The Different Methods of Knitting (English & Continental)
Learn the difference between the two primary types of knitting – English and Continental. In this post I explain the differences between the two styles, and the pros and cons of each method.
I first learned to knit as a small child, having been taught by my mother. As I grew up knitting I really never knew that there were different methods of knitting, I assumed that the knitting that I had learned was the only and correct way to knit.
I learned the English style of knitting (not surprising as I am English and come from a long line of English knitting women!), whereby I hold the yarn in my right hand.
But there are other knitting styles and methods that are practiced. Some are unique to different countries and regions.
There are two primary styles of knitting – English and Continental. In addition to that there are some regional variations on knitting styles and methods. But in this article I am going to cover the two primary styles of knitting.
English Style Knitting
English Knitting is also known as “throwing” or “right-hand knitting”. In English knitting, the working yarn is held in the right hand, and the knitter “throws” the yarn over the needle to create stitches.
The key components of English Knitting:
Holding the Yarn:
In English knitting, you start by holding the working yarn (the yarn connected to your project) in your right hand. Allow a few inches of yarn to dangle from your right hand so that you can manipulate it easily.
Casting On:
To begin your knitting project, you typically start by casting on stitches onto one of your knitting needles. Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your right hand and the empty needle in your left hand.
Knit Stitch:
The most basic stitch in English knitting is the “knit stitch.”
How to do it:
a. Insert the right-hand needle from left to right into the first stitch on the left-hand needle.
b. Wrap the working yarn around the right-hand needle, moving from the back to the front (counterclockwise direction).
c. Use the right-hand needle to pull the wrapped yarn through the stitch, creating a new loop on the right-hand needle.
d. Slip the original stitch off the left-hand needle.
e. You now have one stitch on the right-hand needle.
Purl Stitch:
The “purl stitch” is another fundamental stitch in English knitting. It creates a different texture from the knit stitch.
Here’s how to do it:
a. Insert the right-hand needle from right to left into the first stitch on the left-hand needle.
b. Wrap the working yarn around the right-hand needle, moving from the front to the back (clockwise direction).
c. Use the right-hand needle to pull the wrapped yarn through the stitch.
d. Slip the original stitch off the left-hand needle.
e. You’ve created a purl stitch.
Continuing the Row:
To knit a row of stitches, you alternate between knit and purl stitches as needed based on your pattern. Once you’ve completed a row, you turn your work around, so the needle with stitches is in your left hand, and the empty needle is in your right hand.
Binding Off:
When you’re ready to finish your project, you’ll typically bind off the stitches to secure them.
To bind off in English knitting, you knit the first two stitches, then lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle.
Repeat this process until only one stitch remains, which you can cut and secure.
Tension:
Tension refers to the consistent tightness or looseness with which you hold the yarn while knitting. In English knitting, managing tension is crucial to achieve an even and balanced fabric.
Tension can be controlled by adjusting how tightly you wrap the yarn and how you hold it in your right hand. See more about the importance of tension here.
Continental Style Knitting
Continental style knitting, also known as “picking” or “left-hand knitting,” is one of the two primary methods of hand knitting. In Continental knitting, you hold the working yarn in your left hand and use your left-hand needle to “pick” the yarn and create stitches on the right-hand needle.
This style is known for its efficiency and speed, as well as its potential to reduce hand strain.
The Key Components of Continental style knitting:
Holding the Yarn:
In Continental knitting, you start by holding the working yarn (the yarn connected to your project) in your left hand. Allow a few inches of yarn to dangle from your left hand, so you can easily manipulate it.
Casting On:
To begin your knitting project, you typically start by casting on stitches onto one of your knitting needles. Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand.
Knit Stitch:
The most basic stitch in Continental knitting is the “knit stitch.”
How to do it:
a. Insert the right-hand needle from left to right into the first stitch on the left-hand needle.
b. With your left hand, use your left-hand needle to pick the working yarn from the back to the front of the right-hand needle.
c. Slip the original stitch off the left-hand needle.
d. You now have one stitch on the right-hand needle.
Purl Stitch:
The “purl stitch” is another fundamental stitch in Continental knitting. It creates a different texture from the knit stitch.
Here’s how to do it:
a. Insert the right-hand needle from right to left into the first stitch on the left-hand needle.
b. With your left hand, use your left-hand needle to pick the working yarn from the front to the back of the right-hand needle.
c. Slip the original stitch off the left-hand needle.
d. You’ve created a purl stitch.
Continuing the Row:
To knit a row of stitches, you alternate between knit and purl stitches as needed based on your pattern.
Once you’ve completed a row, you turn your work around, so the needle with stitches is in your left hand, and the empty needle is in your right hand.
Binding Off:
When you’re ready to finish your project, you’ll typically bind off the stitches to secure them.
To bind off in Continental knitting, you can knit the first two stitches, then lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. Repeat this process until only one stitch remains, which you can cut and secure.
Tension:
Tension in Continental knitting refers to the consistent tightness or looseness with which you hold the yarn while knitting.
It is often easier to maintain a consistent tension in Continental knitting compared to English knitting, which can result in a more even and balanced fabric.
Which is Easier to Learn – English or Continental?
The ease of learning English-style knitting or Continental-style knitting can vary from person to person, as it often depends on personal preferences, hand dexterity, and prior experience.
Some factors to consider when deciding which style might be easier for you to learn include:
Prior Experience: If you have prior experience with crochet or other crafts that involve working yarn with your left hand (like weaving or sewing), you might find Continental knitting more intuitive.
Hand Dominance: Your hand dominance can play a role. People who are left-handed or ambidextrous may find Continental knitting more natural, as it involves coordinated movements of the left hand.
Tension Control: Some knitters find it easier to control their tension and maintain consistent gauge in Continental knitting. Others may find it simpler to achieve this in English knitting.
Comfort: Comfort is subjective. Some knitters may find one style more comfortable and less strenuous on their hands, while others may prefer the other style.
Speed: Some knitters find that Continental knitting is faster once they become proficient, but speed is not the primary concern for everyone.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which style is easier for you is to give both a try.
Spend some time practicing each style to see which one feels more comfortable and natural.
You might even choose to use a combination of both styles or switch between them depending on the project.
Related Articles you may want to check out!
Essential Knitting Needle Guide for Beginner Knitters
How to use Circular Knitting Needles
From Fluffy to Chunky: Exploring the Wide World of Yarn
Easy Knit Chunky Throw Blanket: Great for Beginners
Learn the difference between the two primary types of knitting – English and Continental. In this post I explain the differences between the two styles, and the pros and cons of each method.