Continental VS English Knitting (A Beginner's Guide)

This comprehensive guide explores the differences between Continental and English knitting styles, providing insights into the techniques, benefits, and helpful tips for beginners.

Whether you’re just starting your knitting journey or looking to expand your skills, understanding these two popular knitting techniques will help you find the ideal knitting style for your comfort, speed, and the end result you want for your next project.

What Is A Knitting Style?

A knitting style refers to the specific method a knitter uses to manipulate the yarn and needles to create stitches.

It includes how the working yarn is held, how the knit stitch or purl stitch is formed, and the movements of the hands and needles.

Knitting styles can vary based on cultural traditions, personal preference, and ergonomics.

The style a knitter chooses can affect speed, comfort, and tension, as well as how easily they can maintain a steady rhythm and achieve a smooth fabric texture.

What Is Continental Style Knitting?

The Continental knitting style is one of the most popular styles of knitting in Continental Europe.

In this method, the working yarn is held in the left hand and is “picked” by the right-hand needle to make a new stitch.

It’s sometimes called “German knitting” or “European knitting,” and many experienced knitters prefer it for its speed and efficiency.

In Continental knitting, the left hand — often the left index finger — controls the yarn tension, while the right-hand needle does the work of picking up the yarn through the stitch.

This knitting technique involves the least amount of hand movement, allowing the fastest knitters to maintain a steady rhythm even over long periods of time.

Advantages of Continental knitting

Faster, more efficient movements once mastered.
Smaller motions reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and repetitive stress problems.
Produces more even tension because the yarn flows continuously through the left hand.
Excellent for colorwork and projects that require switching yarns.
Ideal for left-handed knitting, as it uses the left hand to control the working yarn.

Disadvantages of Continental knitting

Tension control can be tricky for new knitters.
The purl stitch may feel awkward at first and can seem like the “wrong way” to move your yarn.
Switching between knit and purl can slow you down until muscle memory develops.
The technique can feel less intuitive for right-handed knitting beginners.
Some tutorials assume the English method, so resources may require adapting.

What Is English Style Knitting?

English-style knitting — also known as American style or right-hand knitting — is one of the most common knitting methods in English-speaking parts of the world.

In this technique, the yarn is held in the right hand and “thrown” or wrapped around the working needle to create each new stitch.

The English knitting style is often taught first to beginners because it feels natural and easy to control.

While it uses a little bit more movement, it’s great for building confidence and accuracy.

Many knitters find it the best way to learn the fundamentals of the knit stitch and to manage their working yarn without confusion.

Advantages of English knitting

Easier to learn for complete beginners.
Allows precise control of the working yarn.
Ideal for textured stitch patterns and detailed garments.
Commonly featured in beginner patterns and video tutorials.
Familiar and comfortable for right-handed knitters.

Disadvantages of English knitting

The throwing motion requires more hand and wrist movement.
Slower compared to the Continental method because you let go of the right needle to wrap the yarn.
Can lead to hand fatigue during long periods of knitting.
Achieving consistent tension may take practice.
Less efficient for projects with frequent color changes or complex patterns.

Continental Knitting Style VS English Knitting Style

The only difference between the Continental and English knitting methods is how the yarn is held and moved.

Continental knitters are “pickers,” while English knitters are “throwers.”

In Continental knitting, the working yarn stays in the left hand, and the right-hand needle picks it through the loop.

In English knitting, the working yarn is in the right hand and is thrown around the needle to form each new stitch.

Both styles produce the same end result — the difference lies in movement, efficiency, and comfort.

Which style is easier for beginners?

English knitting is often considered the best knitting style for beginners.

Its right-hand yarn hold and simple throwing motion make it easy to see each new stitch form on the left needle.

Continental knitting, on the other hand, might feel awkward at first because of the left-hand control, but once your muscle memory develops, it becomes very efficient.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference — both styles can create beautiful projects.

Which is the most efficient knitting style?

Continental knitting is usually the fastest style of knitting.

Because the yarn travels the shortest distance between hands, the least amount of hand movement is needed to form each new stitch.

Many of the world’s fastest knitters use the Continental knitting style for this reason.

Which style is best for arthritis or hand pain?

For knitters with arthritis or repetitive stress problems, Continental knitting is generally more ergonomic.

The small, efficient movements reduce tension in the wrists and hands.

Using ergonomic needles and lightweight yarn can also make a big difference in reducing discomfort over long periods of time.

Which method is most popular?

Globally, the English method is still the most widely practiced.

It’s the standard in the United States, the UK, and many other English-speaking countries.

However, in Continental Europe, the Continental knitting style is the traditional favorite and continues to gain popularity worldwide thanks to its efficiency and rhythm.

Which style is best for left-handed knitters?

For left-hand knitting, the Continental method often feels more natural.

Since the working yarn is held in the left hand, it allows left-handed knitters to use their dominant hand for fine control and tension.

This makes it one of the best knitting styles for those who want smoother control and more even tension.

Other Knitting Styles You Might Like

There are many different knitting styles beyond English and Continental, each with unique techniques and cultural roots.

Portuguese knitting (or Andean/Incan knitting)

The yarn is carried around the neck or through a pin on the shoulder, and the thumb flicks the yarn over the needle.

This method is very gentle on the hands and ideal for knitters with joint pain.

Check out this post for more information. – Learn to knit easier and faster with the Portuguese Knitting Style – KnitPro

Combination knitting

A mix of Continental and Eastern methods, this technique produces even tension and works well for both knit and purl stitches.

Check out this post for more information. – Combination Knitting – KateAtherley.com

Eastern (Russian) knitting

The yarn is held in the left hand, but stitches are mounted differently, creating unique textures.

Check out this video tutorial for more information. – Eastern (Russian) Knitting – How to Hold Yarn and Knit by 10 Rows A Day

Lever knitting (Irish cottage knitting)

The right needle is anchored under the arm, and the right hand moves quickly in a flicking motion.

It’s used by production knitters for garments that require speed.

Check out this post for more information. – Lever Knitting Is the Fastest Knitting Technique in the World—Discover Its Benefits and Basic Steps

Flicking

A variation of English knitting that minimizes hand motion — you use the right hand to flick the yarn around the needle without letting go of the right needle.

It’s great for knitters who want the control of the English style with faster speed.

Each of these different methods of knitting can be explored to find the one that suits your body, rhythm, and type of project best.

Check out this post for more information. – Flicking Knitting Method by Strawberry Hill Fiber Studio

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between English and Continental knitting?

The main difference is yarn placement.

In Continental knitting, the yarn is held in the left hand and picked with the right-hand needle.

In English knitting, the yarn is held in the right hand and thrown around the needle.

2. Which knitting style is faster?

Continental knitting is generally faster and used by the fastest knitters because it involves the least amount of hand movement.

3. Which knitting style is better for beginners?

English knitting (American style) is easier for new knitters to learn, offering control and visibility of the working yarn.

4. Which knitting style is better for left-handers?

Continental knitting is best for left-handed knitting because it uses the left hand to guide the yarn and maintain tension.

5. Which knitting style is better for arthritis?

Continental knitting is more ergonomic and reduces repetitive strain injuries by minimizing wrist and shoulder movement.

6. Can I switch between knitting styles?

Yes! Many experienced knitters combine techniques. You might use Continental for long rows and English for detailed sections or colorwork.

7. Does knitting style affect tension?

Yes. Each style affects how tight or loose your stitches appear. With practice, you’ll find a steady rhythm and more even tension.

8. What’s the best way to knit faster?

Continental knitting allows smaller movements and smoother transitions between stitches. But no matter your style, building muscle memory and practicing regularly are the best ways to increase speed.

Choosing the Best Knitting Style for You

You don’t have to choose one knitting style forever.

The best knitting style is the one that feels comfortable, lets you knit with joy, and gives you the end result you want.

Try different styles of knitting, practice, and see what feels right for your hands and projects.

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here. – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

For extra help and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group.

You can also find us on social media, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and TikTok.

Continental VS English Knitting (A Beginner’s Guide)