The two most common styles Continental and English differ in how the yarn is held and how stitches are formed.
While both create identical results in your finished fabric, the experience varies greatly between methods.
Continental knitting holds yarn in the left hand, while English knitting keeps it in the right. Each approach offers distinct advantages in terms of speed, comfort, and learning curve.
Some knitters find one method more natural based on their dominant hand or previous crafting experience.
This guide examines both techniques, comparing their benefits and challenges to help you select the style that matches your preferences and goals.
Comparison Table: Continental vs. English Knitting
|
Feature |
Continental Knitting |
English Knitting |
|
Also Known As |
Picking, German Style |
Throwing, UK Style |
|
Yarn Held In |
Left hand |
Right hand |
|
Motion |
Yarn is picked with needle |
Yarn is thrown over needle |
|
Best For |
Crocheters, efficiency |
Beginners, kids |
|
Hand Movement |
Minimal |
More movement |
|
Speed |
Often faster |
Moderate |
|
Good For |
Knit & purl stitches |
All-around control |
|
Challenging With |
Cable stitches, loose tension |
Wrist strain from throwing motion |
|
Strain on Hands |
Often less |
Can cause repetitive stress |
|
Learning Curve |
Steeper for some |
Easier for many beginners |
What Is Continental Knitting?
Continental knitting is a technique where you hold the working yarn in your left hand while using the right needle to create stitches through a “picking” motion.
This method involves wrapping the yarn around your left index finger or pinky to maintain proper tension, then using the tip of your right needle to catch and pull the yarn through existing stitches.
Origins and Speed Advantages
This style originated in continental Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia, which is why it’s sometimes called German-style knitting.
Many knitters find Continental knitting faster because it requires fewer hand movements than other methods.
Instead of wrapping yarn around the needle with large motions, you simply pick the yarn with small, efficient movements of the needle tip.
Benefits of Continental Knitting
The most significant advantage is efficiency through minimal hand movement.
Each stitch requires less motion, which can increase your knitting speed substantially once you develop the muscle memory.
This technique also appeals to crocheters since both crafts involve picking yarn with your tool rather than throwing it.
Many knitters report less fatigue during long projects because the smaller movements place less stress on hands and wrists.
Potential Challenges
Learning proper yarn tension can be tricky for beginners, especially if you’re right-handed and not accustomed to controlling yarn with your left hand.
The tension must be consistent to create even stitches, which takes practice to master.
Additionally, some complex stitch patterns, particularly cable knitting, can feel awkward with this method until you develop confidence with the technique.
What Is English Knitting?
English knitting is a technique where you hold the working yarn in your right hand and wrap it around the needle using a “throwing” motion.
In this method, your right hand controls both the active needle and the yarn, while your left hand holds the stitches on the needle.
To create each stitch, you wrap the yarn around the right needle tip in a fluid throwing motion before pulling it through the existing stitch.
Origins and Global Popularity
This style originated in the United Kingdom and became the standard method taught throughout English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The widespread adoption of this technique in these regions means most knitting patterns and instructional materials default to English-style directions, making it the most commonly recognized method worldwide.
Benefits of English Knitting
The primary advantage is its accessibility for beginners. The throwing motion feels intuitive to most people, making it easier to learn than other styles.
This method offers excellent stitch control, allowing knitters to maintain consistent tension and create even fabric.
The technique works particularly well for teaching children and new knitters because the movements are more visible and easier to demonstrate.
Many instructors prefer this method when working with students because it’s straightforward to troubleshoot and correct.
Potential Challenges
The main drawback is the increased hand movement required for each stitch, which can make this method slower than Continental knitting for experienced knitters.
The repetitive throwing motion involves larger arm movements that may lead to fatigue during extended knitting sessions.
Some knitters develop wrist strain from the continuous wrapping motion, particularly if they don’t maintain proper posture or take regular breaks during long projects.
How to Decide Which Knitting Style Is Right for You
Selecting the right knitting style depends on your personal circumstances, goals, and physical considerations. Start by asking yourself these key questions to guide your decision.
If you’re transitioning from crochet, Continental knitting will likely feel more natural since both techniques involve picking yarn with your working tool, and the muscle memory from crochet translates well to the picking motion.
Consider your primary goals: if you want speed and plan to complete large projects quickly, Continental style may serve you better due to its efficiency, but if you prefer precision and control, especially with complex patterns, English knitting might be ideal.
Your physical comfort should be a top priority—if you’re prone to hand or wrist strain or have concerns about repetitive stress, Continental knitting typically requires less movement and may be gentler on your joints.
For beginners or when teaching children, English knitting is often easier to learn because the movements are more visible and intuitive, with the throwing motion being simpler to demonstrate and understand than the subtle picking technique.
Take time to try both methods for several practice sessions before making your final decision, as the best technique is the one that feels comfortable and sustainable for your long-term knitting practice.
Why Learning Both Styles Can Be Beneficial
- While you may start with one knitting style, learning both Continental and English techniques offers significant advantages for your long-term knitting practice.
- Many experienced knitters find that mastering both methods opens up new possibilities and improves their overall comfort while working on projects.
- The primary benefit is strain reduction through style switching. When you feel fatigue in your hands or wrists from repetitive motions, you can alternate between techniques to use different muscle groups and movement patterns.
- This variation helps prevent overuse injuries and allows for longer, more comfortable knitting sessions without discomfort.
- Both styles become particularly valuable for advanced colorwork techniques, especially stranded knitting patterns like Fair Isle.
- Many knitters hold one color in each hand, Continental style in the left and English style in the right, which allows for smoother, faster color changes without constantly dropping and picking up different yarns.
- This two-handed approach creates more even tension and reduces tangling in complex multicolor projects.
- Learning both techniques also builds your overall versatility and skill as a knitter. Different stitch patterns may feel more natural with one style versus the other, giving you options to choose the most efficient method for each project.
- Additionally, understanding both approaches makes it easier to follow various patterns and tutorials, since instructional materials may demonstrate either technique.
- This knowledge also helps when teaching others or troubleshooting problems, as you can offer guidance regardless of which style a fellow knitter prefers.
Conclusion
Both Continental and English knitting styles have their merits, and the right choice ultimately comes down to what feels most comfortable for you.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with both techniques during your learning process. Some knitters immediately connect with one style, while others need time to find their preference through practice and experience.
Remember that skill development takes time regardless of which method you choose. What feels awkward initially will become natural with consistent practice.
Many accomplished knitters eventually learn both styles, giving them flexibility to switch between techniques based on the project or their physical comfort needs.
Focus on enjoying the process rather than rushing to decide immediately. Your knitting style may evolve as your skills grow, and that’s perfectly normal.
The most important factor is finding an approach that keeps you motivated to continue this rewarding craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Continental and English knitting?
Continental knitting holds the yarn in the left hand and picks it with the right needle, while English knitting holds the yarn in the right hand and wraps it around the needle. The Continental method often feels faster once mastered, but English knitting provides more yarn tension control for beginners.
Which knitting style is easier for beginners to learn?
English knitting is typically easier for beginners because the yarn wrapping motion feels more natural and intuitive. The method also allows better control over yarn tension, making it simpler to maintain consistent stitches while learning basic techniques.
Does one method produce better results than the other?
Both methods produce identical finished products when executed correctly. The quality of your knitting depends on your skill level and consistency rather than which technique you choose to use.
Can I switch between Continental and English knitting styles?
Yes, you can learn and use both methods, and many experienced knitters switch between them depending on the project. Some knitters use different styles for different stitch patterns or when working with multiple colors to improve efficiency.
Which knitting style is faster for experienced knitters?
Continental knitting is generally faster for experienced knitters because it requires less hand movement and yarn manipulation. However, speed ultimately depends on your personal comfort level and how much you practice with either method.
