In the beginning of the video, I said English is called "picking" and that's wrong. It's throwing! And then on the pop up graphics I got the names reversed again. Sorry! I can't believe I didn't catch that before the video went live. This may be a sign that I need to hire a professional video editor because I can only look at the same thing so many times before it just becomes a blur.
Could you not manage to English flick or Lever knit? You could hold the yarn in your right hand the same way you hold it in your left and be an English flicker knitter.❤ I have been watching knitting hack and how to avoid this in that videos about knitting and all the don't do's and how to improve this 'n that, instead of all of the tons of how to knit or beginner knitting videos to teach myself. I slowed down the videos to a crawl and simply observed the way they were demonstrating so that I wouldn't know which way the yarn went In the various styles. I had just about decided Since I was a crochet and my left hand was already doing that Tensioning job I would just be a continental knitter. Then I saw how the purl was done. I decided that was too much rigamarole to go through. Then I learned the Norwegian purl. It's a lot of twisting and finagling, but you can get it done easier. I remember now, I even watched a video that described And demonstrated it's easier to Continental knit and to English purl and sure enough that is true. But as I was learning by watching videos I decided I didn't want to switch app because even as a hairdresser though slightly ambidextrous and being able to do some things better with my left hand than my right, I am not Quite as dexterous with both hands at the same things so that was out. I thought that I would just have to find out if I could switch left to right hand and never ever have to turn my work and onet stitch the face, until I just learned the Russian purl tonight on a video. So simple so smooth, it's genius! I gotta say I think I cut out a lot of middleman errors by not watching the how to beginner net videos it was and skipping on to the how to avoid mistakes and the knit faster hack type videos. I saw in 1 video, The lady suggested buying circular knitting needles because because they're rather petite and easy to work with and I thought sure I can make a piece of flat fabric on that no problem. Then I realized that I Could just keep knitting in a circle and never ever have to turn my work and never ever have to do a purl if I didn't wanna! But then I saw a bunch of videos by Turkish women with all of these intricate designs and holy cow I wanted to knit so bad. I just wanna learn every way of knitting there is, Because I've seen so many how to knit faster or speed knitting and I see these little shortcuts and I see the way people seem to Pick and choose from various styles... My next task is to learn how to do combination knitting. I've seen a few videos and it really does streamline things a lot.
@@kayceegreer4418 it sounds like you might be getting just a little lost in the weeds. Once you find a style that works for you, I say stick with that, at least for a while. The main reason I'd caution against getting too stuck on knitting and purling with different hands is that there are many stitch patterns that require alternating between knit and purl within a row.
I always wanted to learn to knit as a child, but everyone who tried to teach me tried to teach me the continental style. The technique was always completely lost on me and I would quit, thinking knitting wasn’t for me. Fast forward to me being 15 and I finally decided to buckle down and learn. I drove to Michael’s, picked up a ball of yarn and some needles, and fired up RUclips. I ran into what I now realize were more continental tutorials, which, yet again, made no sense to me, but then I stumbled across someone doing English knitting. Eureka! Well, it’s been 10 years now and I’ve never had any of the issues with throwing you’ve had. I tend to hold my yarn between my palm and my ring/pinkie finger in a lightly closed fist with my index and middle finger supporting the right needle, a method that would probably make a lot of knitters cringe but hey, it works. I don’t drop stitches or needles, I’m decently quick, it works for the things I need it to work for, and I have no complaints about it. I also don’t tend to curl my wrists under when I knit either, which means I’ve never experienced any carpal tunnel/fatigue yuckiness. No one ever taught me or told me to do any of this, I just kind of developed a “bastard english” style in isolation based on what felt most natural for my body. However, now that it’s been 10 years and I most definitely understand the theory of knitting at this point, I decided to see if I could pick based on the demonstration you gave here. I happened to be working on a project and decided to pick four knit stitches. (Yes yes I know, but it didn’t screw up my gauge) Turns out I can indeed knit continental style, but I think I hate it. 😂 There’s something about picking that still wrinkles my brain a bit, and I think it would take me a long time to switch over. Oh well, I’ll just stick with what I’m doing for as long as it’s working.
Am ready to change from throwing to the Continental style because of wrist troubles. I see by your other posts, I am not the only one who is thinking "Why did I wait so long to try this method?" I learned to knit in high school (1950s) where the fad was to make socks for the boyfriend(s).As the years went by, I took up quilting which gave me great joy and accomplishment. Downsizing time is upon me, so small knitting projects are my work now. It was quite difficult to find a video that DETAILED the manner of obtaining the correct tension. I think I found the answer in your video, Becca. Thanks. Keep me on your subscriber list. CW
I knitted English style for nearly 50 years. Last year I was struggling with arthritis in my left thumb from having to hold onto that left needle while throwing the yarn with the right hand. Looked up the ergonomics of knitting and finally switched to Continental, well, actually Norwegian. WHY DIDNT I DO THIS 20 YEARS AGO? So much faster and my tension has tightened. I can do ribbing, seed stitch with minimal effort! Love it.
I am there right now! My left thumb just blew up after starting knitting again - am on my arthritis meds and waiting for it to settle, then will try this method.
I was taught to knit English style over 40 years ago, and I've knitted a lot over the years! I'm now transitioning from English style to Continental too, as I've been having a lot of wrist problems lately. I now knit exactly the same as you, and my wrists have been so much better, woo hoo! (love your sense of humour!😁) xx
I have arthritis in my hands now. Thank you for preparing and doing this video on continental style knitting. I learned to knit at age 6. I’ve knitted many years English style now I either give up knitting and try crochet or I learn continental knitting. It’s m getting into socks. They are fun and small projects to carry with me. You are an angel for your clear, easily understandable video. Just found you at the right time. Many thanks.
Hi, I'm Gloria from Italy, I just discovered your channel. I learned in throwing "style" and this is still my favorite technique because I can work faster, but my yarn doesn't slip because I keep my right needle under my armpit (and the yarn in my right hand), so I make a very slight movement with my right arm to throw the yarn, while the right needle doesn't move. With my left needle I "cross" the thrown yarn. Excuse my English....hope you understand. I tried to learn Continental many times but I find it difficult
I've heard of this method but never gotten to see it in person. Some people call it lever knitting, I think. If what you're doing is working for you, no need to change it!
I was taught English by my Grandma more than 50 years ago - but then she was English and so am I! I have tried the continental before, but never managed to grasp it! I’m halfway through 2 projects at the moment, but when I have finished I will be eager to try a swatch with your very clear instructions! Wish me luck! 💜xx
Thank you. I’m going to try picking style. I am Scottish and was taught on long straight needles with the needle ends tucked in my armpits, yarn in the right hand. When I knit with short needles joined with plastic cord I struggle! So I hope picking style will not be too onerous to get used to and will help me out! Thank you for your instruction! 😊
I lived in England and learned to knit using the throw method. However when I learned the Continental way, it's my favorite way to knit. Both are great to know for intarsia.
Thank you for your video! I have been doing English style knitting for 15 years and I needed to change due to right thumb pain. I've been holding off as long as I can in making the change because I've learned to knit very quickly English style. The way you hold your yarn for continental is very different than how I hold for English and wow it does make a huge helpful difference!
I’m a beginner knitter and only been dabbling a few months, consistently only for one. I taught myself English knitting (although I’m Swedish and continental is the usual method here) because continental seems harder to learn from a screen and I’m bad at things requiring coordination and complicated steps, at least it usually requires in person instruction. But going to try to teach myself continental since I have terrible wrist and elbow injuries from way before (I don’t remember what my diagnosis was but it’s mainly from writing by hand, drawing and cycling, doing a bunch of stuff with my hands basically). I’ve finally semi mastered the English knitting and I’m mid finishing my first project. The knitting is so so rewarding but it has me in so much pain right now. Thanks for explaining it so clearly I’m going to give it a go.
I have been knitting for about 65 years, learned Continental from my grandmother and mother, and do highly recommend it. Everyone holds yarn and needles differently and create yarn tension differently, I brace my left ring finger along the needle in a bent position, the yarn running through the closed finger. Now I am having issues with arthritis, and have a “trigger” finger that sometimes gets stuck bent. I am trying new techniques of yarn tension to avoid this position, but I find muscle memory is a hard thing to change. I recommend teaching new knitters Continental from the start, I find it is very hard to change once you have mastered English for a while. I will try the pinkie wrap and see if that works for me.
Thank you for this video! I was taught to knit English-style at my local yarn shop, it was just the way the instructor taught. I would like to change to Continental-style because it uses less hand motion and is more streamlined. Once I finish the baby blanket I am working on, I’ll give it a try!
I've been knitting since I was 10, that's about 50 years. I was originally taught what was called 'English' which was 'throwing', but also the right hand needle was held like a pen. I always thought it was uncomfortable. I was shown what you refer to as 'English',, with the needle held under the palm, but still 'thrown' by one of my aunts in my teens. She referred to it as 'American.' When I discovered my personal mentor in Elizabeth Zimmerman around 1980 ( and later, her daughter Meg) One of my first revelations was 'Continental'. Faster, smoother, better tension control. It was a flipping miracle!!! Ever since, the only time I work any other way is during multiple color strand work, where I use both methods simultaneously. It wasn't long after I learned Continental that I also stopped using straights, except for the occasional DP. I saw no reason to spend the extra $, plus I was flying more for work. Straights on a flight are a hassle in so many ways.....that choice was also probably due to EZ's decided preference for circular knitting, and steeking to make colorwork easier. On another note: have you seen anyone do the work letting the yarn feed around their neck, holding one needle under their arm, and basically pulling the other needle back and forth to create the stitches? I remember watching a video way back when. I think it was common in Greece? Anyway, interesting subject!!!!
Interesting. I think that's why so many people get confused with knitting, because there are so many different names for each technique! I've seen people knitting the way you describe, with the yarn behind their neck, and I think it's called Portuguese knitting. I've never tried it though.
Hello Becca…I learned to knit in 2013….I didn’t keep it up much and started again when I felt like I was suffering from trigger finger. Knitting really helped the stiffness. I haven’t been diagnosed yet. Anyway, I want to say thank you for your help. The chicken wing dance 😂😂😂😂let me know I could listen and learn from you…..I have your videos helps me do better with the continental stitches…..Thank you for helping us.
🤣🤣🤣 my kids were so embarrassed by that but I told them to trust me. The right people will appreciate it. I'm so glad your stiffness is getting better.
I knit English style and not sure if it is the area of England I am from but I was taught to hold the right needle under my arm so in the armpit, this eliminates the need to just let the needle hang down or to have to put it down for each stitch, the needle is always held in place so this also frees my right hand to throw the yarn slightly quicker, as I said this might be a north east (of England) way of holding the needle. I have tried continental but for me not something that comes easily.
I was taught English...now I have a bunion on my forefinger and want to learn continental. I agree switching knitting styles in mid-project is not a good idea! Thanks for the video!
No matter how many times I try I cannot get the hang of continental, which is weird to me since originally started with crochet, so I thought it would be more natural. Maybe I'll just keep trying! Thank you for the video ☺️
@@BeccaJNorman English seems to work the best for me, but I do find my arm and wrists get a little sore if I knit too long. I might just need some more practice with continental 😁
Ok so I am now pretty much transitioned to a continental knitter! I practiced so much and it is so much easier. And also I have never related to someone more, I am 22 and do hair, and I also knit every night just like all wild 22 year olds 🤣
When I started knitting, I used a book. I am a thrower, and have not been able to change over. But I realized that when I started, I was "lever knitting." I guess I was just working to reduce the movement of my hands. I can go pretty fast with it now. If you don't know what lever knitting is, Very Pink has at least one video on it. She uses the same method.
Gostei da tua atuação, você é divertida e faz a aula ser agradável. Já me inscrevi, apesar de ter te conhecido apenas hoje, e este vídeo é meio antigo. 😘
I learned how to knit english style.... then I moved to crochet, but kept the english style.... which it's really not efficitive when crochetting and I hardly see anyone doing it. Finally making the effort to change my style and holding the yarn in my opposite hand. Picked a nice simple shawl and just working through it slowly.
I taught myself English throwing, but now I’m dealing with soooo much hand pain I have to make the switch. Continental made me quit when I was first learning until I picked up English Throwing, but hoping now that I’m established the switch will be easier!
I was taught English “throwing”, however I’m going to try to learn the Continental style. Think I will knit a couple of Cotten potholders to practice. Wish me luck.
I guess you know how I learned since I taught you everything I knew about knitting. If I ever decide to knit something again I'm definitely going to learn continental. You make it look much easier!
I am from Norway, knitted Norwegian for 55 years. I have to learn English now. Norwegian is harder on the back. I have never needed to do all that slipping the yearn around the pinkie. Don't see that much in Norway at least. I just hold it with in my whole hand. Norwegian knitting must be faster, but you use your muscles in your back more. You can't say, one is ergonometically better than the other. Depends on your body. I see many holding the yarn high over their index finger in Continental. That must create strain. I don't lift the index finger at all. The finger rests on the needle. I think the needle must be important in English, Lever knitting. I have just ordered the Addi novel pins, which I hope will hold the stiches better. Many years since I switched to circular. Much lighter. I don't think you have a lot of insight in the ergonometrisk of knitting.
I was a continental thrower for some reason 🤷♀️ but forced myself to slow down and actually get comfortable picking. Now it's second nature and it's a lot faster + easier! 😄
I am a leftie, taught to knit right handed by my right handed mother years ago! I was taught to crochet too but left-handed! With me so far? I knitted English style like you, letting go of the right needle. Trying to learn Continental but so far, very difficult. Whatever I try with the yarn I cannot keep good or consistent tension. Nightmare! Any ideas from peeps would be much appreciated. Ps. For crochet the yarn goes round my fingers but I cannot seem to replicate this on my left hand. Thanks so much.
That is interesting. I'm not quite sure what to tell you. I wonder if you could mirror what I'm doing? Like continental but knitting left-handed, so the yarn is in your right hand? Unless you're too used to knitting right-handed at this point. My husband is a lefty and I need to reteach him how to knit so I can see what he does.
I really appreciate you getting back to me Becca. And so quickly. I am trying to mirror what you are doing. Slowly, tonight, knit stitch seems to be evolving. Purl is still an absolute nightmare. I will keep going. Thankyou so much for your informative video.
Thank you for this video - it is always fascinating to see how other people knit! I am an English knitter and I hold my right needle and work resting on the crook between my thumb and index finger. If you watch any old 1940’s movies where there is a character knitting you will see what I mean. In this manner the right needle is always supported and you don’t need to hold it. I also knit continental which I taught myself a few years ago as it lends itself better to knitting hats in the round. With both methods I never wind the yarn around any of my fingers - the yarn just goes through my closed three fingers. I’m not sure what you meant about wrist problems as my wrists aren’t involved when I knit. Should any project you are working on require lots of purls and you are a continental knitter, I would suggest you learn Portuguese style knitting because purling is super easy!
I suggest you try Norwegian purling. After purling as my Russian grandmother taught me so many years ago - bobbing by left index finger up and down to make each stitch - I find Norwegian purling to be so much more streamlined. Plus you don’t have to move the yarn to the front of the needles.
Wow! This has truly changed the way I knit! I too am a former hairdresser and was looking for a way to knit without having so much pain and fatigue! After watching so many videos, I am so happy I found yours ❤ thank you!
I just finished watching your continental purling video, which honestly is quite harder!!! 😅 I’m having trouble with my tension; I seem to be holding on too tight?But practice makes improvement!
I learned to crochet before learning to knit. I have a knife hold for crochet, held work in left hand hook in right. I knit English style and it works better for me. Although I’ve heard Continental is faster.
English but I’m interested in continental bc I have arthritis in my hands and this looks easier on your hands. I tried some stitches but they were twisted on the needle. Why?
I have a friend who does Norwegian purling. It looks crazy to me but it works for her! This is my way of purling: ruclips.net/video/MMhmRkCiY18/видео.html it took me a while to figure out too.
My style is neither English or Continental. The left needle is under my armpit and the the right one is free. I've tried to use circular needles: the most uncomfortable thing ever.
I think the real question is, why can't I NOT let go of the needle when I do English knitting? I'm not sure. I think that's why it's good to have multiple options because for whatever reason, some will work better for different people.
I used RUclips videos to learn to knit. I found English style and it was uncomfortable. I found continental style and that was more comfortable for me to use. The reason English style felt weird is because I was taught how to crochet right handed.
In the beginning of the video, I said English is called "picking" and that's wrong. It's throwing! And then on the pop up graphics I got the names reversed again. Sorry! I can't believe I didn't catch that before the video went live. This may be a sign that I need to hire a professional video editor because I can only look at the same thing so many times before it just becomes a blur.
Could you not manage to English flick or Lever knit? You could hold the yarn in your right hand the same way you hold it in your left and be an English flicker knitter.❤
I have been watching knitting hack and how to avoid this in that videos about knitting and all the don't do's and how to improve this 'n that, instead of all of the tons of how to knit or beginner knitting videos to teach myself. I slowed down the videos to a crawl and simply observed the way they were demonstrating so that I wouldn't know which way the yarn went In the various styles.
I had just about decided Since I was a crochet and my left hand was already doing that Tensioning job I would just be a continental knitter. Then I saw how the purl was done. I decided that was too much rigamarole to go through. Then I learned the Norwegian purl. It's a lot of twisting and finagling, but you can get it done easier.
I remember now, I even watched a video that described And demonstrated it's easier to Continental knit and to English purl and sure enough that is true. But as I was learning by watching videos I decided I didn't want to switch app because even as a hairdresser though slightly ambidextrous and being able to do some things better with my left hand than my right, I am not Quite as dexterous with both hands at the same things so that was out.
I thought that I would just have to find out if I could switch left to right hand and never ever have to turn my work and onet stitch the face, until I just learned the Russian purl tonight on a video. So simple so smooth, it's genius!
I gotta say I think I cut out a lot of middleman errors by not watching the how to beginner net videos it was and skipping on to the how to avoid mistakes and the knit faster hack type videos.
I saw in 1 video, The lady suggested buying circular knitting needles because because they're rather petite and easy to work with and I thought sure I can make a piece of flat fabric on that no problem. Then I realized that I Could just keep knitting in a circle and never ever have to turn my work and never ever have to do a purl if I didn't wanna!
But then I saw a bunch of videos by Turkish women with all of these intricate designs and holy cow I wanted to knit so bad. I just wanna learn every way of knitting there is, Because I've seen so many how to knit faster or speed knitting and I see these little shortcuts and I see the way people seem to Pick and choose from various styles... My next task is to learn how to do combination knitting. I've seen a few videos and it really does streamline things a lot.
@@kayceegreer4418 it sounds like you might be getting just a little lost in the weeds. Once you find a style that works for you, I say stick with that, at least for a while. The main reason I'd caution against getting too stuck on knitting and purling with different hands is that there are many stitch patterns that require alternating between knit and purl within a row.
I always wanted to learn to knit as a child, but everyone who tried to teach me tried to teach me the continental style. The technique was always completely lost on me and I would quit, thinking knitting wasn’t for me. Fast forward to me being 15 and I finally decided to buckle down and learn. I drove to Michael’s, picked up a ball of yarn and some needles, and fired up RUclips. I ran into what I now realize were more continental tutorials, which, yet again, made no sense to me, but then I stumbled across someone doing English knitting. Eureka!
Well, it’s been 10 years now and I’ve never had any of the issues with throwing you’ve had. I tend to hold my yarn between my palm and my ring/pinkie finger in a lightly closed fist with my index and middle finger supporting the right needle, a method that would probably make a lot of knitters cringe but hey, it works. I don’t drop stitches or needles, I’m decently quick, it works for the things I need it to work for, and I have no complaints about it. I also don’t tend to curl my wrists under when I knit either, which means I’ve never experienced any carpal tunnel/fatigue yuckiness. No one ever taught me or told me to do any of this, I just kind of developed a “bastard english” style in isolation based on what felt most natural for my body.
However, now that it’s been 10 years and I most definitely understand the theory of knitting at this point, I decided to see if I could pick based on the demonstration you gave here. I happened to be working on a project and decided to pick four knit stitches. (Yes yes I know, but it didn’t screw up my gauge) Turns out I can indeed knit continental style, but I think I hate it. 😂 There’s something about picking that still wrinkles my brain a bit, and I think it would take me a long time to switch over. Oh well, I’ll just stick with what I’m doing for as long as it’s working.
Haha, well, you tried something new. It's not for you, and that's okay!
Am ready to change from throwing to the Continental style because of wrist troubles. I see by your other posts, I am not the only one who is thinking "Why did I wait so long to try this method?"
I learned to knit in high school (1950s) where the fad was to make socks for the boyfriend(s).As the years went by, I took up quilting which gave me great joy and accomplishment. Downsizing time is upon me, so small knitting projects are my work now.
It was quite difficult to find a video that DETAILED the manner of obtaining the correct tension. I think I found the answer in your video, Becca. Thanks. Keep me on your subscriber list. CW
I knitted English style for nearly 50 years. Last year I was struggling with arthritis in my left thumb from having to hold onto that left needle while throwing the yarn with the right hand. Looked up the ergonomics of knitting and finally switched to Continental, well, actually Norwegian. WHY DIDNT I DO THIS 20 YEARS AGO? So much faster and my tension has tightened. I can do ribbing, seed stitch with minimal effort! Love it.
I'm so glad you were able to find a method that works for you. I hope to be able to knit for at least that long!
I am there right now! My left thumb just blew up after starting knitting again - am on my arthritis meds and waiting for it to settle, then will try this method.
I was taught to knit English style over 40 years ago, and I've knitted a lot over the years! I'm now transitioning from English style to Continental too, as I've been having a lot of wrist problems lately. I now knit exactly the same as you, and my wrists have been so much better, woo hoo! (love your sense of humour!😁) xx
I have arthritis in my hands now. Thank you for preparing and doing this video on continental style knitting. I learned to knit at age 6. I’ve knitted many years English style now I either give up knitting and try crochet or I learn continental knitting. It’s m getting into socks. They are fun and small projects to carry with me. You are an angel for your clear, easily understandable video. Just found you at the right time. Many thanks.
You are so welcome. I hope you are able to enjoy many more years of knitting. 💗
Hi, I'm Gloria from Italy, I just discovered your channel. I learned in throwing "style" and this is still my favorite technique because I can work faster, but my yarn doesn't slip because I keep my right needle under my armpit (and the yarn in my right hand), so I make a very slight movement with my right arm to throw the yarn, while the right needle doesn't move. With my left needle I "cross" the thrown yarn. Excuse my English....hope you understand. I tried to learn Continental many times but I find it difficult
I've heard of this method but never gotten to see it in person. Some people call it lever knitting, I think. If what you're doing is working for you, no need to change it!
I was taught English style many decades ago, I learnt continental a few weeks ago and love it. It is a more relax way to work.
I was taught English by my Grandma more than 50 years ago - but then she was English and so am I! I have tried the continental before, but never managed to grasp it! I’m halfway through 2 projects at the moment, but when I have finished I will be eager to try a swatch with your very clear instructions! Wish me luck! 💜xx
Good luck! 😁
Thank you! I will let you know how it goes (I’m going to watch the ‘purl’ video too) 😃 xx
Thank you. I’m going to try picking style. I am Scottish and was taught on long straight needles with the needle ends tucked in my armpits, yarn in the right hand. When I knit with short needles joined with plastic cord I struggle! So I hope picking style will not be too onerous to get used to and will help me out! Thank you for your instruction! 😊
I hope it works out for you too!
I lived in England and learned to knit using the throw method.
However when I learned the Continental way, it's my favorite way to knit.
Both are great to know for intarsia.
Agreed! I'm working on an intarsia project right now and I'm so thankful I know both ways so I can double-hand it.
Thank you for your video! I have been doing English style knitting for 15 years and I needed to change due to right thumb pain. I've been holding off as long as I can in making the change because I've learned to knit very quickly English style. The way you hold your yarn for continental is very different than how I hold for English and wow it does make a huge helpful difference!
I'm so glad!
I’m a beginner knitter and only been dabbling a few months, consistently only for one. I taught myself English knitting (although I’m Swedish and continental is the usual method here) because continental seems harder to learn from a screen and I’m bad at things requiring coordination and complicated steps, at least it usually requires in person instruction. But going to try to teach myself continental since I have terrible wrist and elbow injuries from way before (I don’t remember what my diagnosis was but it’s mainly from writing by hand, drawing and cycling, doing a bunch of stuff with my hands basically). I’ve finally semi mastered the English knitting and I’m mid finishing my first project. The knitting is so so rewarding but it has me in so much pain right now. Thanks for explaining it so clearly I’m going to give it a go.
I really hope you can keep knitting without pain. 💕
I have been knitting for about 65 years, learned Continental from my grandmother and mother, and do highly recommend it. Everyone holds yarn and needles differently and create yarn tension differently, I brace my left ring finger along the needle in a bent position, the yarn running through the closed finger. Now I am having issues with arthritis, and have a “trigger” finger that sometimes gets stuck bent. I am trying new techniques of yarn tension to avoid this position, but I find muscle memory is a hard thing to change. I recommend teaching new knitters Continental from the start, I find it is very hard to change once you have mastered English for a while. I will try the pinkie wrap and see if that works for me.
Thank you for this video! I was taught to knit English-style at my local yarn shop, it was just the way the instructor taught. I would like to change to Continental-style because it uses less hand motion and is more streamlined. Once I finish the baby blanket I am working on, I’ll give it a try!
Good luck!
I've been knitting since I was 10, that's about 50 years. I was originally taught what was called 'English' which was 'throwing', but also the right hand needle was held like a pen. I always thought it was uncomfortable. I was shown what you refer to as 'English',, with the needle held under the palm, but still 'thrown' by one of my aunts in my teens. She referred to it as 'American.'
When I discovered my personal mentor in Elizabeth Zimmerman around 1980 ( and later, her daughter Meg) One of my first revelations was 'Continental'. Faster, smoother, better tension control. It was a flipping miracle!!!
Ever since, the only time I work any other way is during multiple color strand work, where I use both methods simultaneously.
It wasn't long after I learned Continental that I also stopped using straights, except for the occasional DP. I saw no reason to spend the extra $, plus I was flying more for work. Straights on a flight are a hassle in so many ways.....that choice was also probably due to EZ's decided preference for circular knitting, and steeking to make colorwork easier.
On another note: have you seen anyone do the work letting the yarn feed around their neck, holding one needle under their arm, and basically pulling the other needle back and forth to create the stitches? I remember watching a video way back when. I think it was common in Greece? Anyway, interesting subject!!!!
Interesting. I think that's why so many people get confused with knitting, because there are so many different names for each technique! I've seen people knitting the way you describe, with the yarn behind their neck, and I think it's called Portuguese knitting. I've never tried it though.
Hello Becca…I learned to knit in 2013….I didn’t keep it up much and started again when I felt like I was suffering from trigger finger. Knitting really helped the stiffness. I haven’t been diagnosed yet. Anyway, I want to say thank you for your help. The chicken wing dance 😂😂😂😂let me know I could listen and learn from you…..I have your videos helps me do better with the continental stitches…..Thank you for helping us.
🤣🤣🤣 my kids were so embarrassed by that but I told them to trust me. The right people will appreciate it. I'm so glad your stiffness is getting better.
I was also taught English knitting but nowadays I've learnt continental. It's much easier for me n saves a lot of time.
I knit English style and not sure if it is the area of England I am from but I was taught to hold the right needle under my arm so in the armpit, this eliminates the need to just let the needle hang down or to have to put it down for each stitch, the needle is always held in place so this also frees my right hand to throw the yarn slightly quicker, as I said this might be a north east (of England) way of holding the needle. I have tried continental but for me not something that comes easily.
A few other people mentioned that too. I guess it's called lever knitting. I'd never heard of it before!
I was taught English...now I have a bunion on my forefinger and want to learn continental. I agree switching knitting styles in mid-project is not a good idea! Thanks for the video!
I really hope it helps!
No matter how many times I try I cannot get the hang of continental, which is weird to me since originally started with crochet, so I thought it would be more natural. Maybe I'll just keep trying! Thank you for the video ☺️
That IS interesting, since most crocheters do say continental feels more natural. Does English style work better for you, or does it feel weird too?
@@BeccaJNorman English seems to work the best for me, but I do find my arm and wrists get a little sore if I knit too long. I might just need some more practice with continental 😁
@@nataliejaggi387 could be. I'm sure you can find something that works for you!
Ok so I am now pretty much transitioned to a continental knitter! I practiced so much and it is so much easier. And also I have never related to someone more, I am 22 and do hair, and I also knit every night just like all wild 22 year olds 🤣
@@nataliejaggi387 yay! And that's hilarious. You're just like me but 15 years ago. 😆
When I started knitting, I used a book. I am a thrower, and have not been able to change over. But I realized that when I started, I was "lever knitting." I guess I was just working to reduce the movement of my hands. I can go pretty fast with it now. If you don't know what lever knitting is, Very Pink has at least one video on it. She uses the same method.
Several people now have mentioned lever knitting. It's fascinating!
Gostei da tua atuação, você é divertida e faz a aula ser agradável. Já me inscrevi, apesar de ter te conhecido apenas hoje, e este vídeo é meio antigo. 😘
I learned how to knit english style.... then I moved to crochet, but kept the english style.... which it's really not efficitive when crochetting and I hardly see anyone doing it. Finally making the effort to change my style and holding the yarn in my opposite hand. Picked a nice simple shawl and just working through it slowly.
I taught myself English throwing, but now I’m dealing with soooo much hand pain I have to make the switch. Continental made me quit when I was first learning until I picked up English Throwing, but hoping now that I’m established the switch will be easier!
It probably will be. Good luck!
I was taught English “throwing”, however I’m going to try to learn the Continental style. Think I will knit a couple of Cotten potholders to practice. Wish me luck.
I definitely wish you luck! Potholders are the perfect thing to practice on.
I guess you know how I learned since I taught you everything I knew about knitting. If I ever decide to knit something again I'm definitely going to learn continental. You make it look much easier!
Yeah, true. I started giving both options when I teach now, because sometimes English is easier for kids at first.
I am from Norway, knitted Norwegian for 55 years. I have to learn English now. Norwegian is harder on the back. I have never needed to do all that slipping the yearn around the pinkie. Don't see that much in Norway at least. I just hold it with in my whole hand. Norwegian knitting must be faster, but you use your muscles in your back more. You can't say, one is ergonometically better than the other. Depends on your body. I see many holding the yarn high over their index finger in Continental. That must create strain. I don't lift the index finger at all. The finger rests on the needle. I think the needle must be important in English, Lever knitting. I have just ordered the Addi novel pins, which I hope will hold the stiches better. Many years since I switched to circular. Much lighter. I don't think you have a lot of insight in the ergonometrisk of knitting.
I was a continental thrower for some reason 🤷♀️ but forced myself to slow down and actually get comfortable picking. Now it's second nature and it's a lot faster + easier! 😄
Yay! Funny how slowing down saves time in the end.
I am a leftie, taught to knit right handed by my right handed mother years ago! I was taught to crochet too but left-handed! With me so far? I knitted English style like you, letting go of the right needle. Trying to learn Continental but so far, very difficult. Whatever I try with the yarn I cannot keep good or consistent tension. Nightmare! Any ideas from peeps would be much appreciated. Ps. For crochet the yarn goes round my fingers but I cannot seem to replicate this on my left hand. Thanks so much.
That is interesting. I'm not quite sure what to tell you. I wonder if you could mirror what I'm doing? Like continental but knitting left-handed, so the yarn is in your right hand? Unless you're too used to knitting right-handed at this point. My husband is a lefty and I need to reteach him how to knit so I can see what he does.
I really appreciate you getting back to me Becca. And so quickly. I am trying to mirror what you are doing. Slowly, tonight, knit stitch seems to be evolving. Purl is still an absolute nightmare. I will keep going. Thankyou so much for your informative video.
Thank you for this video - it is always fascinating to see how other people knit! I am an English knitter and I hold my right needle and work resting on the crook between my thumb and index finger. If you watch any old 1940’s movies where there is a character knitting you will see what I mean. In this manner the right needle is always supported and you don’t need to hold it. I also knit continental which I taught myself a few years ago as it lends itself better to knitting hats in the round. With both methods I never wind the yarn around any of my fingers - the yarn just goes through my closed three fingers. I’m not sure what you meant about wrist problems as my wrists aren’t involved when I knit. Should any project you are working on require lots of purls and you are a continental knitter, I would suggest you learn Portuguese style knitting because purling is super easy!
I keep hearing about Portuguese purling. One of these days I'll have to give it a go. I'm really intrigued by the 1940's style knitting!
I suggest you try Norwegian purling. After purling as my Russian grandmother taught me so many years ago - bobbing by left index finger up and down to make each stitch - I find Norwegian purling to be so much more streamlined. Plus you don’t have to move the yarn to the front of the needles.
Apparently I should give it a try. Everybody keeps bringing it up!
Numbling is my new favorite word
😂😂😂🙈
@@BeccaJNorman Great videos, thanks!
Wow! This has truly changed the way I knit! I too am a former hairdresser and was looking for a way to knit without having so much pain and fatigue! After watching so many videos, I am so happy I found yours ❤ thank you!
I'm so glad it was helpful for you?
I just finished watching your continental purling video, which honestly is quite harder!!! 😅 I’m having trouble with my tension; I seem to be holding on too tight?But practice makes improvement!
It’s time for me learn this. I’m starting to feel carpal tunnel symptoms when I knit. Numbness and tingling in my fingers.
😥 That's not good. Take a lot of breaks too.
English but my chiropractor gave me exercises to keep my wrists strong but loose
I would be interested in learning those!
I learned to crochet before learning to knit. I have a knife hold for crochet, held work in left hand hook in right. I knit English style and it works better for me. Although I’ve heard Continental is faster.
Hey it's whatever works for you! English works great for a lot of people too.
Thank you very much
I was taught English style but would like to change to continental. 😊
Try it!
I LOLed when you did the chicken wing thing lmaoo. Did not expect that 😂
🤣🤣🫠 yeah, I'm a bit of a weirdo.
That was the moment I subscribed 😜🥸❤
English but I’m interested in continental bc I have arthritis in my hands and this looks easier on your hands. I tried some stitches but they were twisted on the needle. Why?
My guess would be that you wrapped the yarn the wrong direction around the working needle. It's easy to do when you switch hands.
I've seen it called Norwegian knitting... This is how I knit but haven't mastered the purl stitch.
I have a friend who does Norwegian purling. It looks crazy to me but it works for her! This is my way of purling: ruclips.net/video/MMhmRkCiY18/видео.html it took me a while to figure out too.
Well what about purl?
I was taught English style
Do you still knit English style?
Super
Taught English, still knit English, want to learn Continental but purling is my barrier.
Have you checked out my purling video yet? ruclips.net/video/MMhmRkCiY18/видео.html See if it works for you!
@@BeccaJNorman Just discovered this video and that is the very next one I will watch!
My style is neither English or Continental. The left needle is under my armpit and the the right one is free. I've tried to use circular needles: the most uncomfortable thing ever.
Interesting! Is there a name for your method?
@@BeccaJNorman i think its called lever knitting
@@batbabysitter3533 You're right! I just looked it up and it's fascinating. I've never seen anything like that before.
“I was pregnant, who knows” I feel this on so many levels 😂
🤣 pregnancy is the best scapegoat.
Why don’t you let go of the left hand needle like you do when you do English knitting?
I think the real question is, why can't I NOT let go of the needle when I do English knitting? I'm not sure. I think that's why it's good to have multiple options because for whatever reason, some will work better for different people.
I used RUclips videos to learn to knit. I found English style and it was uncomfortable. I found continental style and that was more comfortable for me to use. The reason English style felt weird is because I was taught how to crochet right handed.
Yes, I think almost everyone who learned crochet first prefers continental.
Oopd! Ignore me!🎉
😆