I’m 86 and after a lifetime of English knitting decided to really try continental knitting, I’m making beanies and by the fourth one it’s getting quite natural, just proves you are never too old to learn something new.
I’m in my early 70s and like you I have decided to learn to knit the Continental way. My first project will be a 'fish and chip jumper' knitted in the round. That way I get to practice the knit stitch on the body of the jumper before venturing into purl and ribbing. I knit a lot of socks so they will be great for practice as well. No we are never too old to learn. Bye the way 'fish and chip jumpers' are knitted for babies in Africa, sometimes the parents are so poor the babies are sent home from hospital wrapped in newspaper. Hence the name. (For those who don’t know when I was a child, in the UK, shop bought fish and chips were served in grease proof paper, wrapped in white paper, then newspaper to keep them warm if we were taking them home. Nope no chips on the newspaper and it’s banned now!) You can find the pattern on the internet. Our 'Knit and Natter' group make them for the charity that sends them to Africa. Thank you for sharing this video.
Thank you for the good tutorial. I really appreciate you introducing the idea of Norwegian purling. As a continental knitter it was really hard to get tension on my yarn to purl & I never knew why until you explained it. Thank you. I looked up Norwegian Purling & am off an running.
Also - do be aware, some of the moves I learned via RUclips - the instructors never told you had to KTBL to undo the twist - one even taught twisted knitting, and I don't think she was even aware she was twisting her stitches! So, good to know the right moves. It's hard to unlearn if you learn incorrectly.
I definitely want to learn continental knitting. I love color work and I am learning how to knit a cowl in color work. I’ve been knitting a few years English style. I don’t like the extra movements. When I have practice knitting continental with my fingers “closed” on the needle. It feels more comfortable. This is a very helpful video for me to use while practicing. Thanks!😊🧶
I knit English style and am very comfortable doing it so haven't had much of a motivation to learn Continental, but having watched this I might give it a go 🙂 - thank you.
I chose Continental knitting style because I first learned to crochet and I am used to holding the yarn in my left hand, and I wanted smallest amount of joint movement as possible because of having arthritis.
I learn crochet first. A friend taught me to knit continental in the round on dpns. My first projects were mittens. I knitted mittens for my 3 younger sisters. I was so excited to learn how to knit. I purchased a sweater pattern, and it was off to the races. I didn't know what I didn't know. 😂 Thank you for this demo. I have yet to knit any color work. That is my next challenge. ❤❤❤
I’ve only recently seen that some people knit with the yarn in the right hand on Pinterest and thought it was just so it’s easier to show what your doing but thought it was really slow and looked difficult, I didn’t know it was just the way it was done in some places and that what I’ve learned has a name. Thank you so much for explaining that ❤
I’ve been amazed (or maybe not) at how difficult it is to retrain oneself after knitting the same way for 60+ years. The inevitable but temporary slowdown is not welcome. 😂
Yes!! I’ve been knitting for over 15 years and I am decently fast but knit English and would really LIKE to learn Continental but it’s so infuriating that I end up just going back to what I can already do!
Oh ditto! I am now 63 and have been knitting the other way since I was about 7. Now, my hands get so sore that I HAVE to change my ways and it is NOT easy. I get frustrated…then get into a rhythm but when I stop or get interrupted I have to stop and recalibrate. I am confident that I will get there.
It's OK to know yourself, and what makes you happy, and the process enjoyable. I am a one year knitter, 50 year crocheter, who joined a group of English throwers who are really happy with how they knit, as well as what they knit: prayer shawls and beanies. They are always interested in the new things I do, both techniques as to cast-on and different stitch techniques, even having one of them try mitered squares, while the rest just looked on and oohed and aahed. We appreciate the beauty of all that is made by out members, and don't feel we need to change anyone's technique, while being open to sharing anything asked about. You keep on doing what makes you happy with your knitting, and know it is a wonderful thing!
@@vanessa1589yeah! I I'm running 59 & knittiting, criocheting and using hair pin ( U pin) for more than 40 years. & really want to work in continental way as smoothly as English style...
Thank you! I have been trying hard to learn continental but with little success. Your video is so clear and comprehensive that I am anxious to try again while watching this video as I work.. Thank you so much!
I am dumbstruck by the clarity of the mechanics you explain in how to achieve knitting in the Continental style. As a right handed knitter, I know how to get a lovely even stockinette fabric with stitches sized to the needle but I feel like I have been such a fumblefingers in Continental when I have tried it (and heaven help me with the Continental purl) - until this video. Your clarity of explanations make me think you are a mechanical engineer of needles and yarn and I feel like I have a great basis now to try again seeing what it takes to create your stitches so smoothly. Thank you a thousand times over. Subscribed!
This is such a heartwarming comment. I love teaching and I love breaking things down to the very basic mouvements. I'm glad it resonates with you and helped you.
@@cloknits One of the reasons for your exceptional clarity, I think, is you understand how a right hand operator manages yarn, and you are deftly able to convey the specific differences it takes to achieve comfort and success with yarn in your left hand. That has been the missing insight for me in other videos that attempt to explain how to do Continental - no extrapolation. I now plan to watch other videos of yours about specific techniques. I know I will learn a lot and emerge a more capable knitter. Without a doubt, all the fancy specialty stitches don't count for much if my stockinette is not even and smooth.
Great video! That is exactly how I knit. I forced myself to learn continental knitting a few years ago because it seemed to be a more natural way for me to knit. Like you, I have never looked back. I doubt my brain would allow me to be able to English knit now! LOL
I am new at knitting. I wanted to know about continental knitting. I am a crocheter and finding that they are just some things that need one or the other. I just came across you. I am so excited to learn more from you. What a great instructor you are!!! Thank you for all the work you put into your videos!!
thank you so much. I have a disease in both my hands that has made my English style knitting very difficult. I was looking for an easier less painful way to continue and I found it here. Thank you very much. Your tutorial was easy to follow and made sense all the way. I did a knit row very easily as I was watching. Purl will be something else but the clear problem for me is getting the yarn in place on my left hand so I can easily work it forward. Practice!! BTW, in Australia my family has always called in stocking stitch. Mum told me that they used to knit their stockings with one stitch and the garter to hold them up with the other. Fascinating to know we are continuing a centuries old tradition.
I was teaching myself to knit and discovered continental knitting which felt more natural for me. Purling was difficult for me because I just couldn’t do it without getting confused. The Norwegian purl was difficult for me when I tried it.Your technique appears to be less confusing and easier. Thank you for sharing.
I really appreciate this video - I have been wanting to learn continental knitting to reduce wrist pain on my right hand. This video is very clear and concise.
I’ve been crocheting for a couple of years and I’m now learning how to knit. I’m feeling quite confident in English style already so I’ve been watching lots of different tutorials to learn continental so I can get faster and try color work too, and I feel like this is the first one that actually works for me! I saw a few ways where you mostly move your left hand, but as a crocheter it would take me much much longer to learn it. This way seems much easier for me so thank you!
Thanks for the video, I will try your tensioning suggestion for Continental purling. I kind of vacillate between a Norwegian Pearl and the Continental Pearl with the Norwegian Pearl being a little easier to tension but having an occasional yarn over by not finishing the turn! And you're right the Norwegian Pearl does involve a little bit more motion and that's what I was trying to eliminate to protect my wrists
I like your tutorial. I have been knitting like this my whole life, but as you mentioned - a lot of videos show continental knitting with the finger up in the air. I have tried that but don't like it. So thank you for making a video that shows knitting the way I am used to! My purling is a little bit different, but as you say - there are many ways to do it.
Wow! That was soooo helpful! I’ve been struggling with the strain of the straight index finger on continental, so this is great. Plus you knit so fast! Just the thing to up my sweater game 😍👍
I have been knitting English for about 45 years and I knit for several hours every day so my muscle memory is pretty ingrained. I do use 2 hands for colorwork and I am very proficient in the continental knit stitch. In fact, I have knit entire sweaters in the round using continental. I execute the continental knit stitch exactly like you. My problem is the purl stitch. So I usually default to English. Recently, I have been knitting a lot of cardigans and I have been experiencing pain in my thumb which I think is from purling a lot so I am looking to switch completely to continental. Thanks for your video. I guess I just need a lot of practice for continental purling. You are right that this is the hard part of switching. I keep looking for a method that clicks.
@@cloknits yes - I have tried it for several ribbed projects and I am pretty proficient with it. I might stick with that but was looking to see if something else flowed better. I do get good tension with the Norwegian purl..better actually than with the English purl, I think.
I'm 54 and after English style knitting all that time I'm trying to teach myself continental with the norweign purl. I like your purl better and will give it a try.
Hello--I just discovered your knitting videos. Thank you for your excellent instructions!-- I have been knitting for many years but your tutorials are the best!!!
@@cloknits Thank you for responding to my comment. That means a lot to me! I am desperate to learn how to knit sweaters. Do you have any tutorials that would help me or can you recommend a pattern? Thank you-
I’ve knit using nearly every style known to man. 😂 I change based upon what the project calls for. Currently, I’m making a 3x2 rib waistcoat. Combination knitting works best (for me) for ribbing. The entire thing is made in ribbing and there are only tiny movements between knit and purl stitches. Being ambidextrous helps with quickly switching knitting styles and mirror (left hand knitting) knitting flat, stockinette projects. It eliminates all purling.
Thanks Claudia! I also learnt English knitting from my mum since I was a small kid. She do flicking, but I only managed to do throwing, and don't know there are other ways of knitting like 'Continental'. Just recently so fascinated by double knitting and stranded work, then I try to learn continental knitting from RUclips (from you and some other videos). It takes a while to get used to it, I just 'forcing' myself do a few rows in small swatches with continental style every day, and switch back to English style in my regular projects. Suddenly one day, I found the 'da-da!' moment that I can do Continental! And it is a total game changer that I found my knitting much faster, smoother, and more enjoyable. (and sometime later I found myself can do flicking in right hand too!) I am now working on a double knitting scarf, which I alternately do flicking knit stitch on right hand, and continental purl stitch on left land. Tried to use Continental holding 2 colours on left hand, but still find it easier for my brain and hands to work with separate hands. Yet another issue is the tensions of knit and purl are not consistent, continental purl is tighter than flicking knit , still adjusting myself. Always love that there is no right or wrong in knitting, just find the best methods suit you most!
I have been knitting my whole life and didn't know this was possible! I sometimes get repetitive strain in my right arm when knitting, so this could help. I will need to give it a try. Thank you
I just happened across this video, and it is fun seeing someone knitting the same way I do, including how I bunch the stitches, hold the yarn etc 😊 I learned from my mother and grandmother around 50 years ago. I purl a tiny bit different, I move my left pointer less and right needle more (maybe a version of norwegian purl, but with the yarn in front)
I'm a natural left handed person, but thanks to a brownie leader I knit right handed. I've watched a few videos trying to follow continental knitters, but none have explained it like you. I'm, somehow, 61 and after a lifetime of knitting and crocheting my hands and wrists are telling me to try a different technique. Just on the second toe of my next pair of socks, so think I will try this next knit time. A hat sounds a good project to do. I'll try in the round first and once I have the knit stitch sorted I'll try a flat piece. Thank you. I'll let you know if I succeed. Happy Crafting xxJane 🐑🌼
Thank you for this clear video and thorough explanation! I'm definitely knitting and purling correctly, but my stitches don't always look identical for some reason. I'll continue to research
This looks promising !! Have been dying to get on the continental bandwagon for years but always succumb due to lack of perseverance ! Knitting is pretty intuitive and smooth but continental purling less so. Excited to giving it another go with your suggestions. many thanks
Excellent video! I learned continental for the very same reason as you with colour work. Now I exclusively knit closed continental except when doing colour work. I'm pointing my niece at your video as she's experiencing some right hand pain with throwing. All perfectly explained!
I finally got it!!! I’m a crocheter first and just don’t like throwing but couldn’t knit any other way. I want to start making socks, this video really helped. Your specific version of continental was just what I needed. Thanks :)
Thank you! I was already knitting continental but had the extra wraps going on my finger and knew I was holding my yarn extended out too far. This is prefect - exactly what I needed to see and hear to tighten up my knitting! Thank you!
I started knitting continental style years ago but could never master purling, so when knitting stocking stitch I have the yarn in my left hand for the knit rows and in my right hand for the purl rows. This seems to work .... but for ribbing I had to resort to right hand yarn. Just now I'm working on a 1x1 rib, and the knit stitches are twisted, so knit into the back of the stitch. This is much easier continental style and after watching your video I have finally worked out how to do the purl stitches much more easily. So a very big thank you!
You are so Easy to fallow along with. I appreciate your Teaching. I'm having my 1st Grandbabies . Yes❣❣im so exciting.. i have to refresh myself knitting. Continent is by far the Easiest. I recall i left my yarn behind both ways knitting and purling. I can crochet and some Tunisian. I want the tightest for no little fingers or toes to get caught. I have the softest thicker yarn. Thanks for the refresh. I have arthritis in both thumbs so continental is easier on me. I just found you.. and subscribing to your channel and going to go through your Video's. AGAIN THANK YOU. Any suggestions i would appreciate On and my daughter is having TWIN BOYS.. I'm so overjoyed.. 🙏🕊🤟
I started knitting in June / July 2021. And I started English style. And this year after watching one of your videos I tried continental style. It was awkward at first but I love it😍thank you
Thanks for the great video. Like you, I challenged myself many years ago to learn continental knitting due the arm pain I had with English style. I practiced a lot and never looked back. No arm pain, just increased speed and more even stitches. What's not to like about that?! I knit exactly as you do, but my purls are done slightly differently. With yarn in front, I still keep my left forefinger close to the left needle, push the right needle into the stitch and slightly turn the left wrist forward. I then tip the right needle upward slightly and pull the purl stitch through. At the same time, the right wrist turns back ready for the next stitch. Hard to describe in words. I like it because it's still minimum movement and is relaxing to do.
Hi. Just found this video and your channel while looking for instructions for continental knitting. I am also an English knitter looking at continental for color work! I found one video saying you can hold both yarns in your right hand, but both hands just makes sense. I tried continental about a year ago and was hold my finger high and it was really uncomfortable so now I’m looking at different methods. I’d LOVE to see how you do stranded colorwork 😊
After crocheting for 50 years, trying to hold the yarn in my right hand never worked. Throwing meant dropped stitches off my left needle, and frustrating results. Continental, holding the yarn in the left hand, meant I already had muscle memory as to tensioning and holding, and knitting became fun!
It's always surprising to me when crocheters learn to knit english style. Usually they struggle more that way and when they learn continental, it feels much more natural.
I learned to knit from my mom and we carry our yarn on our right hand and use very long needles to be able to hold the working needle under our right arm. I never knew what style it was but mom used to say it was “Spanish “ knitting. I never really saw anybody else knitting how we did. Fast forward 40 years and I want to knit winter hats for my kids. I had some circulars inherited from grandma and decided to keep my yarn on my left hand and was able to go much faster than I did when I worked with yarn in my right hand so now, if I’m knitting in the round I keep my yarn on my left hand and if I’m working back and forth I knit Spanish style. However, last year I knit a cardigan with very thin cotton and the pattern was neck down so I used circulars. The stitches were very open and uneven due to the weight of the garment when I held the yarn in my left hand and I ended up using my right hand to achieve a tighter more even fabric.
Love the sweater your wearing and the colours can you tell us about both please. great tutorial I wanted to try continental but didn’t know where to start so I’m a new sub glad to have fo
I grew up with continental knitting and only learned English style later in life. Now I use both when doing fair isle so I can use both hands and just alternate colors.
Loved this video! I enjoy seeing how people move their yarn (walking it down the needles) as that's something I'm trying to learn. I always have to stop and re-bunch the yarn at the end - and I want to learn how to move it automatically while knitting. Thanks for this!
I love continental knitting. My tension is more even and a bit looser than my English knitting. I learned to Norwegian Purl from Arne and Carlos. And boy, did that help tighten up my stitches and its muscle memory now, and im faster, but the method doesn't hurt my hand, and i have carpal tunnel issues in my left hand. I learned so many different ways, like portuguese knitting, and that's really fast. I even made my own pin for the tension. I didn't like it around my neck. Have you tried that way yet? I love our craft because there's so many great tips and tricks to try like your channel. Thanks for the tips.
This was a really great tutorial. My grandma knitted continental style and pearled Norwegian or with the thumb pushing down the yarn depending on the project. I just don't know when one is better than the other as I just started learning after years of only crochet.
Any method of knitting and purling are great and they produce the same stitches. It's really just a matter of what you prefer and feels more comfortable to you.
I knit both ways. Learned English when I was 10. Then I learned continental. I do both with colorwork. I’m very slow with continental. And I can’t purl with continental. I’ve never practiced that enough to get good. So I’m sticking with English 😊
Thanks for the tips. I will try it as I'd like to improve my picking for stranded colourwork. I would love to know more about your jumper. I couldn't see it on your Rav page and I think it's awesome.
Hi thanks for the comment. The sweater I'm wearing is the DRK Everyday by Andrea Mowry which is a perfect blank canvas for a busy yarn. I actually handspun the yarn for this sweater which makes it so much more special!
I learned continental 50 years ago and watched this video to see if there’s anything I could do differently. I’m definitely going to try to keep my left pointer resting on the middle finger. It seems like a more ergonomic way to evenly maintain the tension.
thank you for your purl continental. your video helped me the most of any other video. I am practicing with a slick yarn and I will try it with another yarn that is not so slick.... ugh
Thank you for sharing. I’m fairly new to knitting, but I do have a lot of background of sitting at a computer keyboard. This brings me to comment on a concern of Repetitive Stress Inuries (RSI). Constant small repetitive movements of small joints and muscles tends to be the biggest cause. I find one of the ways to counteract that is to knit (continental) as if I’m a bird flapping its wings. If I can get my larger muscles and joints to move rather than stressing the smaller ones (like bending the wrist in a contorted manner), I believe that is a way I am going to help avoiding knitting related RSI injuries. If anyone knows for sure, please chime in. Nothing like finding and getting really good at something only to have to stop after a couple of years due to pain and injury.
If you are interested in the ergonomics of knitting Carson Demers has a wonderful book about it. Mostly, your posture and taking stretching breaks are key. Also, having multiple projects going at once with different size yarn and needles helps me not strain my muscles because I switch the motion I use a lot.
Thanks for this... I still hate purling via continental... I've tried so many times... I have given up. I have discovered Portuguese/Greek knitting...there is even less movement of the hands and wrists, I think. I have learned to knit English with throwing, English with flicking (not my best but I can), Continental knits, for sure, purling is ok.... but if you try Portuguese/Greek style, I think you might be hooked, as I am. If you look up Andrea Wong, she is the main proponent of this on YT... and she has LOTS of videos on basic setup, knitting, purling and of course stitch patterns etc... It is the only way I knit now (but I do want to eventually learn lever knitting... Thanks for the video, but you did not convince me on the purl stitch in continental. In Portuguese, in fact, purl is slightly easier than the knit stitch, so if I am doing knitting in the round or flat garter, I will purl every row.... :)
Very helpful video, surely a number of knitters will profit from it. May I add, however, that the same principles can be applied to carrying yarn in the right hand which also has the advantage (for some, at least) of making purling much easier. In your video showing English style, the yarn is not managed nearly as efficiently as when you work continental. That is not a put down. I make the comment so that those who prefer to carry yarn in the right hand know it is possible to knit just as efficiently as left-hand carry.
@@cloknits Many Canadians are of English background.This neighbor could have learned it from a English relative.I wish I had asked where in Canada the lady was from?Morehead City,NC is pretty far from Canada.
I went to visit distant cousins in England some years ago and took out my knitting. The cousin looked with fascination and said, "I don't know what you're doing! It's like you're doing nothing and knitting happens!" I actually purl another way. When I do stockinette stitch, I always knit into the back of the stitch, so on the purl side, I just have to pick the yarn without any wrap. I also lost my right index finger in an accident, so I was very glad I knitted this way instead of English.
Oh so my grip has a name 😅 I knit sloppy, neurodivergent continental. 😂 I let my working yarn stay loose I don’t wrap it so for sure my method is very inefficient… but my tension is beautiful and even. Crocheting for years helped a lot with my tension regulation. I have middle tension (I go up 0.5mm in hooks) for crochet and perfect tension for knitting (no needle changes usually needed to meet gauge).
I prefer the English "flick" style I find it way quicker and kinder on the hands. In knitting, crochet and art there is no "should" it's whatever works for you.
I crocheted for many years before i knit so I naturally knit continental and many of your tips and techniques are ones that i do as well. I tried English style but to me it felt like wearing a left shoe on my right foot so it just didn't work for me.
I am a beginner knitter and have very recently decided to try learning continental style, but find that I can only knit for short periods due to my right hand cramping. I hope that my muscle memory will kick in because continental style seems so much more efficient.
I also noticed your needles are nearly on a 90 degree angle and your two index fingers are moving in the same direction at the same time as if there’s an invisible thing connects them. I’ve been trying continental and I always give up bc my left finger ends up further and further away and my tension becomes looser and looser. I watch a lot of tutorials from Ukrainians and Russians, and I’m always amazed how small the gap is between their two index fingers are. They use the tip of the needles as well which probably explains why their knitted items look so nice as if they were knitted by machines.
have you checked out the eastern style, not sure what it is called. It uses the purl wrap clockwise instead of counter clockwise then the reverse side working through the back loop to reset the stitch presentation?
Yes, I've tried it and I think it's a great options for those who really struggle with the purl stitch. When you only wrap the purl stitches clockwise it's called combination knitting. For me, the purl stitch was not that much faster and it then slowed down the ones I had to knit through the back loop, so not really helpful for me personally
I avoid that wrist twist on purls by using my thumb to put the yarn in place. Less motion, and my wrists stay happy, as does my PT Doctor daughter, who often watches what I do, to see if there is anything that might cause issues later. She did the same with my crocheting, and feel it is the reason that at 71, with her being a doc for 8 years, I've avoided a lot of pain issues others might develop.
I wish I had a PT someone in my life! For now my purling method works great for me but i'll be keeping a close eye on that wrist pain. Thank you for mentioning it!
I started knitting at 4 and always did the Portuguese style with yarn around the neck and the middle finger of the right hand. I've done tenths or even hundreds of projects. Recently I made a set of complete clothing for a newborn baby in the family and overdid it in such a way that my left thumb got really painful and is now stiff. I've tried all the other methods and can't get enough tension on the yarn to produce an even result. Nothing comparable to what I used to do. So I'm really frustrated and even thinking of using my damaged thumb to go back to my normal knitting.
Ah, colourwork! The gateway drug for English knitters to continental knitting. I'm still working on my tension for continental knitting. If I wrap the wool around my little finger (mirrors what I do when English knitting), that is too tight but if I go for the over the pinky, under the ring and middle fingers then over the index, that is too skithery. I don't yet have the control to manage ribbing at anything other than a very slow speed, although I can definitely see that once a person gets their skills up, continental ribbing would be easier than English style. I can work brioche with continental knitting. Indeed, I can _only_ work brioche with continental knitting, I refuse to attempt it with English knitting! So, overall, I'm at the stage of still practising. EDIT: There are some stitches where I am probably going to stick with English, like the good old basic knitted cast off. You anchor the stitch that is having the other stitch behind it lifted over it with the wool, so there's very little need for additional assistance from Peter Pointer to keep the stitches from falling off your needle. Similarly, lifting a yarn over over the next stitch (or stitches) is easier English style. Both styles have their advantages and if you can work English and continental along side each other in the one row in colourwork, there is no reason you shouldn't combine them in a large project if that works for you.
I love your approach. Having many options for knitting different stitches is so helpful. As for the tension, try playing with how you hold your needles, I feel like my tension more so held by my hand being closed on the yarn rather than how the yarn is wrapped on the fingers.
I basically do the same, but the people I learned it from called it Norwegian knitting. I associated holding the pointer finger up with continental knitting but apparently I’m wrong. I purl this way, too. I don’t purl the way they taught for Norwegian.
I am certainly a right-handed “English” knitter. However, I have no issue knitting continental and using more than one color. I have found that my attention may be different depending on the way I knit. I would like to have an identical gauge. Purl stitch is not as easy to convert to.
Yes, a lot of people have different gauges with one hand or the other. If you are aware of which one is tighter, there are ways to train yourself to loosen up on that side a bit. Have you seen my video about improving your tension?
A question: I have very few experience with continental knitting, I used to knit with 2 or 4 neadles. But do you always have to rest your hands on a table? Because I like to knit in my sofa 😅 However, I want to learn it because I don't like sewing (in fact I hate it😂). Continental knitting seems to me better for my shoulder, is that correct? Thanks for your time and love from Belgium!
@@cloknitsHuh??? Well, since I've got artritis in both feet and knees that won't be an option 😅 Still I think that intercontinental knitting would bé better for my shoulder that starts hurting after knitting for an hour or so (56 years old and a complete disaster 😂). In fact right now I'm trying to improve my technique using your tips to take away the pressure on my shoulder.(At 4 am 😂) Thanks for replying so soon!
I was a child when i learned knitting from my mother. We knit portuguese style with the yarn around your neck. Purling is so much easier with portuguese style. To knit the knit-stitch i changed my movement, i got a very easy for that too. I noticed, that the gauge for knitting in the round (the 2nd way you showed in your other video) doesnt work with portuguese style 😓 thats realy a pity
I can’t seem to get my finger to stay close to the needle and holding the yarn this way makes my yarn slide way too quickly and my stitches are loosey-goosey with terrible tension. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong and it’s very frustrating.
I am Norwegian and have knitted continental for 60 years. Knitted heaps. But haven't been able to knit because of pain between shoulder blades. So I try to learn English or lever style. But when knitting Norwegian I don't twirl the yarn like that. Only around the index finger. And not lifting the index finger either. That will really strain. You are too active in the left index finger. Continental makes for a lot of movement in the right hand, it really activates the muscle in the middle of the back. That's not the way we purl in Norway. Looks very cumbersome. Lift the first stich off without knitting for a good, even side. The last stich you always knit as a right, never pearl.
Thank you for all your tips. The beauty in knitting is that there are so many ways and as long as they are not hurting the knitters, they are totally right for them. I've tried many ways to knit and this one fits me perfectly. I hope you find the way that makes your pain go away. It must be very hard not being able to knit.
![10 easy ways to improve purling [slow-motion masterclass]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tJvXIxNz4XM/mqdefault.jpg)
I’m 86 and after a lifetime of English knitting decided to really try continental knitting, I’m making beanies and by the fourth one it’s getting quite natural, just proves you are never too old to learn something new.
What an inspiration you are! ❤️
Thank you for giving me the courage to try it too !
I’m in my early 70s and like you I have decided to learn to knit the Continental way. My first project will be a 'fish and chip jumper' knitted in the round. That way I get to practice the knit stitch on the body of the jumper before venturing into purl and ribbing. I knit a lot of socks so they will be great for practice as well. No we are never too old to learn.
Bye the way 'fish and chip jumpers' are knitted for babies in Africa, sometimes the parents are so poor the babies are sent home from hospital wrapped in newspaper. Hence the name. (For those who don’t know when I was a child, in the UK, shop bought fish and chips were served in grease proof paper, wrapped in white paper, then newspaper to keep them warm if we were taking them home. Nope no chips on the newspaper and it’s banned now!) You can find the pattern on the internet. Our 'Knit and Natter' group make them for the charity that sends them to Africa.
Thank you for sharing this video.
I'm 62 & always hated knitting, then in early summer his year (2024) discovered continental knitting and I'm now on my 4th jumper! I'm loving it ❤
Thank you for the good tutorial. I really appreciate you introducing the idea of Norwegian purling. As a continental knitter it was really hard to get tension on my yarn to purl & I never knew why until you explained it. Thank you. I looked up Norwegian Purling & am off an running.
Great! Thank you for the comment.
Also - do be aware, some of the moves I learned via RUclips - the instructors never told you had to KTBL to undo the twist - one even taught twisted knitting, and I don't think she was even aware she was twisting her stitches! So, good to know the right moves. It's hard to unlearn if you learn incorrectly.
I definitely want to learn continental knitting. I love color work and I am learning how to knit a cowl in color work. I’ve been knitting a few years English style. I don’t like the extra movements. When I have practice knitting continental with my fingers “closed” on the needle. It feels more comfortable. This is a very helpful video for me to use while practicing. Thanks!😊🧶
Wonderful!
This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on continental knitting. I think I will give it another try.
Wow, thank you!
I knit English style and am very comfortable doing it so haven't had much of a motivation to learn Continental, but having watched this I might give it a go 🙂 - thank you.
It's always fun to try out different styles and sometimes it makes you see why you love the one you love even better!
I chose Continental knitting style because I first learned to crochet and I am used to holding the yarn in my left hand, and I wanted smallest amount of joint movement as possible because of having arthritis.
Yes, continental knitting is so much easier for crocheter.
I have lupus and my right are gets really sore with English knitting. It is a challenge to learn continental but it really does feel much better.
I learn crochet first. A friend taught me to knit continental in the round on dpns. My first projects were mittens. I knitted mittens for my 3 younger sisters. I was so excited to learn how to knit. I purchased a sweater pattern, and it was off to the races. I didn't know what I didn't know. 😂 Thank you for this demo. I have yet to knit any color work. That is my next challenge. ❤❤❤
@@stephaniewilliams8687 I have SLE and going to try this too
@@sandrader2889 Fewer movements help. I don’t extend my index finger. I use the closed method so that my hands are more relaxed. Good luck.
I’ve only recently seen that some people knit with the yarn in the right hand on Pinterest and thought it was just so it’s easier to show what your doing but thought it was really slow and looked difficult, I didn’t know it was just the way it was done in some places and that what I’ve learned has a name. Thank you so much for explaining that ❤
I’ve been amazed (or maybe not) at how difficult it is to retrain oneself after knitting the same way for 60+ years. The inevitable but temporary slowdown is not welcome. 😂
I get it. Breaking habits is so much more difficult than learning something new.
Yes!! I’ve been knitting for over 15 years and I am decently fast but knit English and would really LIKE to learn Continental but it’s so infuriating that I end up just going back to what I can already do!
Oh ditto! I am now 63 and have been knitting the other way since I was about 7. Now, my hands get so sore that I HAVE to change my ways and it is NOT easy. I get frustrated…then get into a rhythm but when I stop or get interrupted I have to stop and recalibrate. I am confident that I will get there.
It's OK to know yourself, and what makes you happy, and the process enjoyable. I am a one year knitter, 50 year crocheter, who joined a group of English throwers who are really happy with how they knit, as well as what they knit: prayer shawls and beanies. They are always interested in the new things I do, both techniques as to cast-on and different stitch techniques, even having one of them try mitered squares, while the rest just looked on and oohed and aahed. We appreciate the beauty of all that is made by out members, and don't feel we need to change anyone's technique, while being open to sharing anything asked about. You keep on doing what makes you happy with your knitting, and know it is a wonderful thing!
@@vanessa1589yeah! I I'm running 59 & knittiting, criocheting and using hair pin ( U pin) for more than 40 years. & really want to work in continental way as smoothly as English style...
Thank you! I have been trying hard to learn continental but with little success.
Your video is so clear and comprehensive that I am anxious to try again while watching this video as I work..
Thank you so much!
Thank you, I hope it works out for you.
I did not know there is continental kniting. I was convinced there is one way for everyone :)
I was too, until I discovered RUclips! haha
I am dumbstruck by the clarity of the mechanics you explain in how to achieve knitting in the Continental style. As a right handed knitter, I know how to get a lovely even stockinette fabric with stitches sized to the needle but I feel like I have been such a fumblefingers in Continental when I have tried it (and heaven help me with the Continental purl) - until this video. Your clarity of explanations make me think you are a mechanical engineer of needles and yarn and I feel like I have a great basis now to try again seeing what it takes to create your stitches so smoothly. Thank you a thousand times over. Subscribed!
This is such a heartwarming comment. I love teaching and I love breaking things down to the very basic mouvements. I'm glad it resonates with you and helped you.
@@cloknits One of the reasons for your exceptional clarity, I think, is you understand how a right hand operator manages yarn, and you are deftly able to convey the specific differences it takes to achieve comfort and success with yarn in your left hand. That has been the missing insight for me in other videos that attempt to explain how to do Continental - no extrapolation. I now plan to watch other videos of yours about specific techniques. I know I will learn a lot and emerge a more capable knitter. Without a doubt, all the fancy specialty stitches don't count for much if my stockinette is not even and smooth.
Great video! That is exactly how I knit. I forced myself to learn continental knitting a few years ago because it seemed to be a more natural way for me to knit. Like you, I have never looked back. I doubt my brain would allow me to be able to English knit now! LOL
I can still knit English style but it always feels a little less natural.
Knitting Continental style is something that I have wanted to learn. Your video and tips will help a lot when I try it out. Thanks!
Come back and let me know how it goes once you do!
I learned a few things. I have been trying continental for a long time on and off. Thanks for some clarity !
You're welcome!
As a long time crocheter when I picked up knitting I naturally was more comfortable continental style. And this is like how I do it.
Thank you! This is the best video I’ve seen on the subject. Such a thorough explanation of all movements of fingers, arms, hands, wool etc.
Thank you so much!
I am new at knitting. I wanted to know about continental knitting. I am a crocheter and finding that they are just some things that need one or the other. I just came across you. I am so excited to learn more from you. What a great instructor you are!!! Thank you for all the work you put into your videos!!
thank you so much. I have a disease in both my hands that has made my English style knitting very difficult. I was looking for an easier less painful way to continue and I found it here. Thank you very much. Your tutorial was easy to follow and made sense all the way. I did a knit row very easily as I was watching. Purl will be something else but the clear problem for me is getting the yarn in place on my left hand so I can easily work it forward. Practice!! BTW, in Australia my family has always called in stocking stitch. Mum told me that they used to knit their stockings with one stitch and the garter to hold them up with the other. Fascinating to know we are continuing a centuries old tradition.
Thank you for sharing that bit of knowledge. I love getting info from all around the world.
I was teaching myself to knit and discovered continental knitting which felt more natural for me. Purling was difficult for me because I just couldn’t do it without getting confused. The Norwegian purl was difficult for me when I tried it.Your technique appears to be less confusing and easier. Thank you for sharing.
I really appreciate this video - I have been wanting to learn continental knitting to reduce wrist pain on my right hand. This video is very clear and concise.
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve been crocheting for a couple of years and I’m now learning how to knit. I’m feeling quite confident in English style already so I’ve been watching lots of different tutorials to learn continental so I can get faster and try color work too, and I feel like this is the first one that actually works for me! I saw a few ways where you mostly move your left hand, but as a crocheter it would take me much much longer to learn it. This way seems much easier for me so thank you!
You are welcome! There are as many ways of knitting as there are knitters and it feels really good when you find the way that works for you.
Thanks for the video, I will try your tensioning suggestion for Continental purling. I kind of vacillate between a Norwegian Pearl and the Continental Pearl with the Norwegian Pearl being a little easier to tension but having an occasional yarn over by not finishing the turn! And you're right the Norwegian Pearl does involve a little bit more motion and that's what I was trying to eliminate to protect my wrists
Let me know if you end up using my tips! I'm sure you'll find the best method for you eventually.
I like your tutorial. I have been knitting like this my whole life, but as you mentioned - a lot of videos show continental knitting with the finger up in the air. I have tried that but don't like it. So thank you for making a video that shows knitting the way I am used to! My purling is a little bit different, but as you say - there are many ways to do it.
This is great….Teaching myself to knit. I have the continental knit down but purling is my nemesis. Will try your method Many thanks
Yes, purling is often people's pain point with continental. There are many ways to do it. This one works best for me, I hope it helps.
I saw a video with Continental knitting and taught myself how to do it and I love it no more flicking
Wow! That was soooo helpful! I’ve been struggling with the strain of the straight index finger on continental, so this is great. Plus you knit so fast! Just the thing to up my sweater game 😍👍
I hope it can relieve some pain for sure.
I have been knitting English for about 45 years and I knit for several hours every day so my muscle memory is pretty ingrained. I do use 2 hands for colorwork and I am very proficient in the continental knit stitch. In fact, I have knit entire sweaters in the round using continental. I execute the continental knit stitch exactly like you. My problem is the purl stitch. So I usually default to English. Recently, I have been knitting a lot of cardigans and I have been experiencing pain in my thumb which I think is from purling a lot so I am looking to switch completely to continental. Thanks for your video. I guess I just need a lot of practice for continental purling. You are right that this is the hard part of switching. I keep looking for a method that clicks.
Maybe the Norwegian purl would work better for you, have you tried it before?
@@cloknits yes - I have tried it for several ribbed projects and I am pretty proficient with it. I might stick with that but was looking to see if something else flowed better. I do get good tension with the Norwegian purl..better actually than with the English purl, I think.
I'm 54 and after English style knitting all that time I'm trying to teach myself continental with the norweign purl. I like your purl better and will give it a try.
Hello--I just discovered your knitting videos. Thank you for your excellent instructions!-- I have been knitting for many years but your tutorials are the best!!!
You are so welcome!
@@cloknits Thank you for responding to my comment. That means a lot to me!
I am desperate to learn how to knit sweaters. Do you have any tutorials that would help me or can you recommend a pattern? Thank you-
I’ve knit using nearly every style known to man. 😂 I change based upon what the project calls for. Currently, I’m making a 3x2 rib waistcoat. Combination knitting works best (for me) for ribbing. The entire thing is made in ribbing and there are only tiny movements between knit and purl stitches. Being ambidextrous helps with quickly switching knitting styles and mirror (left hand knitting) knitting flat, stockinette projects. It eliminates all purling.
It's so good to be able to switch depending on the stitch. Great way to never get hurt. ❤️
Thanks Claudia! I also learnt English knitting from my mum since I was a small kid. She do flicking, but I only managed to do throwing, and don't know there are other ways of knitting like 'Continental'. Just recently so fascinated by double knitting and stranded work, then I try to learn continental knitting from RUclips (from you and some other videos). It takes a while to get used to it, I just 'forcing' myself do a few rows in small swatches with continental style every day, and switch back to English style in my regular projects. Suddenly one day, I found the 'da-da!' moment that I can do Continental! And it is a total game changer that I found my knitting much faster, smoother, and more enjoyable. (and sometime later I found myself can do flicking in right hand too!)
I am now working on a double knitting scarf, which I alternately do flicking knit stitch on right hand, and continental purl stitch on left land. Tried to use Continental holding 2 colours on left hand, but still find it easier for my brain and hands to work with separate hands. Yet another issue is the tensions of knit and purl are not consistent, continental purl is tighter than flicking knit , still adjusting myself.
Always love that there is no right or wrong in knitting, just find the best methods suit you most!
Thank you for sharing your learning journey with us.
I have been knitting my whole life and didn't know this was possible! I sometimes get repetitive strain in my right arm when knitting, so this could help. I will need to give it a try. Thank you
I just happened across this video, and it is fun seeing someone knitting the same way I do, including how I bunch the stitches, hold the yarn etc 😊 I learned from my mother and grandmother around 50 years ago. I purl a tiny bit different, I move my left pointer less and right needle more (maybe a version of norwegian purl, but with the yarn in front)
Wonderful!
I'm a natural left handed person, but thanks to a brownie leader I knit right handed. I've watched a few videos trying to follow continental knitters, but none have explained it like you.
I'm, somehow, 61 and after a lifetime of knitting and crocheting my hands and wrists are telling me to try a different technique.
Just on the second toe of my next pair of socks, so think I will try this next knit time. A hat sounds a good project to do. I'll try in the round first and once I have the knit stitch sorted I'll try a flat piece.
Thank you. I'll let you know if I succeed.
Happy Crafting xxJane 🐑🌼
Thank you for this clear video and thorough explanation! I'm definitely knitting and purling correctly, but my stitches don't always look identical for some reason. I'll continue to research
Look at your stitches closely, you might find the explanation, I'm sure a little more practice will help.
I only knit continental, learned in Germany, and it is so super fast, and best of all its easy on the hands and wrist,
Thanks for providing all the different techniques. I've always struggled with pearling continental but I'm going to try your first technique.
Wonderful!
This looks promising !! Have been dying to get on the continental bandwagon for years but always succumb due to lack of perseverance ! Knitting is pretty intuitive and smooth but continental purling less so. Excited to giving it another go with your suggestions. many thanks
Let me know if it works out for you.
Excellent video! I learned continental for the very same reason as you with colour work. Now I exclusively knit closed continental except when doing colour work. I'm pointing my niece at your video as she's experiencing some right hand pain with throwing. All perfectly explained!
Thank you for the comment! ❤️
I finally got it!!! I’m a crocheter first and just don’t like throwing but couldn’t knit any other way. I want to start making socks, this video really helped. Your specific version of continental was just what I needed. Thanks :)
I'm glad it resonated with you.
Thank you for this video. I am going to try your purl method because that is the stitch that gives me the most trouble.
You're welcome. Let me know if it works!
Thank you! I was already knitting continental but had the extra wraps going on my finger and knew I was holding my yarn extended out too far. This is prefect - exactly what I needed to see and hear to tighten up my knitting! Thank you!
You're welcome!
I started knitting continental style years ago but could never master purling, so when knitting stocking stitch I have the yarn in my left hand for the knit rows and in my right hand for the purl rows. This seems to work .... but for ribbing I had to resort to right hand yarn. Just now I'm working on a 1x1 rib, and the knit stitches are twisted, so knit into the back of the stitch. This is much easier continental style and after watching your video I have finally worked out how to do the purl stitches much more easily. So a very big thank you!
That's great to hear. Thank you for leaving a comment, it puts a big smile on my face.
You are so Easy to fallow along with. I appreciate your Teaching. I'm having my 1st Grandbabies . Yes❣❣im so exciting.. i have to refresh myself knitting. Continent is by far the Easiest. I recall i left my yarn behind both ways knitting and purling. I can crochet and some Tunisian. I want the tightest for no little fingers or toes to get caught. I have the softest thicker yarn. Thanks for the refresh. I have arthritis in both thumbs so continental is easier on me. I just found you.. and subscribing to your channel and going to go through your Video's. AGAIN THANK YOU. Any suggestions i would appreciate
On and my daughter is having TWIN BOYS.. I'm so overjoyed.. 🙏🕊🤟
Congratulations on the new babies! It's so exciting. I made many cute baby sweaters for my daughters and they were so fun.
I started knitting in June / July 2021. And I started English style. And this year after watching one of your videos I tried continental style. It was awkward at first but I love it😍thank you
Fun! I love being able to switch between the two. Thank you for leaving a comment.
Thanks for the great video. Like you, I challenged myself many years ago to learn continental knitting due the arm pain I had with English style. I practiced a lot and never looked back. No arm pain, just increased speed and more even stitches. What's not to like about that?! I knit exactly as you do, but my purls are done slightly differently. With yarn in front, I still keep my left forefinger close to the left needle, push the right needle into the stitch and slightly turn the left wrist forward. I then tip the right needle upward slightly and pull the purl stitch through. At the same time, the right wrist turns back ready for the next stitch. Hard to describe in words. I like it because it's still minimum movement and is relaxing to do.
Nice! I'll try it.
Hi. Just found this video and your channel while looking for instructions for continental knitting. I am also an English knitter looking at continental for color work! I found one video saying you can hold both yarns in your right hand, but both hands just makes sense. I tried continental about a year ago and was hold my finger high and it was really uncomfortable so now I’m looking at different methods. I’d LOVE to see how you do stranded colorwork 😊
That's a great topic for a futur video. Thanks!
After crocheting for 50 years, trying to hold the yarn in my right hand never worked. Throwing meant dropped stitches off my left needle, and frustrating results. Continental, holding the yarn in the left hand, meant I already had muscle memory as to tensioning and holding, and knitting became fun!
It's always surprising to me when crocheters learn to knit english style. Usually they struggle more that way and when they learn continental, it feels much more natural.
I learned to knit from my mom and we carry our yarn on our right hand and use very long needles to be able to hold the working needle under our right arm. I never knew what style it was but mom used to say it was “Spanish “ knitting. I never really saw anybody else knitting how we did. Fast forward 40 years and I want to knit winter hats for my kids. I had some circulars inherited from grandma and decided to keep my yarn on my left hand and was able to go much faster than I did when I worked with yarn in my right hand so now, if I’m knitting in the round I keep my yarn on my left hand and if I’m working back and forth I knit Spanish style. However, last year I knit a cardigan with very thin cotton and the pattern was neck down so I used circulars. The stitches were very open and uneven due to the weight of the garment when I held the yarn in my left hand and I ended up using my right hand to achieve a tighter more even fabric.
There are so many ways to knit and knowing more than one is a wonderful skill to have.
@@cloknits so true!
Love the sweater your wearing and the colours can you tell us about both please. great tutorial I wanted to try continental but didn’t know where to start so I’m a new sub glad to have fo
Hi, I'm wearing the DRK Everyday Sweater by Andrea Mowry. The yarn is handspun by me! 🥰
I grew up with continental knitting and only learned English style later in life. Now I use both when doing fair isle so I can use both hands and just alternate colors.
Loved this video! I enjoy seeing how people move their yarn (walking it down the needles) as that's something I'm trying to learn. I always have to stop and re-bunch the yarn at the end - and I want to learn how to move it automatically while knitting. Thanks for this!
Glad it was helpful!
@@cloknits0:01 0:01
Excellent video. Thanks for the visual tip.
I love continental knitting. My tension is more even and a bit looser than my English knitting. I learned to Norwegian Purl from Arne and Carlos. And boy, did that help tighten up my stitches and its muscle memory now, and im faster, but the method doesn't hurt my hand, and i have carpal tunnel issues in my left hand. I learned so many different ways, like portuguese knitting, and that's really fast. I even made my own pin for the tension. I didn't like it around my neck. Have you tried that way yet? I love our craft because there's so many great tips and tricks to try like your channel. Thanks for the tips.
I've tried portuguese a little but didn't get into it too much.
This was a really great tutorial. My grandma knitted continental style and pearled Norwegian or with the thumb pushing down the yarn depending on the project. I just don't know when one is better than the other as I just started learning after years of only crochet.
Any method of knitting and purling are great and they produce the same stitches. It's really just a matter of what you prefer and feels more comfortable to you.
Wow. Great, detailed description of everything that is going on! Love it. Thanks!
Thank you for the comment!
I got it! Thank you for explaining so well…yes, I put on slow speed too….great way to learn….
I'm glad you liked it!
I knit both ways. Learned English when I was 10. Then I learned continental. I do both with colorwork. I’m very slow with continental. And I can’t purl with continental. I’ve never practiced that enough to get good. So I’m sticking with English 😊
Thanks for the tips. I will try it as I'd like to improve my picking for stranded colourwork. I would love to know more about your jumper. I couldn't see it on your Rav page and I think it's awesome.
Hi thanks for the comment. The sweater I'm wearing is the DRK Everyday by Andrea Mowry which is a perfect blank canvas for a busy yarn. I actually handspun the yarn for this sweater which makes it so much more special!
I learned continental 50 years ago and watched this video to see if there’s anything I could do differently. I’m definitely going to try to keep my left pointer resting on the middle finger. It seems like a more ergonomic way to evenly maintain the tension.
Wonderful!
Ok. You’ve encouraged me to try continental knitting again
Let me know how it goes
This video is amazing. Learned something new today.
I learn something new everyday with knitting. I love it!
thank you for your purl continental. your video helped me the most of any other video. I am practicing with a slick yarn and I will try it with another yarn that is not so slick.... ugh
Glad it was helpful! Yes give yourself a little help for the yarn to practice and get it down. Then you can go back to the slippy yarn.
I learned 10 years ago, when my hands started hurting, soo much easier on my arthritis
Same with me. 👍👍
Thank you for sharing. I’m fairly new to knitting, but I do have a lot of background of sitting at a computer keyboard. This brings me to comment on a concern of Repetitive Stress Inuries (RSI). Constant small repetitive movements of small joints and muscles tends to be the biggest cause. I find one of the ways to counteract that is to knit (continental) as if I’m a bird flapping its wings. If I can get my larger muscles and joints to move rather than stressing the smaller ones (like bending the wrist in a contorted manner), I believe that is a way I am going to help avoiding knitting related RSI injuries. If anyone knows for sure, please chime in. Nothing like finding and getting really good at something only to have to stop after a couple of years due to pain and injury.
If you are interested in the ergonomics of knitting Carson Demers has a wonderful book about it. Mostly, your posture and taking stretching breaks are key. Also, having multiple projects going at once with different size yarn and needles helps me not strain my muscles because I switch the motion I use a lot.
Nice video and it seems simple and I thank I will try it . Thanks for the video.😊
Most welcome 😊
It's a good way to knit without any pain in hands and shoulders
this video was very very helpful... you mentioned that the needle determines the gauge, so do you have a video on that aspect please?
Yes! I have a video about tension: ruclips.net/video/fOziIfeXhhs/видео.htmlsi=j3gudGAFrlb-yqIh
Thanks for this... I still hate purling via continental... I've tried so many times... I have given up. I have discovered Portuguese/Greek knitting...there is even less movement of the hands and wrists, I think. I have learned to knit English with throwing, English with flicking (not my best but I can), Continental knits, for sure, purling is ok.... but if you try Portuguese/Greek style, I think you might be hooked, as I am.
If you look up Andrea Wong, she is the main proponent of this on YT... and she has LOTS of videos on basic setup, knitting, purling and of course stitch patterns etc...
It is the only way I knit now (but I do want to eventually learn lever knitting...
Thanks for the video, but you did not convince me on the purl stitch in continental. In Portuguese, in fact, purl is slightly easier than the knit stitch, so if I am doing knitting in the round or flat garter, I will purl every row.... :)
Thank for the tips. I love the way I knit and purl right now but I know Portuguese is a great way as well.
Thankyou, this was helpful!
I just learned flicking a couple years ago.
Very helpful video, surely a number of knitters will profit from it. May I add, however, that the same principles can be applied to carrying yarn in the right hand which also has the advantage (for some, at least) of making purling much easier. In your video showing English style, the yarn is not managed nearly as efficiently as when you work continental. That is not a put down. I make the comment so that those who prefer to carry yarn in the right hand know it is possible to knit just as efficiently as left-hand carry.
You are 100% right. I never did hold my yarn in the most efficient way in English and I wish i could!
My Mom learned this method from her Canadian neighbor who had moved to a beach in the 1950's.I didn't see her knit much as she preferred sewing.
Interesting. I rarely see other Canadians knit this way.
@@cloknits Many Canadians are of English background.This neighbor could have learned it from a English relative.I wish I had asked where in Canada the lady was from?Morehead City,NC is pretty far from Canada.
Great tutorial on continental knitting. What pattern is your beautiful sweater? Thanks in advance!
Thank you. It's the DRK Everyday Sweater by Andrea Mowry
Merci pour se vidéo vous êtes la meilleure 😊
Avec plaisir!
I knit the English style, but my Mum knitted Continental Style and I always wanted to knit Continental style, but I struggle with tension.
Playing with how you wrap (or don't) your yarn and how you move your hands as you form the stitch will let you find your perfect technique.
I went to visit distant cousins in England some years ago and took out my knitting. The cousin looked with fascination and said, "I don't know what you're doing! It's like you're doing nothing and knitting happens!" I actually purl another way. When I do stockinette stitch, I always knit into the back of the stitch, so on the purl side, I just have to pick the yarn without any wrap. I also lost my right index finger in an accident, so I was very glad I knitted this way instead of English.
Every one has their own favorite way of knitting and it's such a fascinating thing to see.
@@cloknits It's interesting to think how people figured out knitting from scratch in so many places long ago.
@@ImCarolB Right? It's baffling to me.
@@lb4001 He may have been the guy the hunters left back at the camp.
Oh so my grip has a name 😅 I knit sloppy, neurodivergent continental. 😂 I let my working yarn stay loose I don’t wrap it so for sure my method is very inefficient… but my tension is beautiful and even. Crocheting for years helped a lot with my tension regulation. I have middle tension (I go up 0.5mm in hooks) for crochet and perfect tension for knitting (no needle changes usually needed to meet gauge).
Love that!
I prefer the English "flick" style I find it way quicker and kinder on the hands. In knitting, crochet and art there is no "should" it's whatever works for you.
That's what I also believe!
Excellent video!
Thank you!
I crocheted for many years before i knit so I naturally knit continental and many of your tips and techniques are ones that i do as well. I tried English style but to me it felt like wearing a left shoe on my right foot so it just didn't work for me.
Yes, it's so much easier for crocheters to knit continental!
@@cloknits: Unless they're left handed crocheters...
I am a beginner knitter and have very recently decided to try learning continental style, but find that I can only knit for short periods due to my right hand cramping. I hope that my muscle memory will kick in because continental style seems so much more efficient.
I'm sure you'll find the right way that feels comfortable to you, as long as you are willing to spend a bit of time practicing and tweaking.
I also noticed your needles are nearly on a 90 degree angle and your two index fingers are moving in the same direction at the same time as if there’s an invisible thing connects them. I’ve been trying continental and I always give up bc my left finger ends up further and further away and my tension becomes looser and looser. I watch a lot of tutorials from Ukrainians and Russians, and I’m always amazed how small the gap is between their two index fingers are. They use the tip of the needles as well which probably explains why their knitted items look so nice as if they were knitted by machines.
Yes, those are great observations. .I have a video explaining some quick fixes for tension issue. Maybe you can find more tricks in there as well.
have you checked out the eastern style, not sure what it is called. It uses the purl wrap clockwise instead of counter clockwise then the reverse side working through the back loop to reset the stitch presentation?
Yes, I've tried it and I think it's a great options for those who really struggle with the purl stitch. When you only wrap the purl stitches clockwise it's called combination knitting. For me, the purl stitch was not that much faster and it then slowed down the ones I had to knit through the back loop, so not really helpful for me personally
I avoid that wrist twist on purls by using my thumb to put the yarn in place. Less motion, and my wrists stay happy, as does my PT Doctor daughter, who often watches what I do, to see if there is anything that might cause issues later. She did the same with my crocheting, and feel it is the reason that at 71, with her being a doc for 8 years, I've avoided a lot of pain issues others might develop.
I wish I had a PT someone in my life! For now my purling method works great for me but i'll be keeping a close eye on that wrist pain. Thank you for mentioning it!
As a crocheter this is easier to learn. I'm doing English style but going to try this instead
It makes sense for crocheters for sure.
I started knitting at 4 and always did the Portuguese style with yarn around the neck and the middle finger of the right hand. I've done tenths or even hundreds of projects. Recently I made a set of complete clothing for a newborn baby in the family and overdid it in such a way that my left thumb got really painful and is now stiff.
I've tried all the other methods and can't get enough tension on the yarn to produce an even result. Nothing comparable to what I used to do. So I'm really frustrated and even thinking of using my damaged thumb to go back to my normal knitting.
I'm so sorry you're in pain. It does take time to get good tension purling in other methods. Have you tried knitting backwards on long purl rows?
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Ah, colourwork! The gateway drug for English knitters to continental knitting.
I'm still working on my tension for continental knitting. If I wrap the wool around my little finger (mirrors what I do when English knitting), that is too tight but if I go for the over the pinky, under the ring and middle fingers then over the index, that is too skithery. I don't yet have the control to manage ribbing at anything other than a very slow speed, although I can definitely see that once a person gets their skills up, continental ribbing would be easier than English style.
I can work brioche with continental knitting. Indeed, I can _only_ work brioche with continental knitting, I refuse to attempt it with English knitting! So, overall, I'm at the stage of still practising.
EDIT: There are some stitches where I am probably going to stick with English, like the good old basic knitted cast off. You anchor the stitch that is having the other stitch behind it lifted over it with the wool, so there's very little need for additional assistance from Peter Pointer to keep the stitches from falling off your needle. Similarly, lifting a yarn over over the next stitch (or stitches) is easier English style. Both styles have their advantages and if you can work English and continental along side each other in the one row in colourwork, there is no reason you shouldn't combine them in a large project if that works for you.
I love your approach. Having many options for knitting different stitches is so helpful. As for the tension, try playing with how you hold your needles, I feel like my tension more so held by my hand being closed on the yarn rather than how the yarn is wrapped on the fingers.
I basically do the same, but the people I learned it from called it Norwegian knitting. I associated holding the pointer finger up with continental knitting but apparently I’m wrong. I purl this way, too. I don’t purl the way they taught for Norwegian.
I've always called it continental. But really styles vary so much, I think it's very dependent on where you learned.
C'est très similaire à la façon dont ma mère tricotait, but she purled Norwegian-style.
I am certainly a right-handed “English” knitter. However, I have no issue knitting continental and using more than one color. I have found that my attention may be different depending on the way I knit. I would like to have an identical gauge. Purl stitch is not as easy to convert to.
Yes, a lot of people have different gauges with one hand or the other. If you are aware of which one is tighter, there are ways to train yourself to loosen up on that side a bit. Have you seen my video about improving your tension?
@@cloknits I have not seen that video yet. I will go look for it. Thank you.
A question: I have very few experience with continental knitting, I used to knit with 2 or 4 neadles. But do you always have to rest your hands on a table? Because I like to knit in my sofa 😅 However, I want to learn it because I don't like sewing (in fact I hate it😂). Continental knitting seems to me better for my shoulder, is that correct? Thanks for your time and love from Belgium!
You can knit in any position, I actually am more comfortable when standing!
@@cloknitsHuh??? Well, since I've got artritis in both feet and knees that won't be an option 😅 Still I think that intercontinental knitting would bé better for my shoulder that starts hurting after knitting for an hour or so (56 years old and a complete disaster 😂). In fact right now I'm trying to improve my technique using your tips to take away the pressure on my shoulder.(At 4 am 😂) Thanks for replying so soon!
Thank you💝
You're welcome 😊
I was a child when i learned knitting from my mother. We knit portuguese style with the yarn around your neck. Purling is so much easier with portuguese style. To knit the knit-stitch i changed my movement, i got a very easy for that too. I noticed, that the gauge for knitting in the round (the 2nd way you showed in your other video) doesnt work with portuguese style 😓 thats realy a pity
I guess you could make it work by changing the way your wrap the yarn around your neck... but it might be more trouble than it's worth.
I can’t seem to get my finger to stay close to the needle and holding the yarn this way makes my yarn slide way too quickly and my stitches are loosey-goosey with terrible tension. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong and it’s very frustrating.
You can play with how the yarn is wrapped or not around your fingers to find the sweet spot for you. It takes a bit of fiddling around for sure.
Same with me……my pointer finger keeps drifting upward.
I choose to knit with fluffy yarns which tend to get caught up and split with continental knitting. I’ll stick to the other.
As long as you are happy with your knitting, every method is great!
I would like to know, is it a good idea for a left handed knitter to change to right handed.
When you say "left handed knitter" do you mean that you hold your yarn in the left of that you knit from right to left?
This is the way I do it in knitting but I am having so much trouble with purling
It takes some little adjustments to find your confortable spot. Maybe norwegian purling or portuguese purling would make sense for you.
@@cloknits , I have been trying for years, I just can’t keep the yarn on my fingers
I am Norwegian and have knitted continental for 60 years. Knitted heaps. But haven't been able to knit because of pain between shoulder blades. So I try to learn English or lever style.
But when knitting Norwegian I don't twirl the yarn like that. Only around the index finger. And not lifting the index finger either. That will really strain. You are too active in the left index finger. Continental makes for a lot of movement in the right hand, it really activates the muscle in the middle of the back. That's not the way we purl in Norway. Looks very cumbersome. Lift the first stich off without knitting for a good, even side. The last stich you always knit as a right, never pearl.
Thank you for all your tips. The beauty in knitting is that there are so many ways and as long as they are not hurting the knitters, they are totally right for them. I've tried many ways to knit and this one fits me perfectly. I hope you find the way that makes your pain go away. It must be very hard not being able to knit.