This was just like watching my grandma knit, down to where I’d sit and watch her and the camera placement. Thank you for your explanation and for reminding me so much of my grandma
I learned knitting belts existed today from a woman who retaught herself how to knit after losing half of one of her arms. THIS is why knitting belts exist! Because of the old way of knitting! You even kept one of your needles under your arm! So cool!
I taught myself how to knit using TH-cam and adapted it have been using this method without knowing as I thought I was cheating! So happy this is an actual method. Thank you for the video xx
This so reminds me of the lessons I learned as a child from a neighbour. She trained in domestic science at university in the early 1900s. They had to do all kinds of things for that degree including knit crocher even did child birth! She was a beautiful knitter , crocheter and tatter. She taught me all about tension and holding the yarn. But just watching this has jogged my memory somewhat and reminded me I have let some bad habits creep in. Thankyou for your video.
I am italian and this is the way everyone I know knits. My grandmother taugth me when I was about 8, I loved to watch her hands moving so fast while knitting
I've always knit Continental, and anchored my left needle in my jeans pocket! Only years later did I find out that women used once a "knitting apron" with a little pocket to hold the end of the needle. It really makes a difference, and I think the tension remains consistent, and the stitches perfect!
4 years later, but me and my partner started knitting a month ago and also anchor one needle. Only we knit English style and anchor the right needle! I tend to cup the end of my shirt to hold the needle.
I’ve just received the lovely knitting belt which I bought from you. Tried it out straight away just now and it is an absolute revelation. Oh my goodness, how much easier and quicker it is to knit. Why did I not know such a thing existed before? I hate circular needles and much prefer to work on double pointed needles, so this will be enormously helpful. It will help to speed up cable work too. Brilliant!
I have been using the English method since I learned 8 years ago, but then I stopped knitting. I've recently started back up and have started watching knitting videos. I realize that I use the English method. Didnt realize that until now. Looks like I just need to refine my method with your suggestions. I'm halfway there! :)
British or western style its generally called, I don't think the Scottish or Irish would like it called 'English' haha. Euro style is more similar to crochet, ultimately its smoother and faster for regular knitting and in the round, but British style is far faster for pearl / moss / Aron style complexity. I believe the best knitter can do both styles.
Amazing tutorial discovered in my feed. Thanks to TH-cam's clever matching tool based on what I like to watch. Lorna Jenkins you're a true legend of your generation. I am truly humbled to have you share your precious knowledge with a 46 year old refresher of knitting. You are truly, truly just amazing!! ☺️
I should also add that I've found using the steel needles makes it go faster. The yarn slides on the metal much easier than bamboo. Or it could be that my stitches are just too tight to move smoothly. ;)
This video just came up in my feed. Back story is long, so I’ll not bore you. Yes, I totally agree! Thought how neat to use bamboo, coming to the realization that steel needles work much better. Don’t think your stitches were too tight. :)
I don't have words to express my gratitude for your channel. You don't have to read this whole thing. I am primarily a spinner who has 40 years of stash. I'm not really much of a weaver. I do like to knit and crochet. I taught my daughter, 53 years old now, how to spin at 13 and knit continental when she was in graduate school. Suddenlly She was born with 2 fingers on her right hand and right handed by nature. She has overcome this difficulty and is a successful artist in other media. Still, she is a colourest and longs to knit multi colours with seven fingers. I sent her your video with the Shetland ladies knitting so fast and pondered if that technique might help her. She is cautiously optimistic so I have been seeking information about the old ways. I'm trying to learn it so I can help her learn it. We sit across from each other and she mirrors what I do. Ir saves her time from her busy teaching and painting schedule. So many thanks for your help!!!!
This is great info. The tips here are priceless. I have always knit with a needle tucked under my arm as this is the method my mother taught me. The small adjustments shown here really fine tune the process. Can't thank you enough.
My mother knitted like this also, with the needle under her arm. I have always done it too, but never managed to refine my 'throw' like hers - it always looked like she was only flicking the end of her index finger! This video has been very helpful - I finally understand how to change my throw.
Thank you so much! I have recently taken up knitting again. I was taught by my grandmother who was very fast and knit English but without a belt. She held the needle under her arm. It hurts me. Your belt idea is fabulous! I just use a leather belt that I have and twist the buckle and open part to my side, put the needle in there to rest and...voila! Bless you!!!
Did not even know there was such a style and have knitted 48 years... Never have I mastered German/European style AND thought it was the only other way TO KNIT fast. This is exciting to try since right handed seems my only way. Now a arthritic senior, it's fatiguing to continue the slow way I have. This enlightening video is encouraging!
I am also a senior and my speed is retained. I hope my style suits you. I am now researching some very old film just discovered which shows a very senior lady knitting at around 2 or 3 stitches per second and I am now working on analysing her technique.
I was taught to knit this way by my grandmother and I'm now in my sixties. I hold the needle under my arm though but I'm extremely fast. The small movement details you explained were really interesting.
Hi WoollyWoodlanders, This is really a treat to watch - thank you so much! When you have a little time up your sleeve and you feel so inclined, I'd also love to see how you purl and do some other basic things like yarn overs and knit 2 togethers. Thanks again and kind regards, Megan
That was a very fascinating video. I have learnt so much. Thank you for taking the time to research your knitting experience and then sharing it. Thank you again.
❤ Ma’am, I extend to you a giant hug and a smile of gratitude for this wonderful explanation. Thank You for sharing this lesson with the TH-cam community. ❤
Oh, thank you so much for sharing this and for being such a wonderful teacher! I could clearly see the wrist and elbow movement that I have read about!
Your presentation and methods are marvelous. Very inspirational for those of us who wish to get in touch with historical techniques and easy to follow.
Thank you so much for your fantastic video!....I have knitted for about 55 years. I have always wanted to increase my speed, and thought I should learn Continental style, thinking that was "the" fast method.....I am going to be trying out the method you showed in your video, from this day forth!!.....I thought the video was clear, stitches were nicely visible, and you were not too fast,nor too slow for us to see what you were doing. Very well explained. Thank you once again!
You did such a wonderful job showing this in steps where someone could learn the muscle memory with eye coordination. Thank you for taking the time to do this!
I love that this is just making the learned methods easier and more effective. Knitting has become muscle memory for me, so doing anything differently is hard to understand and would mess me up. I understand this, though, because it’s just adjusted from what I was already doing.
I wish you were my grandma!!! I was quite young when my grandparents passed away and how I wish I knew then how much I'd enjoy knitting; I would've asked for guidance. Thanks for the video!
I'm so glad I found this video as I have tried the Continental style to no avail, but this looks really doable. A video with purling and/or ribbing would be also very useful.
Wow, these are great hints that I will practice. And I've been teased about resting my right needle on my body, but I won't be embarrassed about it anymore, since you do it too! I'm not super coordinated in general, and as a youngster it was the only way I could knit and I've kept doing it that way for 50 years or so. Thank you!
I used to be a flicker but eventually switched to continental knitting a few months ago because I developed pain on my right hand and arm which would prevent me from knitting longer than 20ish minutes. If I had discovered your video beforehand, maybe I would have not switched of knitting style at all - now, I've found a very ergonomic way to knit but so is your method. Your speed and beautiful stitches are impressive and you taught me that you actually don't need to go continental to go faster, you just need to minimize your movements. Thank you! 😄
I really love your demonstration, has been so helpful to me. I do have loads of 14" long bamboo knitting needles. I don't have a knitting belt, but I found that a dress belt I have with a wide length of elastic forming most of the belt, can be used. At first I tried using it with the buckle part holding the cap on the end of the needle. Bit fiddly. Then I wore the belt as normal, and can just tuck its end in the elastic part on my side and it works every so well for me. Takes the weight off and does speed up my knitting. I am currently knitting an afghan for a retirement present for my husband and it is all garter stitch so learning this comes at a perfect time for me. I am already a flicker so it is not much change for my right hand. Have a bit of arthritis in my right wrist so this method give me relief. Many thanks for your lovely video and much love to you. -- Love your spinning wheel.
What a lovely story - I am so pleased for you. I bought the spinning wheel in the 1970s when there was a revival in the UK, mostly by the younger women. I also use it for un-plying too-thick yarns and then respinning them again separately.
Happy New Year Lorna ! And thank you for your knitting knowledge and for sharing it so generously. Those techniques are tending to disappear; it seems that one only finds continental knitting techniques on the Internet. So, your videos are very valuable. Do you know if there exists magic loop devices for circular knitting with long needles (40 cm) for armpit English style knitters? Because I’ve found absolutely nothing as the trend focuses resolutely on continental style. All those needles - even the longest ones - are too short for me as a content armpit knitter who doesn’t want, nor need, to learn the continental technique, that seems much more tiring for my arms and shoulders and too far away from my eyes, when the needles are floating in the air without any support and at least at 40 cm from the eyes or rest on the lap at a far greater distance from the eyes. I’ve always learned that a distance of 30 cm from the eyes is ideal for writing and handwork. 30 cm is what you have with armpit knitting. Besides, you have then support for both your right arm and hand that kind of rest on the right needle. I never have any pain from knitting that way or crocheting, and I do both a lot. When knitting in the round, I still use four (or five) double pointed needles, though I must say that the magic loop needles have an interesting practical aspect. Think I’ll go to the aquarium shop and buy some fine plastic tube to fix it on two pointed needles… Someday I’ll try that out… Looking forward to your reply and kind regards from Wilhelmine, an also long-time Belgian knitter 😊.
Thanks for your skill share. My mother used to knit really fast, and watch telly at the same time. She only had one hand too. She taught me but I never really started knitting until after her death. My grandma would do stocking stich by forward and back plain stitching, which I have yet to try.
You give a little push to the right needle with your left index finger the same way I do. I push with my thumb on purl stitches. I don't know how or when I started knitting this way, but I've done it for years. People have commented that I'm fast, so I guess it's true. 😊 Happy knitting!
Thank you for your demonstration. I have found so many videos on you tube where people knit a contintental way, it's so good to see someone knitting pretty much how I was taught, except I mainly flick my right finger round the right needle and have the wool threaded through and wound round my littler finger to get an even tension. With your tips I think I will be able to increase my speed, many thanks.
Thanks for showing me I don't knit strange. Everyone in one of my knitting groups said I knit wrong. Now I know for sure I don't as knit just like you. Thank you, thank you for sharing. Should say I am left handed but do all my knitting, crocheting and sports right handed. Taught left but switched to right as soon as I understood how to make the stitches. Learnt to knit when I was six years of age.
No such thing as wrong knitting, is there? .If the finished product is good then any method is correct. Just some work for some people better than other methods. I go to a small knitting group and the different styles are amazing.
Hi Annette2u, I am just like you!, I am a leftie but, I do all my knitting, crocheting and sport right handed as well. But I can do both. I learned to knit when I was about 5 or 6, by my nana, who was left handed. I feel that however method you use, is the right way.... I am not sure why people have issues with how we hold our needles and yarn xx
annette2u Annette, I’m a lefty also; however, as my mum was right handed and knitted constantly. I learned at an early age (about 5 or 6) to knit right handed! I learned to crochet when I was about 11, also right handed. I have figured out that it does not really matter how you hold the needles or the yarn as long as you, yourself enjoy the experience of creating something someone will cherish. These were some excellent tips though. I couldn’t figure out though how Lorna was ‘holding’ her yarn to keep the correct tension. It was a shame that the video didn’t show that. Happy knitting and crocheting! Also Happy New Year!! :) Sheila Cripps Middleburg Florida.
Just wanted to say thank you! I was taught that way from an old knitter. I have been trying to work on my speed, this is excellent. Now I am going to look up knitting belts, never heard of them. Please continue sharing you knowledge.
Hi Anne, I make and sell knitting belts on my www.bygoneyarnystuff/Etsy shop, to the traditional Shetland design, using leather and horsehair with a leather belt - different sizes available.
Thank you this will really help. I have found my knitting developing towards this naturally e.g. recently I have started to roll my right hand but it is great to see all these tips together. I will definitely be trying this :)
Thanks for this. I'm always looking for ways to improve my knitting as I have ME and get so tired. This looks really efficient I will have to try it out!
I'm sorry you have ME have you looked at Dr Sarah Myhill on youtube. She is a Dr who uses diet to help. I love crochet. I was never very good at knitting.
Wow! Here I was thinking, why in the world did English knitters start using the “throw method” when it takes soo much more movement. I’d heard about how the long ago knitters claimed to reach speeds of over 3 per second. That is soooo fast! I’ve also heard of knitting belts, but this is the first time I’ve seen it used. Those smart english knitters! I’ll bet it is far less stress on the hands and wrist too. Can you show us purling? Thank you for showing us.
Children here in England are usually taught to knit using the throw method. Very quickly, most of them learn to keep hold of the right-hand needle and adapt their style. However, many retain the learning method which is of course very slow.
Ye. I clicked on the video not realising I had already been taught this way by my mum. I'm British so maybe that's why. Anyway, I'm pretty quick but working on a massive project so looking for tips on getting faster. (I have about 60 patches to knit in garter stitch that are roughly 7 square inches). Good video even if it wasn't good for my purposes I will show it to any beginners I come across in the future.
Omg ... So fabulous!!!! Such a great technique totally blew my mind .... Gonna take more than a few times watching to get the jist and move into my own style but sooooo worth it!!!!? Thank you for posting so awesome...
Most of the time now .......I crochet......but I have knitted for years .......that knitting belt sure would have been nice years ago......thanks for the great video......
Thank you! I just knew I was wasting energy but I had no clue of how to 'tidy up' my motions, I'm going to save your video and practice along with you xxx
Watching you knot has made me feel so much better! I too knit with the needle tucked under my arm- I find it frees up my hand to knit faster. Thank you for sharing your video!!
im 17 and this is helpful, but im still so clunky with knitting, im so much better at crochet, i can actually crochet 2-3 stitches in a second or sometimes less if im feeling accurate and speedy enough. thank you for this video because you sorta broke a lot of elements down in mainly just focusing on what ur hands are doing. thank you
You sound really brilliant at crochet, it's getting into a rhythm and then letting your fingers go into 'auto-mode'. Watch a child learning to tap dance and as they speed up they can suddenly get that thythm.
This video is a wonderful resource. You don't know how often I come back here when I've inadvertently added a mistake to my technique and need to correct it. Thank you.
@@maxwellmark8415 Hi Maxwell We had a recent Death in the family . Times are crazy Weather is at least real nice here but has been getting smokey and dry. Hope you all the best.
@@theunidentified4887 Wow that's really good to hear from you dear....😊 But if I may ask..... Where exactly are you from and how is the pandemic going out there?
This is how my mother knitted and how she taught me. The only difference being she held her right needle tucked between her arm and her body, rather than the leather pocket that you use. Thank your for sharing this method with others.
My first job was working with girls who all knitted and I observed the different styles but your tips have added more. They all held the needle under their arm and often it pressed against the back of the dining chair - at lunch break. Eventually I felt I just had to knit something too. A group of knitters always encourages others to join in.
Stumbled across this channel while looking for something else and wow! I usually knit continental style as I find it faster but now I'm able to knit English style just as fast! Thanks so much. Do you think you'll be doing any more videos soon? This was wonderful.
Wow thank you so much for your video, I only have plastic needles at the moment because they were cheap & I only wanted to see if I like knitting. Well after seeing your video I'm definitely going to get a better pair of needles but for now I'll keep practicing. Thank you so much again 🥰
BLESS YOU!!! I never could master continental knitting, despite being an avid crocheter. It always felt awkward and slow, and I struggled with tension. Using your method, I actually have sped up my knitting! THANK YOU!
THANK YOU every time I see something about “being the fastest knitter “ it’s always russian knitting and continental knitting But I was taught the English method and try as I might I don’t find the other ways comfortable! I’m hitting the like button on this video so I can try all your tricks out! Thank you so much
Thanks for sharing. I have tried it. Its fast. I do one more thing though. I wrap the yarn around my right hand little finger or pinky finger and this helps with reducing the strain on the first finger or index finger which is holding the needle too!
Great tips! I just stumbled across this video! I will practice. I prefer cabled needles for everything and I love metal with sharp tips over the rounder tips.
Its my second day knitting, and i dont have the needles for that. However, i was able to apply some of the processes by pressing the working side needle into my hip, and gained a lot of speed as well as beingore ergonomic. I keep seeing those long needles, so I guess ill get some. Thanks so much!
Your technique, for me, takes awhile to master, but my little Chihuahua boy loves his custom sweater made in a day, on number 7"s. Glad you posted this video! :-)
Your knitting style is great I'm a right handed knitter my granny taught me at a young age I think I was 15 maybe 16 I'm now 21 and knitting like a mad woman
This is just how I knit! After having watched numerous on Flicking and trying it repeatedly, I just couldn't grasp it. Instead, I tried to speed up my throwing and in my mind this is just as fast and effective. I only using circular needles mind you.
I knew a girl who knitted with the right needle tucked under her arm she was amazingly fast this was 30 year s ago and my grandmother and aunt also knitted really fast so it makes me smile when people say English knowing is slow. I would have liked a photo of your knitting belt to see what it was
Excellent lesson on knitting faster - that is how I knit. It is fast and low stress. I also find that for plain knitting in the round, I like 2.3 mm /3/32" spring steel needles with flat ends. I use a knitting sheath for all knitting -- it works better than a belt for flat ended needles. I use pointed needles for other stitches. I knit ribbing with flat ended needles. (With flat ends, the movements are smaller, and the yarn is less likely slip off the needle too soon.) Thus, when I sit down to knit a pair of socks, I have 8 - nine-inch-long spring steel needles. Switching back and forth between the blunt and pointed needles can save an hour or two on a pair of socks. I use 12" and 18" long needles for larger objects. Such knitting makes knitting 12 stitches and 20 rows per 4-inchs reasonable on 1.5 mm needles, and finer knitting possible. Such fabrics make lovely, durable objects. and inspire awe. I like a 6-ply/1680 ypp yarn for fine socks and ganseys knit on 1.5 mm needles.
This was just like watching my grandma knit, down to where I’d sit and watch her and the camera placement. Thank you for your explanation and for reminding me so much of my grandma
I learned knitting belts existed today from a woman who retaught herself how to knit after losing half of one of her arms. THIS is why knitting belts exist! Because of the old way of knitting! You even kept one of your needles under your arm! So cool!
I taught myself how to knit using TH-cam and adapted it have been using this method without knowing as I thought I was cheating! So happy this is an actual method. Thank you for the video xx
I am blind. Can you show me how to do this?
This so reminds me of the lessons I learned as a child from a neighbour. She trained in domestic science at university in the early 1900s. They had to do all kinds of things for that degree including knit crocher even did child birth! She was a beautiful knitter , crocheter and tatter. She taught me all about tension and holding the yarn. But just watching this has jogged my memory somewhat and reminded me I have let some bad habits creep in. Thankyou for your video.
I am italian and this is the way everyone I know knits. My grandmother taugth me when I was about 8, I loved to watch her hands moving so fast while knitting
I've always knit Continental, and anchored my left needle in my jeans pocket! Only years later did I find out that women used once a "knitting apron" with a little pocket to hold the end of the needle. It really makes a difference, and I think the tension remains consistent, and the stitches perfect!
4 years later, but me and my partner started knitting a month ago and also anchor one needle. Only we knit English style and anchor the right needle! I tend to cup the end of my shirt to hold the needle.
I’ve just received the lovely knitting belt which I bought from you. Tried it out straight away just now and it is an absolute revelation. Oh my goodness, how much easier and quicker it is to knit. Why did I not know such a thing existed before? I hate circular needles and much prefer to work on double pointed needles, so this will be enormously helpful. It will help to speed up cable work too. Brilliant!
Thank you, glad you like it.
I have been using the English method since I learned 8 years ago, but then I stopped knitting. I've recently started back up and have started watching knitting videos. I realize that I use the English method. Didnt realize that until now. Looks like I just need to refine my method with your suggestions. I'm halfway there! :)
British or western style its generally called, I don't think the Scottish or Irish would like it called 'English' haha. Euro style is more similar to crochet, ultimately its smoother and faster for regular knitting and in the round, but British style is far faster for pearl / moss / Aron style complexity. I believe the best knitter can do both styles.
Amazing tutorial discovered in my feed. Thanks to TH-cam's clever matching tool based on what I like to watch. Lorna Jenkins you're a true legend of your generation. I am truly humbled to have you share your precious knowledge with a 46 year old refresher of knitting. You are truly, truly just amazing!! ☺️
I should also add that I've found using the steel needles makes it go faster. The yarn slides on the metal much easier than bamboo. Or it could be that my stitches are just too tight to move smoothly. ;)
This video just came up in my feed. Back story is long, so I’ll not bore you. Yes, I totally agree! Thought how neat to use bamboo, coming to the realization that steel needles work much better. Don’t think your stitches were too tight. :)
Use metal with wool and bamboo or other wood for slick yarns like cotton, linen, or silk!
@@catofthecastle1681 thank you for the tip! I’ll try the bamboo needles when I next knit with some of my cotton.
My mum taught me to knit like this when i was 5 years old,i have taught my daughter's and granddaughters how to knit this way.
I don't have words to express my gratitude for your channel. You don't have to read this whole thing.
I am primarily a spinner who has 40 years of stash. I'm not really much of a weaver. I do like to knit and crochet. I taught my daughter, 53 years old now, how to spin at 13 and knit continental when she was in graduate school. Suddenlly She was born with 2 fingers on her right hand and right handed by nature. She has overcome this difficulty and is a successful artist in other media. Still, she is a colourest and longs to knit multi colours with seven fingers.
I sent her your video with the Shetland ladies knitting so fast and pondered if that technique might help her.
She is cautiously optimistic so I have been seeking information about the old ways. I'm trying to learn it so I can help her learn it. We sit across from each other and she mirrors what I do. Ir saves her time from her busy teaching and painting schedule. So many thanks for your help!!!!
This is great info. The tips here are priceless. I have always knit with a needle tucked under my arm as this is the method my mother taught me. The small adjustments shown here really fine tune the process. Can't thank you enough.
Glad it was helpful!
My mother knitted like this also, with the needle under her arm. I have always done it too, but never managed to refine my 'throw' like hers - it always looked like she was only flicking the end of her index finger! This video has been very helpful - I finally understand how to change my throw.
Thank you so much! I have recently taken up knitting again. I was taught by my grandmother who was very fast and knit English but without a belt. She held the needle under her arm. It hurts me. Your belt idea is fabulous! I just use a leather belt that I have and twist the buckle and open part to my side, put the needle in there to rest and...voila! Bless you!!!
Beautiful video. Fantastic technique
Did not even know there was such a style and have knitted 48 years... Never have I mastered German/European style AND thought it was the only other way TO KNIT fast.
This is exciting to try since right handed seems my only way. Now a arthritic senior, it's fatiguing to continue the slow way I have. This enlightening video is encouraging!
So glad it help. I too am developing arthritis in my fingers and knitting is my way of ensuring they stay supple and muscular.
I am also a senior and my speed is retained. I hope my style suits you. I am now researching some very old film just discovered which shows a very senior lady knitting at around 2 or 3 stitches per second and I am now working on analysing her technique.
Bonnie Konjevic
WoollyWoodlanders h
INCREDIBLE! you are a knitting machine! And your stitches are stellar!
I learnt to knit at 6 yrs old. Now I'm 13 and I can knit fast. Nice video!
Nice to hear from a young person and see that knitting will continue on, good for you!
I was taught to knit this way by my grandmother and I'm now in my sixties. I hold the needle under my arm though but I'm extremely fast. The small movement details you explained were really interesting.
Hi WoollyWoodlanders,
This is really a treat to watch - thank you so much! When you have a little time up your sleeve and you feel so inclined, I'd also love to see how you purl and do some other basic things like yarn overs and knit 2 togethers.
Thanks again and kind regards,
Megan
That was a very fascinating video. I have learnt so much. Thank you for taking the time to research your knitting experience and then sharing it. Thank you again.
❤ Ma’am, I extend to you a giant hug and a smile of gratitude for this wonderful explanation. Thank You for sharing this lesson with the TH-cam community. ❤
Oh, thank you so much for sharing this and for being such a wonderful teacher! I could clearly see the wrist and elbow movement that I have read about!
Your presentation and methods are marvelous. Very inspirational for those of us who wish to get in touch with historical techniques and easy to follow.
Hello Linda.......
Thank you so much for your fantastic video!....I have knitted for about 55 years. I have always wanted to increase my speed, and thought I should learn Continental style, thinking that was "the" fast method.....I am going to be trying out the method you showed in your video, from this day forth!!.....I thought the video was clear, stitches were nicely visible, and you were not too fast,nor too slow for us to see what you were doing. Very well explained. Thank you once again!
Thank you, I feel encouraged again!
Hello Carole......
You did such a wonderful job showing this in steps where someone could learn the muscle memory with eye coordination. Thank you for taking the time to do this!
Really great tips! Love how you brace the needle into the holder on your side! Very pleasant video, thank you!!
Hello Creatiknit......
I love that this is just making the learned methods easier and more effective. Knitting has become muscle memory for me, so doing anything differently is hard to understand and would mess me up. I understand this, though, because it’s just adjusted from what I was already doing.
I wish you were my grandma!!! I was quite young when my grandparents passed away and how I wish I knew then how much I'd enjoy knitting; I would've asked for guidance. Thanks for the video!
I'm so glad I found this video as I have tried the Continental style to no avail, but this looks really doable. A video with purling and/or ribbing would be also very useful.
I have been looking all day at "how to" vidoes and this by far is the best I've found. Thank you for sharing!
Hello Debra......
Wow, these are great hints that I will practice. And I've been teased about resting my right needle on my body, but I won't be embarrassed about it anymore, since you do it too! I'm not super coordinated in general, and as a youngster it was the only way I could knit and I've kept doing it that way for 50 years or so. Thank you!
There is no one right way to knit. I just analysed the process and realised I could cut out some of the movements.
How AMAZING is that! I am a crocheter who would love to knit! I really hope i can knit like that one day soon ....what a talent
Love to watch you over and over and over again!
I used to be a flicker but eventually switched to continental knitting a few months ago because I developed pain on my right hand and arm which would prevent me from knitting longer than 20ish minutes. If I had discovered your video beforehand, maybe I would have not switched of knitting style at all - now, I've found a very ergonomic way to knit but so is your method. Your speed and beautiful stitches are impressive and you taught me that you actually don't need to go continental to go faster, you just need to minimize your movements. Thank you! 😄
Thank you so much for sharing this and for doing so in such a clear way.
Knitting is a great tradition, nice to see you knitting. Thank you
I really love your demonstration, has been so helpful to me. I do have loads of 14" long bamboo knitting needles. I don't have a knitting belt, but I found that a dress belt I have with a wide length of elastic forming most of the belt, can be used. At first I tried using it with the buckle part holding the cap on the end of the needle. Bit fiddly. Then I wore the belt as normal, and can just tuck its end in the elastic part on my side and it works every so well for me. Takes the weight off and does speed up my knitting. I am currently knitting an afghan for a retirement present for my husband and it is all garter stitch so learning this comes at a perfect time for me.
I am already a flicker so it is not much change for my right hand. Have a bit of arthritis in my right wrist so this method give me relief.
Many thanks for your lovely video and much love to you. -- Love your spinning wheel.
What a lovely story - I am so pleased for you. I bought the spinning wheel in the 1970s when there was a revival in the UK, mostly by the younger women. I also use it for un-plying too-thick yarns and then respinning them again separately.
Happy New Year Lorna !
And thank you for your knitting knowledge and for sharing it so generously.
Those techniques are tending to disappear; it seems that one only finds continental knitting techniques on the Internet. So, your videos are very valuable.
Do you know if there exists magic loop devices for circular knitting with long needles (40 cm) for armpit English style knitters? Because I’ve found absolutely nothing as the trend focuses resolutely on continental style. All those needles - even the longest ones - are too short for me as a content armpit knitter who doesn’t want, nor need, to learn the continental technique, that seems much more tiring for my arms and shoulders and too far away from my eyes, when the needles are floating in the air without any support and at least at 40 cm from the eyes or rest on the lap at a far greater distance from the eyes. I’ve always learned that a distance of 30 cm from the eyes is ideal for writing and handwork. 30 cm is what you have with armpit knitting. Besides, you have then support for both your right arm and hand that kind of rest on the right needle. I never have any pain from knitting that way or crocheting, and I do both a lot.
When knitting in the round, I still use four (or five) double pointed needles, though I must say that the magic loop needles have an interesting practical aspect. Think I’ll go to the aquarium shop and buy some fine plastic tube to fix it on two pointed needles…
Someday I’ll try that out…
Looking forward to your reply and kind regards from Wilhelmine, an also long-time Belgian knitter 😊.
Lovely content! Keep it up!
Thanks for your skill share. My mother used to knit really fast, and watch telly at the same time. She only had one hand too. She taught me but I never really started knitting until after her death. My grandma would do stocking stich by forward and back plain stitching, which I have yet to try.
You give a little push to the right needle with your left index finger the same way I do. I push with my thumb on purl stitches. I don't know how or when I started knitting this way, but I've done it for years. People have commented that I'm fast, so I guess it's true. 😊 Happy knitting!
This is the only video that made my knitting faster thank u so much
Thank you for your demonstration. I have found so many videos on you tube where people knit a contintental way, it's so good to see someone knitting pretty much how I was taught, except I mainly flick my right finger round the right needle and have the wool threaded through and wound round my littler finger to get an even tension. With your tips I think I will be able to increase my speed, many thanks.
Hello Elizabeth......
This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Thank you for an easer way to knit and what a cozy knitting place you have and see that you are a spinner also.
Thanks for showing me I don't knit strange. Everyone in one of my knitting groups said I knit wrong. Now I know for sure I don't as knit just like you. Thank you, thank you for sharing. Should say I am left handed but do all my knitting, crocheting and sports right handed. Taught left but switched to right as soon as I understood how to make the stitches. Learnt to knit when I was six years of age.
No such thing as wrong knitting, is there? .If the finished product is good then any method is correct. Just some work for some people better than other methods. I go to a small knitting group and the different styles are amazing.
Hi Annette2u, I am just like you!, I am a leftie but, I do all my knitting, crocheting and sport right handed as well. But I can do both. I learned to knit when I was about 5 or 6, by my nana, who was left handed. I feel that however method you use, is the right way.... I am not sure why people have issues with how we hold our needles and yarn xx
annette2u Annette, I’m a lefty also; however, as my mum was right handed and knitted constantly. I learned at an early age (about 5 or 6) to knit right handed! I learned to crochet when I was about 11, also right handed. I have figured out that it does not really matter how you hold the needles or the yarn as long as you, yourself enjoy the experience of creating something someone will cherish. These were some excellent tips though. I couldn’t figure out though how Lorna was ‘holding’ her yarn to keep the correct tension. It was a shame that the video didn’t show that. Happy knitting and crocheting! Also Happy New Year!! :) Sheila Cripps Middleburg Florida.
Just wanted to say thank you! I was taught that way from an old knitter. I have been trying to work on my speed, this is excellent. Now I am going to look up knitting belts, never heard of them. Please continue sharing you knowledge.
Hi Anne, I make and sell knitting belts on my www.bygoneyarnystuff/Etsy shop, to the traditional Shetland design, using leather and horsehair with a leather belt - different sizes available.
Hello Anne........
Thank you this will really help. I have found my knitting developing towards this naturally e.g. recently I have started to roll my right hand but it is great to see all these tips together. I will definitely be trying this :)
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful technique!! I'm going to see if you have other videos
I knit the Continental method but I am very impressed by this fast version of the English method.
great movie :)
Thanks for this. I'm always looking for ways to improve my knitting as I have ME and get so tired. This looks really efficient I will have to try it out!
Try continental knitting. Less strain on your arms and shoulders an much faster 🤗
I'm sorry you have ME have you looked at Dr Sarah Myhill on youtube. She is a Dr who uses diet to help. I love crochet. I was never very good at knitting.
Wow! Here I was thinking, why in the world did English knitters start using the “throw method” when it takes soo much more movement. I’d heard about how the long ago knitters claimed to reach speeds of over 3 per second. That is soooo fast! I’ve also heard of knitting belts, but this is the first time I’ve seen it used. Those smart english knitters! I’ll bet it is far less stress on the hands and wrist too.
Can you show us purling?
Thank you for showing us.
Ergin Artesia m
Children here in England are usually taught to knit using the throw method. Very quickly, most of them learn to keep hold of the right-hand needle and adapt their style. However, many retain the learning method which is of course very slow.
+Jesus.Christ.is.coming !! ... and this involves knitting how exactly??? 🤔
+WoollyWoodlanders : Will you be doing the purling method for this?
Ye. I clicked on the video not realising I had already been taught this way by my mum. I'm British so maybe that's why. Anyway, I'm pretty quick but working on a massive project so looking for tips on getting faster. (I have about 60 patches to knit in garter stitch that are roughly 7 square inches). Good video even if it wasn't good for my purposes I will show it to any beginners I come across in the future.
Omg ... So fabulous!!!! Such a great technique totally blew my mind .... Gonna take more than a few times watching to get the jist and move into my own style but sooooo worth it!!!!? Thank you for posting so awesome...
Hello Christina......
Thank you for the video. You’re a good teacher and I appreciate the time you put into making this and posting it.
Hello Jennifer.......
Most of the time now .......I crochet......but I have knitted for years .......that knitting belt sure would have been nice years ago......thanks for the great video......
I am an avid crochet fan but love this video. Not at that speed yet but I'll keep practicing.
Thank you for this, going to give it a go on my next shawl! Have bookmarked your page.
Simply amasing. Will definately use this method from now on. Thanks for the tips.
This is brilliant. New to knitting. I will be putting this to use. Thank you for your knowledge.
Thank you! I just knew I was wasting energy but I had no clue of how to 'tidy up' my motions, I'm going to save your video and practice along with you xxx
Hello Tishsa......
Watching you knot has made me feel so much better! I too knit with the needle tucked under my arm- I find it frees up my hand to knit faster. Thank you for sharing your video!!
Hello Michelle........
im 17 and this is helpful, but im still so clunky with knitting, im so much better at crochet, i can actually crochet 2-3 stitches in a second or sometimes less if im feeling accurate and speedy enough. thank you for this video because you sorta broke a lot of elements down in mainly just focusing on what ur hands are doing. thank you
You sound really brilliant at crochet, it's getting into a rhythm and then letting your fingers go into 'auto-mode'. Watch a child learning to tap dance and as they speed up they can suddenly get that thythm.
Thank you for sharing your knitting style. I found it very eye opening.
Hello Jessica......
This video is a wonderful resource. You don't know how often I come back here when I've inadvertently added a mistake to my technique and need to correct it. Thank you.
Thank you.
OH my goodness! that is the best thing I've ever seen! thank you so much. I have no doubt you just changed my winter schedule.
Thank you for sharing..My mom taught me this method years ago. But you are much faster. Happy knitting. Greetings from Turkey.
Wow! I'm a crochet person but now I want to start knitting 🥰
Thank you for this GREAT video.
Hello Savana......
@@maxwellmark8415
Hello
Hope your having a great day.
@@theunidentified4887 Oh I'm fine thanks and you....😊
And I hope family and friends are all safe and sound over there?
@@maxwellmark8415
Hi Maxwell
We had a recent Death in the family . Times are crazy
Weather is at least real nice here but has been getting smokey and dry.
Hope you all the best.
@@theunidentified4887 Wow that's really good to hear from you dear....😊
But if I may ask..... Where exactly are you from and how is the pandemic going out there?
Goodness me that was quick, I must show this to my friend Helen, Helen is an avid knitter and is really very good at it. Thankyou for sharing ☺👏👏👏👏👏
This is awesome. I struggle with knitting as is so much slower than crochet. Now I will give it a try using your method. Thank you!
Hello Mery......
What a very useful video! I use circular needles but most of the techniques can easily be adapted, I should think.
This is how my mother knitted and how she taught me. The only difference being she held her right needle tucked between her arm and her body, rather than the leather pocket that you use. Thank your for sharing this method with others.
Hello Maggie......
My first job was working with girls who all knitted and I observed the different styles but your tips have added more. They all held the needle under their arm and often it pressed against the back of the dining chair - at lunch break. Eventually I felt I just had to knit something too. A group of knitters always encourages others to join in.
It was very informative. I have never seen or heard of a knitting belt. I would have like to have seen yours.
Thank your for breaking down the technique in easy to follow steps.
thank you for the video Lorna it makes it look so much faster way to knit.
Stumbled across this channel while looking for something else and wow! I usually knit continental style as I find it faster but now I'm able to knit English style just as fast! Thanks so much. Do you think you'll be doing any more videos soon? This was wonderful.
Wow thank you so much for your video, I only have plastic needles at the moment because they were cheap & I only wanted to see if I like knitting. Well after seeing your video I'm definitely going to get a better pair of needles but for now I'll keep practicing. Thank you so much again 🥰
BLESS YOU!!! I never could master continental knitting, despite being an avid crocheter. It always felt awkward and slow, and I struggled with tension. Using your method, I actually have sped up my knitting! THANK YOU!
Really pleased for you.
Hello Jessica......
Best tutorial ive seen so far. Brilliant
THANK YOU
every time I see something about “being the fastest knitter “ it’s always russian knitting and continental knitting
But I was taught the English method and try as I might I don’t find the other ways comfortable! I’m hitting the like button on this video so I can try all your tricks out! Thank you so much
Thank you..
Hello Masuga......
Thanks for sharing. I have tried it. Its fast. I do one more thing though. I wrap the yarn around my right hand little finger or pinky finger and this helps with reducing the strain on the first finger or index finger which is holding the needle too!
Great system! I might actually start knitting blankets now.
LOVELY!!! Thank you SOO much!! I love the view out your window - reminds me of my Scotland years =:-)
I live on the south coast of Dorset, just half a mile from the sea.
@@WoollyWoodlanders ❤
That was awesome all the years I have been knitting never knew that, thank you very much for Sharing!!! Liz...
Hello Elizabeth.......
Great tips! I just stumbled across this video! I will practice. I prefer cabled needles for everything and I love metal with sharp tips over the rounder tips.
Exelent! ! ! Thank you for your inspiration. May God bless you and keep you well ALWAYS.
Marcy Gomez how to knit continental
Hello Marcy......
This is awesome i wanted to learn to knit I hope you make more videos using this method
Its my second day knitting, and i dont have the needles for that. However, i was able to apply some of the processes by pressing the working side needle into my hip, and gained a lot of speed as well as beingore ergonomic. I keep seeing those long needles, so I guess ill get some. Thanks so much!
Your technique, for me, takes awhile to master, but my little Chihuahua boy loves his custom sweater made in a day, on number 7"s. Glad you posted this video! :-)
Great! So glad you found it helpful.
:)
Laura - thank you for making this - I don't use a knitting belt as I usually use four needles, but using your hints, my knitting is already faster!
Hi Alice, I too also often knit with four needles and use the knitting belt too.
Your knitting style is great I'm a right handed knitter my granny taught me at a young age I think I was 15 maybe 16 I'm now 21 and knitting like a mad woman
wow I will try this and it does make sense,,,thank you so much for sharing...i'm off to practice ..have a great day...peace....
This is just how I knit! After having watched numerous on Flicking and trying it repeatedly, I just couldn't grasp it. Instead, I tried to speed up my throwing and in my mind this is just as fast and effective. I only using circular needles mind you.
Thank you for this comment. I was wondering how this would work with circular needles since there’s no place to stand the right needle.
WOW! Genius!! This is enough to convert me from continental knitting to right hand knitting 😱
This is genius! I hope to be this level one day
Thank you for your video. I will practice these tips. Very pretty cardigan. Lovely colour xxx
Brilliant demonstration. Helped me so much.
I knew a girl who knitted with the right needle tucked under her arm she was amazingly fast this was 30 year s ago and my grandmother and aunt also knitted really fast so it makes me smile when people say English knowing is slow. I would have liked a photo of your knitting belt to see what it was
Excellent lesson on knitting faster - that is how I knit. It is fast and low stress. I also find that for plain knitting in the round, I like 2.3 mm /3/32" spring steel needles with flat ends. I use a knitting sheath for all knitting -- it works better than a belt for flat ended needles. I use pointed needles for other stitches. I knit ribbing with flat ended needles. (With flat ends, the movements are smaller, and the yarn is less likely slip off the needle too soon.) Thus, when I sit down to knit a pair of socks, I have 8 - nine-inch-long spring steel needles. Switching back and forth between the blunt and pointed needles can save an hour or two on a pair of socks. I use 12" and 18" long needles for larger objects. Such knitting makes knitting 12 stitches and 20 rows per 4-inchs reasonable on 1.5 mm needles, and finer knitting possible. Such fabrics make lovely, durable objects. and inspire awe. I like a 6-ply/1680 ypp yarn for fine socks and ganseys knit on 1.5 mm needles.
So interesting - do you have a video showing this? You are a skilled knitter and you have something really good to share.