get help I had to switch to English knitting so my mum could see what was going wrong. I've been using "English" style ever since BUT I do NOT let go of the knitting! Not at all. It's entirely possible to do English style knitting, with the wool in the right hand, without all that clumsy movement, although I have seen novice knitters being that slow and uncertain. On the rare occasions when I knit with two colours - I hate tangled up yarns - I use both hands at once. One colour in the left hand, one in the right, mixing English and continental. I'm 65 now and haven't done continental stitch since my teens except for two colour knitting. I may switch back to see if it does improve my speed. Not having any good teachers has probably left me at a disadvantage, and there was no You Tube back in the day, lol.
Just learned to knit and right away, I disliked the English style. As a previous crocheter, the continental came to me naturally for the knit stitch. Couldn't figure out how to translate it to pearl, so your video helped a lot. Thank you!
Wow it never occurred to me that there were various 'official' knitting styles. I think when I started out I used to do a very modified version of the English method, but overtime I naturally transitioned to a variation of the continental style.
I first learned how to knit first because it was something i was interested in so i learnd how to about 1 year ago and i made several hats scarfs. Then i learned how to crochet last year(2019) and ibe made several blankets hats socks and a few animals. I use the american way of knitting which after alot of practice i went from making a hat in 3 months to about 1-2 hours now. But my purpose for writing this is if you don't like changing the way you first learned knitting and crocheting it gets easier and you can be much faster the more practice you have.
I'm an English flicker. You don't have to drop your right needle at all. You just flick your finger holding the tension- index, like you did with continental. I'm learning Portuguese knitting though to give my hands different movement when they're tried or for color work. Here is a pretty good example of English flicker. th-cam.com/video/8sqS_xX98Fo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=IICGRwadWco3cOu2
I was taught by my "Big Sister" when I was 13-14 yo. My mom always thought handwork was a "waste of time and money" - so I was happy to have someone teach me. Then, I was on my own about a year later. So ... throwing is the way I learned and it's easier for me. However, the continental would be better if/when doing entrelac - so I could purl left to right. Maybe at my age, I will just enjoy that I can do knitting. Period. Remember: Practice the way you want to learn.
Wow!! English never made sense to me so I naturally started as I learned knitting did it the way you are showing. Holding the yarn in my left hand comes naturally. Thank you for this video and totally enjoyed. Thanks so much and yes I subscribed.
I knit the English style and always gave up on whatever I was working on because I felt like it was time consuming. So I’m trying the continental style but I notice your left thumb doesn’t move from the left needle while mine wants to take off every time 😂
Having decided to learn this technique after years of knitting English style, I found your video very helpful and your presentation really pleasant and easy to follow. Looking forward to learning from more of your videos.
I originally learned to knit with English style but I adapted much better to Continental knitting. For some reason I find this style much easier probably because of the less steps needed for the same results
readinghorse Same here! And I’m SUPER slow! I thought it was just because I was so new at knitting-about 2 yrs-and learned through various TH-cam videos. But apparently I’ve been doing some weird conglomeration of English, Continental, and my own inefficient, usually distracted, style. And I haven’t been tensioning yarn either-now I’m wondering if that’s why my stitches turn out somewhat inconsistent.
Wow! I was told that I'm a fast knitter, and I always wondered why. I had no idea that there were different styles of knitting, as the only one I was taught at school in Scandinavia was the Continental style. I have always used it, and even when I'm not an experienced knitter, I'm still pretty fast, apparently thanks to the relaxed continental style. In the beginning (as a kid) I used to knit really tight stitches, so I learned not to wrap the yarn around my fingers at all, but let it only run over my left index finger. I also use only the index finger to move the yarn onto the needle or between different stitches, so it makes for a fast knitting. I learned something new today about the other stitches. Thank you.
Man, I wish I could continental knit. Every time I try, the project ends up super super tight and my hands hurt a ton. I just "flick" when I knit, so my right hand never leaves the needle like you showed at the beginning. While knitting, my right hand never has to leave the needle. It works best for me. Hopefully folks find this video useful, I will have to try another project continental
Have you tried holding the thread between you pinky and ring finger instead of between index and middle finger. That really helped me not knit too tight
I’m an English knitter and I can see how the Continental method looks much faster. The problem is I would have to learn to knit all over again and I feel I’m too long in the tooth to start even though I’m a slow (but neat) knitter. My Mum was a prodigiously fast knitter as both my sisters always were in the English style and because of practice were as fast as the lady giving the demonstration. Alas I gave up on being that quick a long time ago and shall resign myself to the design/relaxation part of the process! Thank you for your very clear instructions, have subscribed for more tips.
I am from Europe and knit continental style but I do not make so many movments like you , I suppose it is different from country to country. And you are right English way is very slow . Very good video ,thanks .
I'm 58 years old been missing since seventh grade I so wish I learned the Continental style it looks so much easier I'm going to give this a try cuz I knew it real slow thank you so much for your video
I'm a guy from the uk and only heard of the English way, this way looks so much quicker! I will 100% be trying it! Thank you so much for the awesome video :)
I'm from Germany and learned continental style from my mother and German videos! Today I saw an English video and wondered the guy in the video knits different. Ended up here.😂
Hi, i'm from Hungary, born to Roumania and i learned continental knitting as child. It's very fast, you're right. I like your videos, thanks for sharing!
This way makes more sense to me. I'm learning to knit after crocheting for 48 years. W/crocheting, I have 1 hook, a ball of yarn & 2 hands. Perfect. Knitting seems to me to much more complicated....2 hands, 2 needles AND yarn. I don't have 3 hands ! I'm not comfortable letting go of a needle to throw yarn. So, this way, where you keep holding both needles while you flick the yarn over a needle w/the left hand just seems easier. I'm definitely going to give it a try. Tensioning yarn w/left hand instead of right appeals to me, too. When I crochet , I have a left-handed way of doing it right-handed. I don't move the hook in & out of the work. I move the work onto & off of the hook w/left hand. This video was done very well....very nicely explained, great views of what was being done...& such pretty yarn!
I learned the English style of cast on and knit stitch at a community centre centre when I was 7bor 8 years old; I'm now 67. I have really wanted to be a more efficient knitter but didn't know how. Thanks so nuch for posting this!!!
I really enjoyed your video! I will say that I mainly knit I guess English style, but never take my right hand off the needles. It's so easy to work very fast without leaving the needles to "flick" the yarn over the needle.
I'm a very experienced crocheter. When I 1st learned to knit, I was taught the English style... which I found cumbersome. But when someone introduced me to the Continental knitting style, it felt WAY MORE COMFORTABLE for me... since I'm so used to tensioning the yarn with my left hand and not my right. Thanks for this video! I need to get my knitting needles out and practice this technique more.
That makes sense. I learned to crochet first so I guess that's why I started holding the yarn as if I was crocheting. I'm self taught so I didn't learn the English/American way. I learned continental by accident...? Or rather from being kind of lazy. Same thing with knitting "left handed" that was out of laziness too because I hate turning my work. I basically reverse what I'm doing and that's how it comes out right. In other words, knit when going towards the left hand, purl when going towards the right hand. Just like continental, I didn't know I was knitting left handed until someone told me.
I also learned to crochet before I knit - BTW I was self taught. However, when I began knitting, I did the English method first, and found out about the continental way later. It took a little while to transition from one to the other, but I eventually got the hang of it and found it faster and easier to do.
Yes, me too. I've been crocheting for years, but am only trying to learn to knit (and have been for years), it doesn't come easy to me. I've seen crocheters who crochet like the English way of knitting, they use their whole hand to yarn over the hook, instead of using the hook to grab the yarn. I wonder if that's because they were knitters first?
I was thrilled to see your video! I’ve been knitting continental style since I started knitting in my teens. I’m now 76. I could never get the hang of purling continental style because it felt so awkward. I thought I had invented the thumb purl and people who saw me purl couldn’t figure out what I was doing with my thumb action. I felt it was a more efficient and natural way to purl, and yes, going from knitting to purling is a breeze but also slower so I thought I should work hard at learning a different purl style. Your video validated me to stick with my purl style. Your smooth, clear, and calm voice make your teaching style easy to understand. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank you so much for this video! I was taught knitting in middle school and then basically never picked it up for about 15 years? The I started looking up some knitting videos and most of English speaking video have their videos in English style, with the thread to the right. Except they don't call it English style they just call it knitting. And I was apparently taught the continental style. Thank you for explaining the difference!
I'm a Scot who learned a version of English knitting that has only two movements. The big difference is that the needle is held above the thumb like a pen. As the needle is inserted into the stitch the right index finger extends and wraps the yarn. Step two the yarn is pulled through and slipped off of the left hand needle.
You, (sorry I don't know your name), have the most pleasant voice and you're a great teacher. You have that calming and patient voice that makes learning from you so much easier. Keep up the great work!😉
Thanks so much, Vickie! I'm so glad you are enjoying the videos!
I think you sound like a young Winona Ryder! I equally love the videos. So helpful!
- I'm from Sweden and we were tought in school to knit the continental way. So grateful for that, the other method seems so overcomplicated... /Lisbeth from Sweden.
Thanks for sharing, Lisbeth!
Same in Finland. Knitting is considered a basic skill that everyone should know. That’s why it’s taught at school for both boys and girls. And always continental. I didn’t even know there is such a thing as English knitting before I was introduced to it on TH-cam.
I knit with a Norwegian method, I guess it's the same, but this purl looks easier to me ☺
I am from France with a swedish mother. Learnt the french way and the swedish way. The swedish way is more efficient.
I learned it first with the yarn on the left side, go through the sling always through the middle but choosing left or right by having the yarn in front of the left needle or behind. This is how we twist the purl when knitting it.
But the Scandinavian might be more complicated but the whole piece looks more equal and more beautiful to me.
Today I try to learn some more techniques good enough to make complete works with it and to be able to choose which technique is thw best for me to do this work in the best style.
When knitting patterns I like Scandinavian styles better. For just knitting squares I use "our" technique I explained here and I surely find out where I prefer this one. 🤷🏽♀️
Maybe for whools which are too fluffy to see where to pock up the yarn. 🙋🏽♀️💙🌷
Timestamps for when I come back:
intro: 0:01 - 4:00
English style purling: 4:01 - 4:40
Portuguese/Peruvian style: 5:50 - 7:50
Continental knitting: 7:55 - 9:00
Tensioning: 9:00 - 10:30
Purling: 10:40 - 14:50
Knitting: 14:55 - 17:25
That's pretty much it. These are very approximate times but theyre good enough if you want to use them too.
thanks!
thank you!!
THANK YOU
❤
Thank you
I'm a crocheter but have just started trying my hand at knitting. I think the continental style fits a crocheter better.
I've been a crocheter for years but English style comes much more naturally for me
I also am a crocheter and find contenental knitting works best for me since it's a similar way of holding the yarn. I hold the yarn the same way I do when crocheting.
I could agree with that... you're almost crocheting with the right needle this way
@@lnewms8349 It really is. I almost gave up on trying to learn how to knit when I started, because I couldn't grasp English style to save my life, it just felt so unnatural and uncomfortable, personally speaking. I don't even know how I came across Continental, but it was a game changer for me.
That's how I learned. The booklet I taught myself with only featured English style, but soon I found myself holding the yarn like when I crocheted. It worked, so I kept doing; didn't find out it was Continental until later.
This is the best demonstration/explanation video I've seen yet on the English AND Continental styles of Knitting, as well as different ways to tension the yarn! I like that you also talk about 2 other styles of knitting - Portuguese/Peruvian! YOU have earned a new subscriber!
I was taught the English Method of knitting; and it is very difficult to make the switch but SO worth it! Another BIG reason to prefer the Continental Method over the English Method is EXACTLY what you mention at the end of your video - muscle strain. My hands, wrists, and elbows begin to ache after hours of knitting the English Method. Using the Continental Method slows me down quite a bit because it's still new BUT, my hands, wrists, and elbows do not ache after hours of knitting!
I have been knitting wrong all these years. Thank you for showing us a faster way and much easier way.
I am so glad I came across your TH-cam instructions
For the knit stitch, in continental, you don't really have to flick. You can just grab the yarn to pull through. Less motion thus more efficient
Agree, seems to be easier and quicker for me to knit in continental without flicking really.
I kept trying the flicking but just couldn't get it. Glad I don't have to. Thabks
I learned how to knit from my aunt who is left handed, so I thought this was just the way I learned how to do it. I had no idea it was called Continental Knitting, so this video is enlightening.
You did a magnificent job of clearly demonstrating how to knit using this method. I have always wanted to knit faster and you've done just that! Thank you so much. I've been crocheting for years and this method seems to fit more naturally with how I already hold the yarn in my left hand.
Excelent. I've been struggling with right hand, left hand, back, front, over, under etc. I'll keep coming back to this video to perfect. Thank you
My primária taught me to knit when I was a young girl and I always wondered why other people never wrapped their yarn around their necks like I was taught, just knowing it's connected to my culture and not from a crazy look makes it feel like home even more
People in my family used to do that! I am not sure if my Zia (dad's side) still does it. My grandma passed away and we are the only knitters/crocheters now, I don't remember how she used to do that. My mum definitely does that the rare times she knits, but I am not sure where she learned that.
My grandma did crochet and knitting English style, and she would go so fast that it was impossible to keep up with what she was doing!
I think English style when done by people who use it don’t knit like how you’ve shown, you don’t let go of the needle, and like you do in continental, flick the yarn over the needle with minimal movement, and definitely don’t let go of the needles!
You are very respectful, I like that a lot. Before TH-cam I didn't even know there was an English style, but the discussion of which style is easier has come up a lot lately, especially online. I feel like many English style knitters get offended when called out on efficiency. You managed to find the right words. Even if less efficient, people should use the technique they enjoy most.
Greetings from Denmark!
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I don't feel any method is "wrong", and the important thing is to enjoy your knitting in whatever method is most comfortable and efficient for you. This variation on the Continental style is just what works best for me. 😊
I didn't know there was a Peruvian style where the yarn goes around the neck ! I learned a lot from this video.
It is less efficient, yes...but for me it's way more comfortable. My mom uses continental style and tried to teach me as a kid...I never learned until I discovered english style on youtube. No one should get offended, it's just how it is.
i agree. i liked the way she spoke about it all. sign of a good teacher :)
Interesting. I knit English style, but am far more efficient than Continental knitters. I simply knit in reverse with my left hand, Continental style. I don't change tension or turn my work.
I knit English style, but only make one move. However, I have been knitting for 70 years. 😅
Same here. Far too big a movement to wrap the yarn in English style, looks nothing like the way I knit, but as the lovely lady says, to each their own, lol!
I knit the american style way even tho it can be time consuming and have multiple steps for a stitch the better you are the faster you are i went from making a hat in 5 months to 1-2 hours tops. Also a lot of people are either surprised or laugh when i say i can do both knitting and crocheting being only 13.
How do you only make one move?
@@mimelodie YES! I want to know also!
@@Holly-days you can check out Very Pink Knits and her video about flicking. That’s how I knit, too, and you don’t have the let go of the needle to do it
I taught myself to knit this way years ago, and when I had a very heavy project that I didn't want to turn over, I started to knit back (meaning left to right, not turning the work but carrying the yarn with the right hand and using the left hand to insert the needle into the work on the right needles), on the theory that we learn to do many things that require dexterity of both hands. So I have to "translate" patterns, since I never look at the back side of the work, but the advantages are tremendous. As I get older, the alternating of the repetitive motion from one hand to the other on every other row is very helpful. I am always viewing the right side of the work, so I learn the pattern quickly, and can see what needs to happen vs. needing to count stitches once past the set up row(s). Highly recommend pushing through the awkward initial trial to learn this way of knitting.
How do you do that? Id like to try.
Interesting! I will keep this approach in mind. I'm just starting to knit with the intent of getting as good and comfortable with it as I am with crochet and English style seems awkward. I'm hoping continental style hits the sweeter spot so I can continue more enthusiastically.
Lovely. My Nana could look at any set of stitches and understand how to replicate it exactly. That was The true artists' gift.
@@debracollins1479If you are still looking for a method of knitting backwards, please see my latest video. Although I transfer the stitches, I don't have to lift my hand or a finger to wrap the yarn. It takes a bit longer, but it has solved the purling out created by looser purl stitches. Hope it helps you 😊
i tried knitting in my early twenties but was overwhelmed by the different styles and of course, being a beginner and all, i found all of them awkward and unwieldy. i think i made a scarf and a headband and then put my needles down for what i thought would be forever. i jumped over to crochet and almost instinctively my hands found their position on both the hook and the yarn, and the rest was history!
i've been a crocheter for several blissful years now but with these pandemic times like many others i'm trying out different crafts and skills to add to my arsenal. who else loves being a jack of all trades? :') anyway one of my favourite yarny pastimes is looking through all of the beautiful patterns on ravelry, but knitwork has really been catching my eye as of late so i decided to dust off my needles and give knitting another shot!
i'd watched a bunch of video tutorials done by english style knitters who seem to knit several stitches faster than i can bat an eyelash and seeing their ease with the purl stitch made me envious. being an experienced crocheter, continental is the style that comes most naturally, but purling still feels foreign and strange. especially when compared to knit stitches, which are smooth like butter when being worked on the needle! i have the tendency to work my purl stitches in the same manner you do, by using my thumb to guide the yarn, and because i hadn't seen a continental knitter use this "technique" yet i figured i was doing something wrong. but seeing an experienced knitter like yourself working the yarn with their thumb gave me some much needed peace of mind! now i understand that it feels strange simply because i'm still a beginner, and that one day i will knit with the ease and speed you do. :) thank you so much!
oh, and even with all of my purling woes (K1P1 rib is enemy number one!) i'm currently a quarter of the way through my first ever knit sweater!
I can tell you've been doing the English style! I've only learned continental, but instead of throwing the yarn on the right needle with the left hand like you're doing, I kind of just swing the right needle around the yarn - so not moving the left finger with the yarn on it at all. It's like you've combined the two styles, which is kind of interesting :)
yes, it looks like an english-inspired continental. I kind of use the needle just to pull (knit) or push (purl) the yarn through the loop. Then I "stab" (move the right needle forward so the new stich is completely on the right needle and not just on the tip. Not claiming that this is the correct way but wrapping the needle seems like extra work.
I do love wrapping around my neck with yarn and love that portuguese style knitting is just a thumb flick- nice constant tension, with all the stitches done on front side
To avoid repetitive motion injuries, it's good to know many ways to get there!
My dad taught me to knit English style like this .....Johnny go in puts his scarf on then he comes out his scarf falls off! 😁😁
This is so cute 😍
This is a very thorough coverage of the different techniques. I have taught many classes on knitting using many different styles. One thing I have seen all too often is knitters suffering as a result of poor technique in whatever style they use. I have personally researched this problem in depth, having picked the brains of many physiotherapists on the subject. I have been advised that in all cases and in all styles of knitting, the hand should be relaxed and in the "resting position" as much as possible in order for the hand not to be strained - that is, with the hand gently curved with the fingers hanging naturally. Of course some movement to make the stitches is necessary, but as knitters we absolutely must listen to our hands as we work - if they hurt, we are doing something wrong. Ask a friend to video your technique and then analyse the footage carefully. You will like see where the problem lies - if any of your fingers look stiff and rigid as you form your stitches, this will be putting strain on ligaments and tendons and cannot be sustained without eventual injury. However, I have often found that knitters who gave up knitting because of injury were able to continue by using alternate methods. It is also vital to take frequent breaks whatever style you use. Thanks for a great video. :)
Very good points. I regularly have to take a break - up to a year - from knitting due to tennis elbow issues. I do embroidery or tatting instead when I feel the ache coming on, before it gets bad. It wasn't knitting that caused the tennis elbow, it was too much keyboarding in a call centre, and then sample sorting and labelling in a lab, but knitting doesn't help. You also need to pay attention to your whole arm and shoulder. I've given myself tendon pains in my shoulderblade area from unconsciously holding my shoulder in a silly position while knitting! Cushion support and conscious relaxation solved that one.
WOW I love this way. I'm going to try it for sure. Thank you .
Continental knitting is how we knit in Finland, and it's really easy and really quick. With this technique it's easy to knit with 2-3 different colours too. The yarns don't get tangled so easily than with some other techniques.
I’ve been crocheting for years but just started learning knitting. The English style felt so foreign to me, and a friend suggested trying continental. It’s so much more familiar for a crocheter! I love your tips for moving faster, I’m just now at the point where I have knitting and purling down but I’m still a bit clunky. This should help me be more efficient. Thank you!
I agree with you I have been crocheting for 40 years and always wanted to knit this feels natural to hold the yarn. I’m really slow at purling right now but I’m hoping with practice I’ll get better😊
12:32 for slower step by step on continental pearling
14:58 for slower step by step on continental knitting
Em thank you
Thx
Thank you
Brownie lover OH THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Sooooooo helpful. Of course, make sure you first watch in real time so you know what they are saying LOL LOL and turn the volume off while in slow mode!! Hahaha
Thanks.
Wow now this is the video I have ben looking for! My mom showed me the continental knit stitch (without me knowing what it’s called). So when i would search pearl stitch. I would be so confused to see then knit/pearl! Thank you
Everyone always told me I knit weird! Apparently, I just use the continental method!
My granny came from Shetland and knitted using a belt or holding the left needle under her arm. Her yarn was in her right hand over the finger and in one movement she flicked the yarn over and made a stitch. It's difficult to explain but she could use a different colour over the next 2 fingers and just alternate between which finger she flicked. I wish I had learned to knit from her but I learned at school what you call the English method. I did try her way but found it difficult to change. She could knit like lightning. She and her mother knitted the fair Isle designs and sold their work or swapped for groceries when she was a girl.
For English style knitting, you don't necessarily have to take your hand from the right needle and do the yarn over with your whole hand. You can simply flick the yarn over with your right index finger without taking your hand off the needle. This does work better if you have long fingers!
I love your method! Thank you so much. This is my new goal!
I love this! I am English and I do not take my right hand - or the yarn feeding hand - off the needles to thread it round. I just loop it out with my fore finger.. Much quicker. Actually it makes me feel uncomfortable when people take their hand off the needles. I taught myself when I was 8, I'm 70 now. Oh wow! I love Continental knitting! I can't wait to start! Thank you so much!
Same was only 10 when i learned how to knit and chrochet but i had to teach myself. Im still young (13) i use the american way to be honest even tho it has more steps if you get really good at it you can go pretty fast. For example it took 5 months to make a hat when i started out but then i got better and can make a hat plus pompom in under 2 hours.
Elly Ess, so true, and it must play havoc with their tension!
That's how my mum does it and I'm trying to get used to the motion change in adapting to that style.
You and I are about the same age (74) My Mom and Grammas and Aunties were all knitters and crotcheters. Mom didn't really teach me to knit. I sat by her side and tried to mimic the movement of the needles/yarn.(age 8) If I got stuck on a stitch or tension, I would ask for a tip. I learned to read a pattern by asking how certain instructions played into a certain stitch. I did the same to learn from my Gramma who crocheted with the very small hooks and threads to create doilies. She taught me how to iron them with starch to creative a work of art to display. As a little kid, I hung out with the old ladies to pick up a lot of info. When I wanted to make a giant Doily (table cloth for the family dining table) with a 24" drop at age 9, Gramma helped with certain parts like the Pinapple. It took me 6 years of my free time to complete. Gramma invited the Aunties and friends for a Tea Party to show off my newly completed Table Cloth. I remember how proud I was with all the Grammas and Aunties' praise. I have kept that piece safe over all these years and pulling it out for special occasions. When my Mom was about to pass away, she gave me all of her and Grammas needles and pattern booklets. Many are small booklets that originally sold for 10 cents.
When my daughter wanted to learn (age 8) I helped her a little more than I received. At age 53 she still crotchets. Recently when my Granddaughter-In- Law was expecting, she asked me if I could teach her crotchet to make baby booties, cap and blanket..
You know, when we and our children were kids, there were no computers or phones for us to waste time on.
I felt it such an honor to be asked to pass these skills down. And it is just so great to see the younger generation interested in these crafts.
Do you feel the same about your craft?
I am all in for continental . I will try your technique. I love to crochet and learned it first so knitting has been second choice for me because it takes longer. So faster is what I want and need.Also I have knitted both ways now I try your version. I do think knitting is more stressful for me , this might be what it takes to make it less painful after a Lot of knitting.
I must give continental a go. It does look awkward to me though. Ive been knitting english way since I was 11. Now 53!
Thank you for such an efficient and thorough tutorial. I use American knitting method but wanted to learn the Continental method because my way felt slow and unprogressive. Other tutorials made your method look complicated but you made it look easy! I think I'll try it, again.
You're welcome! I'm so glad the tutorial was helpful to you, and I hope you enjoy continental knitting!
I don't move the left index finger at all I can do the whole stitch just with the right needle and it's even faster. It's sort of up and down movement.
me too, the having the yarn pulled up like that on the index in continental was new for me. like she said I just keep it in line with the needle then pop the needle through and scoop it through😅
I didn't know there were names for these! In Albania, knitters loop the yarn around their neck to keep tension, but for some reason my grandmother never taught me that bit, so I just modified the way I held yarn for crochet in some sort of invented self-taught type of continental knitting. I was so confused when I moved to the US and saw my friend do english style purling, it seemed so tedious!
This was very interesting. I learned continental knitting (likely because I'm from continental Europe) but watching tutorials online for unrelated techniques I got confused sometimes since I couldn't figure out why people's motion looked so different - it was just the English style. Super interesting, thank you :)
Yeah I learned about continental from my cousin who is from britain if I hadnt ever learned from them I probably would never learned how to knit and stuck to crochet
Really nicely explained!! Like how you take us through each step. Keep up the great work! 😃
I was self taught (at age 11) and painstakingly used the American style wrapping each stitch for years until I met an Irish woman I worked with. At 26 I relearned how to knit efficiently using the continental style. I’m now 60 something and enjoy knitting.
I learned to knit from a Russian friend (hallelujah) and it's even more efficient than Continental. Google Russian knit stitch, and Russian purl stitch, and you'll see what I mean. My mother taught me English style knitting when I was young, and it was just too awkward and difficult. Russian style is smooth and easy, and I re-discovered the joys of knitting in my 50s, thanks to my Russian friend. Try it! I have carpal tunnel problems, and arthritis in both hands, and thanks to the Russian style, I can knit easily for hours.
I went to a workshop in Scotland once. I wanted to learn to read patterns in English, since I am Swedish. It was a great crash course to learn how to read patterns in another language. I still used my continental knitting style. The other knitters were amazed at my speed, although I struggled with the language 🙂 I managed to knit more than they did in those few hours. So we are quick, but I believe many feel it in our joints since we keep our hands very static. But it will be easier and much quicker, since we don't need to let go of one needle for every stitch, to catch the yarn.
I'm absolutely unable to do "throwing" and English style, it seems very complicated. I learned to knit Norwegian style (continental).
Newbie. Like I succeeded in creating a decent wash cloth for Mom for Christmas today, after many frustrating attempts.
So you are purling 4 or 5 stitches, and knitting the middle, then reversing
For crocheters learning to knit - this is the easiest way to learn! Thank you!!!!
You're welcome, Stephanie! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
I first learned how to knit then chrochet . To be honest that's to me is a much better transition.
I never really thought about the yarn in right vs left hand as my mother taught me Continental and I crocheted before I knit.
With enough practice in "throwing" style, you can do all three "separate" motions in one smooth motion, barely moving your fingers. I don't let go of the right hand needle to "throw" the yarn, I simply move my finger upward and wrap in the same motion as I put the needle into the stitch, then drop it off in the same motion as I reposition the needles for the next stitch. Good video.
Xvery good tutorial, I absolutely must try this. Having learned to knit 50+ years ago, it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. But I’d like to think I can try!
Thanks, Elena! If you decide to try continental knitting, please let me know how you like it!
Did you succeed?
Do try it Elena. I had also been knitting English style for nearly 50 years but lately found l could only knit for an hour or two before my hands hurt. I knit using longer needles and held the right one under my arm, of course this was impossible if l was using circular needles and, as having to let go of the needle to throw the yarn really annoyed me, l taught myself continental knitting. It wasn't as difficult as l had imagined, makes using circulars so much easier AND bonus l can knit for hours and hours with no sore hands.
I'm the same as you, I probably learned about 50 years ago. I am going to go get my needles and some cotton yarn and make washcloths for practice.
When using the English style instead of dropping the right hand needle rest it between your thumb and index finger, then just flick the yarn over then needle with your right hand index finger. No need to drop the needle. This method also gives a far better tension because you are not dropping and picking up the needle all the time. I have been knitting like this for 50 years.
That's exactly how I crochet as well.
I was thinking this. I don’t need to drop my needle when knitting English.
my mother taught me to knit when I was young and she taught me this flicking style technique
I learned to crochet first so I did this without knowing what it was called.
Me too!
B. C. Completely agree. I didn’t even realize I was doing it differently until I looked up a refresher on something and noticed they were doing it differently than me lol
me too!
Me too
It’s so useful to be able to do both continental and English simultaneously if you’re doing a fair isle project with two colors!!!
I taught myself English style and knitted like that for over 20 years. I didn’t do much knitting because it took forever. I finally taught myself the continental style and now I knit so much faster and find knitting so much more fun!
You are very respectful, I like that a lot. Before TH-cam I didn't even know there was an English style, but the discussion of which style is easier has come up a lot lately, especially online. and i would like to try knitting again after 40 years. I hope to I can do it the way you showed me on this youtube channel. ThanQ dear and God bless you.
Thank you for those detailed explanations. I'm from Germany and interestingly enough was taught the English style in school, maybe because my teacher considered it to be easier for beginners. My Grandma always used the Continental method. Having 2 damaged wrists, and having tried out both styles, I found out that for me, the English style works better because there is less movement in my wrists and I can go fairly fast too. But you are right, as long as it works out, it doesn't matter what style you use.
People who use English style knitting kept telling me I knit "left-handed". Turns out I'm using continental style.
Continental style seems more efficient and convenient but after more than 40 years knitting English style, I wonder if I can change. I will try anyway!
Its worth a try. Best of luck!
This is really awesome!!! I will give it a try.
I'm from Canada. My mum taught me the English style when I was little. My grandma taught me the continental style when I was a teenager. That's mainly what I use now. So much quicker and easier on the hands... Also, for any OTs out there who have patients who've had a stroke and have difficulty with one handed knitting using the one needle on the block and the other in their functional hand doing the English style knitting, I've had success teaching them the continent style... Just had to play with the angle of the needle on the block. Works well for patients who are right side affected and have use of their left hand.
And when purling you don't really need to move the yarn in front with your index finger because you just place the right needle behind the yarn so you have less motions to do. Then you don't need to use your thumb because the other needle holds the yarn in place. Actually in watching this she uses her index finger a lot for knitting, too. I don't that. I just hold the yarn up with my index finger and just grab it with the right needle...pulling it down into the stitch. A lot less movement and quicker.
This is fun! I never knew that I was knitting continental style, I just always held the yarn with my left hand, because that’s what I do when I crochet. 😁
My mum taught me English, her mum was Finnish, so she knited continental. Mum used to say Nannan had to make 6 booties to get a pair, because of tension problems. We three had a conversation about styles, I sat down and worked out continental for myself. I can't knit english now, but can knit a large jumper in two weeks. I use the exact same tension for knitting and crochet. Mum and I could finish each other's knitting, our tension was the same. I hold my yarn around my little finger and close my little and ring finger on it to tighten the tension, I also lift my index finger to keep any slack out, lowering it as I use up the length. I do not move my fingers to help grab the yarn, after the first two rows of any piece. I manipulate my right needle and grab my yarn in the same motion. My purl stitches end up laying over the needle differently because of my method. I do hold the last stitch on the needle. I don't mind doing all over rib, mum used to hate it. I miss knitting with her too, now she's gone.
That's wonderful to have those sweet memories with your mother. ❤️ Thank you for sharing!
Do you do a scooping motion, where you sort of push down on the yarn to pull it through the stitch?
I'm Romanian, and I was taught a modified continental version. I always insert the needle from the right side for both knit and purl, with the yarn either at the back of the work (knit) or at the front (purl), but I push down on my yarn and "scoop"it through the stitch.
I’ve learned this on my own because I was a crocheter first, and it’s basically the same! I definitely feel it’s much faster
Thank you. This is a game changer. I crochet and this way feels more natural. Also, that little thumb trick for purls is 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I tried time and again to teach myself to knit and ended in frustration.... because I was trying to learn English/American style. I learned Continental and it was like a whole new world for me!! I don’t know if being a crocheter prior to learning to knit made the difference or what, but it made life SO much easier that way and I love knitting now!
Watching her hand in motion makes me sleepy it’s so relax 🥰 and her voice is so calm.
I always wonder why people told me that i knit fast. To me it was the normal to knit continental style. One day watching videos i came across English knitting and it sim like time consuming. Although i use knitting to relax myself i still want to get the projects quick! 😅 thanks for the video!
I am trying it and it does seem bettr. I have had Continental envy and this might have solved it!
Thank you
Interesting. My dad taught me very basic knitting at age 5. He knew 2 needle casting on and knit. He didn't know purl or casting off - he'd probably been taught in the isolation hospital as occupational therapy when he was a small boy with scarlet fever. So eventually my mum taught me purl and casting off. My nan taught me the one needle casting on method. And that was it. I was left to my own devices. Then I got stuck on my first grown up project aged 14, and my mum couldn't help me, because I was essentially doing continental knitting as a result of being left handed and having better control over wool in my left than my right hand. In order to get help I had to switch to English knitting so my mum could see what was going wrong. I've been using "English" style ever since BUT I do NOT let go of the knitting! Not at all. It's entirely possible to do English style knitting, with the wool in the right hand, without all that clumsy movement, although I have seen novice knitters being that slow and uncertain. On the rare occasions when I knit with two colours - I hate tangled up yarns - I use both hands at once. One colour in the left hand, one in the right, mixing English and continental. I'm 65 now and haven't done continental stitch since my teens except for two colour knitting. I may switch back to see if it does improve my speed. Not having any good teachers has probably left me at a disadvantage, and there was no You Tube back in the day, lol.
Just learned to knit and right away, I disliked the English style. As a
previous crocheter, the continental came to me naturally for the knit
stitch. Couldn't figure out how to translate it to pearl, so your video
helped a lot. Thank you!
Dorothy's Desktop me too!
Wow it never occurred to me that there were various 'official' knitting styles. I think when I started out I used to do a very modified version of the English method, but overtime I naturally transitioned to a variation of the continental style.
I first learned how to knit first because it was something i was interested in so i learnd how to about 1 year ago and i made several hats scarfs. Then i learned how to crochet last year(2019) and ibe made several blankets hats socks and a few animals. I use the american way of knitting which after alot of practice i went from making a hat in 3 months to about 1-2 hours now. But my purpose for writing this is if you don't like changing the way you first learned knitting and crocheting it gets easier and you can be much faster the more practice you have.
I'm an English flicker. You don't have to drop your right needle at all. You just flick your finger holding the tension- index, like you did with continental.
I'm learning Portuguese knitting though to give my hands different movement when they're tried or for color work.
Here is a pretty good example of English flicker.
th-cam.com/video/8sqS_xX98Fo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=IICGRwadWco3cOu2
I was taught by my "Big Sister" when I was 13-14 yo. My mom always thought handwork was a "waste of time and money" - so I was happy to have someone teach me. Then, I was on my own about a year later. So ... throwing is the way I learned and it's easier for me. However, the continental would be better if/when doing entrelac - so I could purl left to right. Maybe at my age, I will just enjoy that I can do knitting. Period. Remember: Practice the way you want to learn.
I'm a beginner knitter and this blew my mind, lol 🤯 Thank you so much!!
I knit the English way, but now I have found out about this I'm most definitely going to this a try
I'm 60 and have been a "crocheter" many years, but want to knit..... I just find it awkward. Maybe this will help me to learn knitting!
Wow!! English never made sense to me so I naturally started as I learned knitting did it the way you are showing. Holding the yarn in my left hand comes naturally. Thank you for this video and totally enjoyed. Thanks so much and yes I subscribed.
I knit the English style and always gave up on whatever I was working on because I felt like it was time consuming. So I’m trying the continental style but I notice your left thumb doesn’t move from the left needle while mine wants to take off every time 😂
Ah! Another thumb purler! I’ve had so many people try to correct me. I feel vindicated. Thanks!
Having decided to learn this technique after years of knitting English style, I found your video very helpful and your presentation really pleasant and easy to follow. Looking forward to learning from more of your videos.
I originally learned to knit with English style but I adapted much better to Continental knitting. For some reason I find this style much easier probably because of the less steps needed for the same results
I don’t know what kind of knitting i do.... i don’t “tension” my yarn. I let go of it after every stitch
Probably English style then. Do you hold the yarn in your right hand? If so, it's English style.
readinghorse Same here! And I’m SUPER slow! I thought it was just because I was so new at knitting-about 2 yrs-and learned through various TH-cam videos. But apparently I’ve been doing some weird conglomeration of English, Continental, and my own inefficient, usually distracted, style. And I haven’t been tensioning yarn either-now I’m wondering if that’s why my stitches turn out somewhat inconsistent.
Wow! I was told that I'm a fast knitter, and I always wondered why. I had no idea that there were different styles of knitting, as the only one I was taught at school in Scandinavia was the Continental style. I have always used it, and even when I'm not an experienced knitter, I'm still pretty fast, apparently thanks to the relaxed continental style. In the beginning (as a kid) I used to knit really tight stitches, so I learned not to wrap the yarn around my fingers at all, but let it only run over my left index finger. I also use only the index finger to move the yarn onto the needle or between different stitches, so it makes for a fast knitting. I learned something new today about the other stitches. Thank you.
Continental knitting is easier for me because I’m normally a crocheter....
Nadia Quebec That’s the craziest thing. I’m a crocheter too but I knit English flicking faster than my Continental.
I crochet too, so continental knitting is easier for me too.
I’m left handed and I’ve been knitting all wrong till now Thank You xx
You sound like Melissa Gilbert from Little House on the Prairie. Very nice tutorial as well.
Man, I wish I could continental knit. Every time I try, the project ends up super super tight and my hands hurt a ton. I just "flick" when I knit, so my right hand never leaves the needle like you showed at the beginning. While knitting, my right hand never has to leave the needle. It works best for me.
Hopefully folks find this video useful, I will have to try another project continental
Have you tried holding the thread between you pinky and ring finger instead of between index and middle finger. That really helped me not knit too tight
@@jennymarieaas7738 That's how I hold my yarn which I learned to do while crocheting.
Jenn Penn
That’s how I hold the yarn as well.
You are using an efficient method, for sure - it’s the one I use - but you are just naturally fast! I want to know how to increase my speed.
I’m an English knitter and I can see how the Continental method looks much faster. The problem is I would have to learn to knit all over again and I feel I’m too long in the tooth to start even though I’m a slow (but neat) knitter. My Mum was a prodigiously fast knitter as both my sisters always were in the English style and because of practice were as fast as the lady giving the demonstration. Alas I gave up on being that quick a long time ago and shall resign myself to the design/relaxation part of the process! Thank you for your very clear instructions, have subscribed for more tips.
Me too!
I am from Europe and knit continental style but I do not make so many movments like you , I suppose it is different from country to country.
And you are right English way is very slow . Very good video ,thanks .
I’m Scottish. This is the way I was taught by my mum, it tends to be the most common way to knit here 😊
I'm 58 years old been missing since seventh grade I so wish I learned the Continental style it looks so much easier I'm going to give this a try cuz I knew it real slow thank you so much for your video
I'm a guy from the uk and only heard of the English way, this way looks so much quicker! I will 100% be trying it! Thank you so much for the awesome video :)
I'm from Germany and learned continental style from my mother and German videos!
Today I saw an English video and wondered the guy in the video knits different.
Ended up here.😂
Hi, i'm from Hungary, born to Roumania and i learned continental knitting as child. It's very fast, you're right. I like your videos, thanks for sharing!
This way makes more sense to me. I'm learning to knit after crocheting for 48 years. W/crocheting, I have 1 hook, a ball of yarn & 2 hands. Perfect. Knitting seems to me to much more complicated....2 hands, 2 needles AND yarn. I don't have 3 hands ! I'm not comfortable letting go of a needle to throw yarn. So, this way, where you keep holding both needles while you flick the yarn over a needle w/the left hand just seems easier. I'm definitely going to give it a try. Tensioning yarn w/left hand instead of right appeals to me, too. When I crochet , I have a left-handed way of doing it right-handed. I don't move the hook in & out of the work. I move the work onto & off of the hook w/left hand. This video was done very well....very nicely explained, great views of what was being done...& such pretty yarn!
I learned the English style of cast on and knit stitch at a community centre centre when I was 7bor 8 years old; I'm now 67. I have really wanted to be a more efficient knitter but didn't know how. Thanks so nuch for posting this!!!
I really enjoyed your video!
I will say that I mainly knit I guess English style, but never take my right hand off the needles. It's so easy to work very fast without leaving the needles to "flick" the yarn over the needle.
I'm a very experienced crocheter. When I 1st learned to knit, I was taught the English style... which I found cumbersome. But when someone introduced me to the Continental knitting style, it felt WAY MORE COMFORTABLE for me... since I'm so used to tensioning the yarn with my left hand and not my right. Thanks for this video! I need to get my knitting needles out and practice this technique more.
You're welcome! I crocheted before I learned to knit, so continental style feels much more natural to me as well.
That makes sense. I learned to crochet first so I guess that's why I started holding the yarn as if I was crocheting. I'm self taught so I didn't learn the English/American way. I learned continental by accident...? Or rather from being kind of lazy.
Same thing with knitting "left handed" that was out of laziness too because I hate turning my work. I basically reverse what I'm doing and that's how it comes out right. In other words, knit when going towards the left hand, purl when going towards the right hand.
Just like continental, I didn't know I was knitting left handed until someone told me.
I also learned to crochet before I knit - BTW I was self taught. However, when I began knitting, I did the English method first, and found out about the continental way later. It took a little while to transition from one to the other, but I eventually got the hang of it and found it faster and easier to do.
Same here! I learned crochet first too!
Yes, me too. I've been crocheting for years, but am only trying to learn to knit (and have been for years), it doesn't come easy to me. I've seen crocheters who crochet like the English way of knitting, they use their whole hand to yarn over the hook, instead of using the hook to grab the yarn. I wonder if that's because they were knitters first?
I just can't hold on to it with my left hand... I am incapable. My right hand feels naked!
I was thrilled to see your video! I’ve been knitting continental style since I started knitting in my teens. I’m now 76. I could never get the hang of purling continental style because it felt so awkward. I thought I had invented the thumb purl and people who saw me purl couldn’t figure out what I was doing with my thumb action. I felt it was a more efficient and natural way to purl, and yes, going from knitting to purling is a breeze but also slower so I thought I should work hard at learning a different purl style. Your video validated me to stick with my purl style. Your smooth, clear, and calm voice make your teaching style easy to understand. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank you so much for this video! I was taught knitting in middle school and then basically never picked it up for about 15 years? The I started looking up some knitting videos and most of English speaking video have their videos in English style, with the thread to the right. Except they don't call it English style they just call it knitting. And I was apparently taught the continental style. Thank you for explaining the difference!
I'm a Scot who learned a version of English knitting that has only two movements. The big difference is that the needle is held above the thumb like a pen. As the needle is inserted into the stitch the right index finger extends and wraps the yarn. Step two the yarn is pulled through and slipped off of the left hand needle.
Yes, that’s how I do it, too. Aussie knitter here.
This is an excellent video! Your instructions are very clear and your voice is patient and relaxing, perfect for this type of tutorial. Well done!!