[FONT=Century Gothic]I am an English knitter, but I’ve been thinking of learning continental knitting as well. But before I invest my time in learning something new, I have to ask, what are the benefits to continental knitting over English knitting? And vice versa? Is it good to know both, or is it more for novelty?
Also, I know I’ve been posting a lot of threads and asking a lot of questions. I hope I haven’t been over-doing it. (P.S. - I also ran a search through the forums to see if anyone had posted this before me, I didn’t find any recent ones, but I’m sorry if this question is redundant.)
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There are tons of posts about english vs continental. They both equally good and it’s good to know both for things like stranded knitting. Some people claim continental is faster and it may be for some, but I’ve seen english knitters knit like the wind, too. Do what works for you.
Never apologize for posting new threads, Silly! It’s a forum. GO FOR IT. Besides, it gives me new posts to read.
I do English and have no desire to learn the other method. I can’t think of how it would be beneficial to just confuse myself further. ha But if you’re curious, give it a shot. You can always change your mind later, and go back to the RIGHT WAY. heh heh J/K
I know how to do both methods. I enjoy using Continental for 90% of my projects and it works GREAT. However, I use the English way when I’m teaching someone new to knit AND when I’m using plush or chenille type yarns.
Those types of yarns are harder (for me) to use in my left hand because they don’t move as smoothly through my fingers.
I would NEVER say one way is “right” or “wrong” or better than another way. It all depends on what each individual is comfortable with. If you’re at all curious about it, go ahead and investigate it. Try it out for about 2-3 weeks. If it works, GREAT. If not, go back to English.
I have taught Continental to people with repetitive motion problems who have pain with English style. There is more economy of motion in Continental and less wear and tear on the wrists.
[FONT=Century Gothic]I think I’ll officially learn (or at least try) the Continental method, at least to see if it’s easier. I don’t get pain in my wrists from English method, but who’s to say that won’t happen later on down the road?
I’ve always used the continental method, before I even knew what it was. For me, it just flows a lot better. I really don’t know why, it just does. Just give it a try whenever you feel like you’d be comfortable trying it, and if it works for you that’s great. If not, just go back to the method that is most comfortable for you.
[FONT=Century Gothic]That’s actually why I wanted to try the continental method - the videos I watched on KH seemed like the knitting was going a lot quicker, with fewer “finger acrobatics”, and with less motion. It drives my boyfriend crazy when I knit in bed at night when he’s trying to sleep; he says that when I really start to get into it the bed shakes like there’s an earthquake from me throwing the yarn (I think that’s what it’s called - when I wrap the yarn around my right needle) lol. Continental method just seems more fluid, and maybe also easier on the joints. I never get joint pain (I’m 20), but I want to lessen the damage as much as possible so that I don’t have to give up knitting when I get older from arthritis.[/FONT]
Well, it sounds like you should really give continetal knitting a try. With continental, you basically just let the needle do all of the work for you. To me, it’s just what makes the most sense. It just seems odd to me to have the yarn in the same hand that you’re holding you’re knitting needle. But that’s just me.
I knit Continental. I LOVE it.
At first sight I thought that English knitting was awkward, strange and very slow. Then I looked closer: some people DO whip that yarn around. And yes, there are terribly slow Continental knitters as well. So what works best for you is your way.
For me, after having tried English but not becoming a good English knitter, no way, Continental is my choice still because if feels “right”. But looking over the line to English has gotten me understanding better.
I think that for my way of knitting it feels ergonomic, effortless, fast, secure, done blindly…
So: Whatever you do: find YOUR way, even if that means that you constantly switch by mood. Some do that and feel happy.
I was taught the English method in childhood, over 50 years ago (my has it been that long?!)…but lately, with arthritis setting into my fingers, I gave continental a try, just so my usual muscles and bones could move differently, get some rest.
I find the continental is more like crocheting, cuz you grab a loop, pull it through…it allows my right elbow and shoulder a rest. It’s nice to have a choice, when arms and fingers get tired.
I think Continental is faster and puts less strain on the wrist. I used to be a Continental knitter but have now switched to Eastern knitting. This is used in South American, Eastern Europe, and Arab countries. What I like about it is that it gives you even tension. The yarn is always in the back of the needles, even for purling, so you always keep a steady tension on the yarn. There’s not much online written about it. Here’s a great site that I learned it from. http://azazello.org/nataliaknits/
:roflhard: I’ve done that too! My poor husband… teehee.
I’m 23 and just now started having incredible pain my elbow and shoulder from knitting too much (RSI-Repetitive Stress Injury). I also knit the English way, “throwing the yarn”, because it’s easier for me. I’ve also tried Continental but it didn’t stick because I was so used to the other way. I heard that the Continental method is easier on the joints. So after I finish my socks I’m going to change over. I’ve been knitting since I was 6, so hopefully I won’t have to give up knitting - what else will I do in my spare time?
The Continental method is also more fluid and once you get the hang of it, takes less time to make the stitches.
Like others have said, take a few weeks and try it. You won’t know how you like it until you’ve tried!
Good luck!
I’m doing English, and I know it’s inefficient. It really does take me twice as long as my friends who knit continental. I have a problem trying to purl. I go through all sorts of contortions and usually drop the stitch or purl it through the wrong loop and too tightly. I’ve watched any number of videos and tried to imitate them. Is it possible that short fingers would make continental difficult? And I’m not joking.
Continental purling seems to be harder than english purling for a lot of people so it may not be easier for you. Try it and see if it works better for you, or try to watch a bunch of english purling videos to see if you’re doing it the right way, or for ways to hold your yarn differntly.
I knit continentally and I had a really hard time learning the purl stitch. I finally got the hang of it about a month ago, and here’s my method of it…hope it helps some…
First of all, I wrap the yarn around my pinkie and let it slide my index finger.
Next, I hold the yarn behind the stitch that I’m going to be working with my index finger, to make sure that it stays in place.
I insert my needle into the stitch, backwards from how I would have it for the knit stitch.
Last, I let the yarn “pop” from my index finger, and grab the yarn with my needle.
Hope this helps a little. I’ve though about making a video of my method, because it took me so long to understand it, and wonder if I could help anyone with the problems that I’ve had…
I am absolutely doing English the right way, but it’s obviously inefficient for most of us who are not speed knitters. You’re dropping the needle, wrapping the yarn, then stitching, 3 processes.
